Develop Bugs

[Q] Best virus scanner app for Android?

Hello,
what is the best anti virus/malware and other ****, app for android?

Super-Veloce said:
Hello,
what is the best anti virus/malware and other ****, app for android?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
non, they needlessly wast battery.
if your worried about security and are rooted get LBE security from play it lets you control the permissions of all yours and system apps.

I wan to install it, update and scan my phone, than delete it again, to save memory/battery/performance

Super-Veloce said:
I wan to install it, update and scan my phone, than delete it again, to save memory/battery/performance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
they mostly are bad at detecting stuff, google pulls them from play before the avs pick them up.

treebill said:
they mostly are bad at detecting stuff, google pulls them from play before the avs pick them up.
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Click to collapse
yeah ok, but when you install an app outside the market, you got the risk it contains something bad

Using NQ security 6.0 myself, not having any battery drain whatsoever.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium

Super-Veloce said:
yeah ok, but when you install an app outside the market, you got the risk it contains something bad
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's true but it has to declare is permissions, if a live wallpaper wants to make calls or send texts you know is not right.
Just install from the forums here or play.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium

I have been using the Dr. Web free version for past 2 years - light and does what it is supposed to do. The paid version has extra features which I do not need.

ESet was good until they made you pay for it!

pdroid is great but doesn't support HOX due to not being s-off yet.

I use avast! Mobile Security.
It has a lot of functions, is free, and won several test of Android-Antivirus Software
http://www.geek.com/articles/mobile/best-android-antivirus-apps-revealed-by-av-test-labs-2012036/
http://www.avast.com/pr-avast-free-mobile-security-gets-top-av-test-ranking-for-android-malware
http://www.av-test.org/en/tests/android/
and so on...

Lookout
I use lookout. Not sure if the malware virus stuff does anything. Never had it find anything.
But the other features are brilliant. Locate you phone by GPS or getting it to scream. Remotely wiping your phone when you loose it etc. It is one of the first apps I install. To protect me from losing my phone and more importantly all my data.

i use comodo. free for pc and android. have been using it for years

Vipre - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ssd.vipre

[Q] Mobile AntiVirus - Is it recomended?

Morning,
I've been toying with the idea of installing an Anti Virus solution on to my phone but have a couple of questions.
Is it necessary? I know that most of the AV apps come with nice features like tracking and remote wipe but was wondering how big the threat of mobile malware actually is.
Will it prevent my device from going into 'Deep Sleep' and have a negative impact on battery life?
It is possible that I am going to install Vipre Mobile Security as we use a lot of GFI products at work. Do any of you have experience with this app?
Cheers in advance.

JimmyEatFood said:
Morning,
I've been toying with the idea of installing an Anti Virus solution on to my phone but have a couple of questions.
Is it necessary? I know that most of the AV apps come with nice features like tracking and remote wipe but was wondering how big the threat of mobile malware actually is.
Will it prevent my device from going into 'Deep Sleep' and have a negative impact on battery life?
It is possible that I am going to install Vipre Mobile Security as we use a lot of GFI products at work. Do any of you have experience with this app?
Cheers in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) No it's not. Just install apps from the official google market and none of the chinese/russian ones and look at the permissions each app uses. Unless you are installing "big busty blonde" style apps you should be fine.
2)Most AV/Malware products have a negative effect on a phones performance and battery. Don't bother, just use your common sense instead.

animaleyes76 said:
1) No it's not. Just install apps from the official google market and none of the chinese/russian ones and look at the permissions each app uses. Unless you are installing "big busty blonde" style apps you should be fine.
2)Most AV/Malware products have a negative affect on a phones performance and battery. Don't bother, just use your common sense instead.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have to agree here as well. Do not bother with AV apps mate..Just use common sense on what you flash or install on your phone. Simple as that

I have never used Anti Virus on any of my phones and I've never had any problems.

Cheers lads. I was reading an article about Android Malware which prompted me to look into AV. Don't think I'll bother now though
Any recommendations for an app to locate and remote wipe the device if it is lost?
Sent as my GF gets angry at me for playing with my HTC One X....again.

Cerberus is excellent, does everything.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium

animaleyes76 said:
[...] Unless you are installing "big busty blonde" style apps you should be fine. [...]
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Click to collapse
Damn!

JimmyEatFood said:
Cheers lads. I was reading an article about Android Malware which prompted me to look into AV. Don't think I'll bother now though
Any recommendations for an app to locate and remote wipe the device if it is lost?
Sent as my GF gets angry at me for playing with my HTC One X....again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I suggest try AndroidLost I have tried most of the features like taking pictures, recording and GPS, it integrates nicely with your Google account and best of all its for FREE
I am yet to try its SMS capabilities and Sim notifications
http://www.androidlost.com

Cheers guys. I will look into the free app as I am a tight fisted Yorkshireman.
Sent as my GF gets angry at me for playing with my HTC One X....again.

I use free version of lookout. It don't cause any battery drains and is set to scan any new app get installed on the phone. You can also manual scan the whole phone.

You can install Avast Anti-Virus from the google play store, and if the phone has root access you can install Avast onto the ROM.
Once it has been installed you can set up theft aware for SMS text commands to remote wipe, lock etc.
The reason why the install it to the ROM is because if someone was going to factory reset through the bootloader or even from the settings menu the Avast will still be install but it will be disguised as another app (Which you can name) and they will not know that it is there.
Hope this was helpful.

Av only good for one thing and that's the tracking if its lost/stolen
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium

check out Kaspersky, I think it still comes with life time updates, it might not be necessary today but it's a good deal and might get useful in future...

JimmyEatFood said:
Cheers lads. I was reading an article about Android Malware which prompted me to look into AV. Don't think I'll bother now though
Any recommendations for an app to locate and remote wipe the device if it is lost?
Sent as my GF gets angry at me for playing with my HTC One X....again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Although not free, PhoneLocator Pro is the best I've seen,
It hides from your app drawer, adds un-installation security, takes an automatic photo of your thief and sends it you, along with his call log, also blocks the phone if the thief changes sim card, along with all the GPS tracking services that it emails you - you also get a web user interface too, aswell as the usual text commands.
Its good stuff, developer is very responsive and eager to add more features all the time too.
However, due to the way HTC have implemented multi-tasking, their pre-installed task manager app will kill it, along with anything else you may have running such as battery saving apps, antivirus, etc etc
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk 2

What is the best Android Anti-Theft protection?

Hi,
I am currently using Avast. It is a really powerful and cool app, which BTW I don't understand why it is free. However, Avast has too many functions. In particular Firewall, Antivirus, Shield, Privacy Advisor that I don't really need. May be I am wrong but I think it is overkill for my need. For now I am looking for a lightweight and efficient Anti-Theft protection. I would greatly appreciate any advice.

I use SeekDroid - .99 cents for a one device license. Can be used to track your device if its ever stolen. Have never lost my phone but it is always quick to locate me when I log in to their website.
Has an option to hide it from the device so would take a savvy person to remove it (with password enabled, it would require a factory reset of the device).
I don't and never have used any firewall, anti-virus or the like on my android devices. No need.

For paid-Cerberus
For free-Androidlost

2LoT said:
Hi,
I am currently using Avast. It is a really powerful and cool app, which BTW I don't understand why it is free. However, Avast has too many functions. In particular Firewall, Antivirus, Shield, Privacy Advisor that I don't really need. May be I am wrong but I think it is overkill for my need. For now I am looking for a lightweight and efficient Anti-Theft protection. I would greatly appreciate any advice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As of right now, Android antivirus, firewall and the like are not very useful or practical. While there is a lot of talk about the potential for Android hacking, there has yet to be any REAL noteworthy attacks. The bottom line is that until attacks actually happen, anyone that says they can protect you from them is lying. There isn't a cure for a virus that has yet to exist.
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk 2

2LoT said:
Hi,
I am currently using Avast. It is a really powerful and cool app, which BTW I don't understand why it is free. However, Avast has too many functions. In particular Firewall, Antivirus, Shield, Privacy Advisor that I don't really need. May be I am wrong but I think it is overkill for my need. For now I am looking for a lightweight and efficient Anti-Theft protection. I would greatly appreciate any advice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have Cerberus on my GNex and it's brilliant but I paid for it before I ever knew about Avast's mobile security app or I would have just gone with Avast instead....Like you said, it's free (I don't know why either, it's awesome!). I have it installed on a colleague's GNex and it presents no battery/memory usage issues, it runs quietly and you can simply turn off the features you don't wish to use like the antivirus/shield/pvcy advisor/firewall/call-sms blocker etc. Just use it for anti theft (that's just what my colleague uses it for). If/when you feel the need to use the anti virus ever or maybe if you ever feel like you wish to block a few pesky callers etc you can turn on/off those individual features as you choose.
Plus, if you're rooted, the anti theft really makes it hard for a crook to uninstall it even with a hard reset - you can force data connections on if the sim is ever replaced and tons of other stuff you can do to locate your phone or wipe your data remotely and make the device unusable for the bad guys. Great stuff for the heavy price of $0.00

Guiding.God said:
I have Cerberus on my GNex and it's brilliant but I paid for it before I ever knew about Avast's mobile security app or I would have just gone with Avast instead....Like you said, it's free (I don't know why either, it's awesome!). I have it installed on a colleague's GNex and it presents no battery/memory usage issues, it runs quietly and you can simply turn off the features you don't wish to use like the antivirus/shield/pvcy advisor/firewall/call-sms blocker etc. Just use it for anti theft (that's just what my colleague uses it for). If/when you feel the need to use the anti virus ever or maybe if you ever feel like you wish to block a few pesky callers etc you can turn on/off those individual features as you choose.
Plus, if you're rooted, the anti theft really makes it hard for a crook to uninstall it even with a hard reset - you can force data connections on if the sim is ever replaced and tons of other stuff you can do to locate your phone or wipe your data remotely and make the device unusable for the bad guys. Great stuff for the heavy price of $0.00
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your input. If you know Cerberus and Avast, how do you compare their Anti-Theft features?

I ave used many but cerberus is the best. If the sim is changed you receive a ,message on the phones you choose when installing with the new number.
With that you can command your phone through SMS or network
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

2LoT said:
Thanks for your input. If you know Cerberus and Avast, how do you compare their Anti-Theft features?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried to play with both and to simulate scenarios of theft as best as I could in my environment. Both apps have worked extremely well and have almost similar features - the only things diff that I can see are the camera/snapshot function of Cerberus (can snap a pic or video or record sound of thief and email it to you). Other than that they are similar from what I can tell...both responded extremely quickly on all accounts (web interface to control device as well as sms commands, sim change, location retrieval, data/sd card wipe etc). Both have the ability to survive a hard/factory reset (if your phone is rooted) since they mount themselves as system files.
I haven't formatted the system to install a new rom from recovery (CWM) but I did try wiping the cache etc and they both obviously survived that. I'm not sure any app can survive a system format from recovery though even cerberus and avast. Maybe if the recovery itself was locked or password protected? Not sure.
Other than that, as I said, the only difference I have seen is the camera and microphone engaging capability of Cerberus versus the $0.00 price of Avast. I recommend either wholeheartedly but if you don't want to pay for great protection then Avast is the way to go. If you want a pic/video of a potential thief in your inbox then you should pay for Cerberus lol.
Hope this helps.
---------- Post added at 07:16 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:14 AM ----------
tntgdh said:
I ave used many but cerberus is the best. If the sim is changed you receive a ,message on the phones you choose when installing with the new number.
With that you can command your phone through SMS or network
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The same is true of Avast as well, a sim change will trigger a silent text to your predefined number so you can control the phone via sms.

Hi Guiding.God,
That was quite an extensive benchmark you did there. Thank you for sharing your findings.

2LoT said:
Hi,
I am currently using Avast. It is a really powerful and cool app, which BTW I don't understand why it is free. However, Avast has too many functions. In particular Firewall, Antivirus, Shield, Privacy Advisor that I don't really need. May be I am wrong but I think it is overkill for my need. For now I am looking for a lightweight and efficient Anti-Theft protection. I would greatly appreciate any advice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While looking for an anti-theft solution I came across this post, just to let you know that you install avast, then install avast anti-theft, configure it, make sure it works by sending SMS and via the my.avast web page, then you can uninstall "avast secutiry", the anti-theft will stay there.
I don't know why they do not relase their anti-theft as a standalone version, but it works fine without avast firewall/antivirus/etc
You can launch the anti-theft config screen via an SMS if you want to modify settings too.

I use GotYa.

Cerberus ftw

Cerberus. Hands down. :laugh: Simple and straight to the point.

A gun.

Magister54 said:
While looking for an anti-theft solution I came across this post, just to let you know that you install avast, then install avast anti-theft, configure it, make sure it works by sending SMS and via the my.avast web page, then you can uninstall "avast secutiry", the anti-theft will stay there.
I don't know why they do not relase their anti-theft as a standalone version, but it works fine without avast firewall/antivirus/etc
You can launch the anti-theft config screen via an SMS if you want to modify settings too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I noticed if u freeze or uninstall avast, the anti theft still works via sms, but the web interface does not connect.
Do you have this issue?

Cerberus! Totally worth buying

100% cerberus!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

Canadoc said:
I noticed if u freeze or uninstall avast, the anti theft still works via sms, but the web interface does not connect.
Do you have this issue?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem here, I uninstalled avast and anti-theft still works by SMS or their web interface. Dialing my PIN code works too to bring the menu.

more
Hi guys, I didn't really know where to post this so imma do it here.
Im looking for a theft protection-app that also enables me to remotely control my phone with a lock feature, wipe feature and scream feature.
I tried webkey(sorry can't post link) and it had-except for locking-all features I wanted, but found it very inconvenient to use.
I'm rooted so that's not a problem.
any suggestions?

whytunes said:
Hi guys, I didn't really know where to post this so imma do it here.
Im looking for a theft protection-app that also enables me to remotely control my phone with a lock feature, wipe feature and scream feature.
I tried webkey(sorry can't post link) and it had-except for locking-all features I wanted, but found it very inconvenient to use.
I'm rooted so that's not a problem.
any suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How about Google's new Android Device Manager?
a manta wrote this.

[Q] Best anti-virus for our beloved GN2

What can can you recommend anti-virus for GN2?

c26alfred said:
What can can you recommend anti-virus for GN2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I`am using Avast, been using it for years on my computers and they seem to do the job well. Using it for a while now on android and it is light on the system and it works well i suppose and it has a lot of options you can set. Installable from Play Store.

avast

Avast is notably fully featured. AV + FW (root required) + anti-theft. And more notably, it's completely free.

avast too

MarionCast said:
Avast is notably fully featured. AV + FW (root required) + anti-theft. And more notably, it's completely free.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BTW, can you help me find the link where i can download the FW? and what is FW? sorry noob question,
Thanks

Best AV= None.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2

I'm using Trustgo on mine. .. seems to have lots of good reviews and is free. ..
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app

jujuburi said:
Best AV= None.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2

just curious, do we really need to put AV on Note2 ? considering avast or kaspersky from googleplay, but i'm still thinking that its not my must have app.

Virii aren't a problem on Android yet, but Avast is really useful for its other features... firewall, anti-theft, permissions snooper, etc. You could use DroidWall, Cerberus, Permission Explorer instead, though.

c26alfred said:
BTW, can you help me find the link where i can download the FW? and what is FW? sorry noob question,
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Firewall. You can only activate it if your phone is rooted.
Regarding the "No AV" comments, this is true if you don't sideload apps (i.e., only download apps from the Play Store). Otherwise, AV is a good idea.
But yeah, no replacement for user vigilance and care. Common sense! (No longer common nowadays, unfortunately...)

I use Kaspersky paid version on all my devices.
It has found 2 or 3 malwares from stok packages in Play Store.
So, I dont recomend anyone who download even from appstores to not have a AV check.
I think this is even more important regaring having root available.

MarionCast said:
Regarding the "No AV" comments, this is true if you don't sideload apps (i.e., only download apps from the Play Store). Otherwise, AV is a good idea.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google has been scanning apps in the Play Store since February this year using a system called Bouncer, and this is going to be at least as effective as 3rd party malware protection. So, as MarionCast says, there's not a great deal of point worrying about this if you generally only use Play - I'd probably also extend this to the Amazon AppStore too, as Amazon do rigorously scan for malware too.
With 4.2, it is expected that Google will extend this protection to apps installed from external sources using an on-board scanner.
Personally, I think that most Android "anti-virus" software (really this should be anti-malware) is no substitute for being aware of what you are installing and the permissions it is asking for.
Regards,
Dave

I sincerely advice Lookout security.
It's very professional and the free version will do just fine.
I'm using it for a couple of years now to my full satisfaction.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium

I don't use any on my phone. PCs it is a most and I use what is called "Layering" security procedures:
1. Install Microsoft Sec Essentials
2. Use Mozila, most viruses attack IE
3. Install ScriptFilters, AdBlockers, PopUp Blockers addin for Mozilla
4. disable Java and Flash and only enable it when needed and trusted
5. Keep Anti virus, flash and Java up to date. You should really uninstall Java if you don't need it.
6. Use a restricted account. I never, EVER, not even for two minutes use an Admin account unless I'm installing a trusted software
7. Never use pirated software
8. Never open emails from people/entities you don't know or you never interacted with. The other day I got an email from Match.com (WTF! I've never been to that site), so I automatically class it as SPAM
9. Don't go to links you are fully aware of.
10. Clean %temp% and hard drive of temp files, clear browser history regularly
11. Scan computer in SAFE mode at least once per month
Few of the above apply to mobile usage. So, so far I don't see much need for an Antivirus app on my phone, which in the end will just make my phone slightly slower an have less battery life... Just MO

I don't use an anti-virus; with a well established knowledgebase, nothing malicious will happen. That's my philosophy anyway
Sent from my Galaxy Note 2 through the Space Time Continuum

Carls Jr said:
is antivrius really necessary?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Comodo Antivirus has a Ultimate experience. Beat all the premium anti virus/security to date... FOC
Comparison - http://antivirus.comodo.com/free-mobile-antivirus.php

i use lookout...it's free and can find my fone if i lose it...

Avast

Is using an app like Lookout even necessary?

How many people use apps like Lookout that scan your phone and supposedly offer ant-virus protection? Are they even necessary?

Don't think you'll find many that do. Other than corporate security reasons. All of is crackflashers don't stay on the same system long enough to warrant such a measure
Sent from my phone using xda premium.

I like lookout for the scream feature....my wife loses her phone all the time and if I send the code through lookouts website the phone makes a loud siren sound even when on silent or vibrate. As far as the antivirus I really dont use it

I use lookout not for the scanning feature, but for the lost phone/lock/wipe features.You never know when you might need it.

Not absolutely, i use Eset Mobile on the N4, used it for many years allready om my pc`s. Better safe than sorry. And always look at the permissions you are about to give to an app when installing.

I used Lookout for 2 years on my HTC Desire then decided to uninstall it about 6 months ago. Can't say I've missed it.
I've not put it on my N4.

Common sense, and checking permissions is much more important than an anti virus imo. Google play store already has the bouncer that scans all the apps. Most of these malware apps that users install come from people not willing to cough up a few dollars for apps and getting said apps from third party sites, and torrents often repackaged with malware, and imo it looks good on them. Support the devs, don't be so cheap, and pay for apps (not directing this at anyone here, just saying). Use the Playstore, or somewhere reputable like XDA and check permissions, there's no reason a wallpaper would need access to your contact list and private info ect. Never used an antivirus on a phone and i likely never will.

i use lookout because i need to install apks from other sources..
i need to install apks from other sources because google play does not allow apks like adaway..
i buy apps from google play.. but ads? no way..

A little off topic here but Rom toolbox by JRummy has an adblocker, i wonder if Google will make him pull the app

I use avast... Dont know if it works, but being a windows user, i think im mentally ill, and insecure.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

carnage017 said:
I use avast... Dont know if it works, but being a windows user, i think im mentally ill, and insecure.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hahahhaha, Awesome man, made my morning. :good:

ScumDroid said:
A little off topic here but Rom toolbox by JRummy has an adblocker, i wonder if Google will make him pull the app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, he's taking care of that before they pull it: https://twitter.com/jrummy16/status/312368614059692033

overhauling said:
No, he's taking care of that before they pull it: https://twitter.com/jrummy16/status/312368614059692033
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i guess i wont be updating rom toolbox anymore

ROM toolbox adblocker was never as good as AdAway anyway.
As far as apps like Lookout go, I'd never use an anti-bvirus scanenr etc. I use Cerberus in case I lose my phone so I can track/find or wipe it.

waste of RAM and space for antivirus apps... dont pirate apps and just download apps/games from the play store and you'll be fine.