Develop Bugs

[Q] Avast! Lookout, Cerberus, or something else?

I had Lookout since I got my phone, then won a free premium upgrade for a year that just ended.
Avast! just came out (out of Beta) with free Antivirus which I'm using at the moment.
I've seen great reviews about Cerberus, but it costs a few bucks.
So, I'm not worried about viruses (I've read enough articles about it) but I like to have something to track, lock, and wipe the phone in case it is lost or stolen.
I'd like to see what programs you guys use or don't use and why?

I use lookout on my wife's phone, since she misplaces it at least once a week. I was using it on my phone but have stopped since I was only using it for tracking and I can wipe my phone remotely through my work exchange server if I lose it.

Try Seekdroid, it can remotely enable GPS and may be what you're looking for. Antivirus programs are pointless though.
Supersonic Evo 4G | MIUI | Tapatalk

Nothing new or old impressed(es) me if it cant find and remove the CarrierIQ rootkit. They missed it..what else will they miss
Signature and definition based av solutions are dying a slow death anyway, one last hu rahhh.. smartphone users.

AVG
You forgot to specify AVG's free antivirus solution. It doesn't require any signup, unlike Lookout, and doesn't waste space in your notification area because it only appears there when it scans, fixes, etc.

Lacedaemon said:
You forgot to specify AVG's free antivirus solution. It doesn't require any signup, unlike Lookout, and doesn't waste space in your notification area because it only appears there when it scans, fixes, etc.
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I might give that one a shot. I run AVG on my PC and it's been pretty good. I like that it doesn't take up room in the taskbar and it looks like it has the remote locate/wipe/lock that I want to have. I don't know why I didn't think to look it up before.
Update: Tried AVG, but it can't locate my phone when I tested it. (I went through all the proper steps of setting it up in the "remote" menu) So it doesn't look like it's gonna be a keeper.

Avoid Mcafee Unless You're Willing to Pay
alxrock said:
I might give that one a shot. I run AVG on my PC and it's been pretty good. I like that it doesn't take up room in the taskbar and it looks like it has the remote locate/wipe/lock that I want to have. I don't know why I didn't think to look it up before.
Update: Tried AVG, but it can't locate my phone when I tested it. (I went through all the proper steps of setting it up in the "remote" menu) So it doesn't look like it's gonna be a keeper.
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Aw, that sucks. Well just a word of notice: Don't go for the Mcafee Antivirus, it's just a 7-day trial unless you pay for the subscription. It was really disappointing because I signed up and configured everything, like the Buddy List feature, which is when the app automatically sends a text to your "buddies" phone numbers when it's lost/found.

I've been using Lookout since it came out, but now I have the same doubt. For sure if you only want it for remote wipe and so, I would choose Cerberus, but I usually download apps from other stores, testing apps I can't be sure if they are completely safe, etc, so I don't know if I should keep my Lookout for malware detection or just forget the paranoia and move to Cerberus.
In my situation, what would you guys do?

I never use AntiVirus never had a problem,
Sent from my PC36100 using Xparent Green Tapatalk

Try Android lost its on the market i havent yet lost my phone or anything but dude!!!! The features on this app are amazing! Ive tried most of the features n its great (exept for wiping my phone) Its a BETA version but free its really cool.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

Oh yeah i forgot u need to be rooted.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

Can I get Cerberus for free ?

dnesh.sharma said:
Can I get Cerberus for free ?
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lmao you actually bumped a three year old thread, for that...

Hahahaha.
Sent from my SGH-I727 using Tapatalk

Strange app spam

Does anyone get random app notifications that seem like spam. Apps like "badoo" and other crap.
Also, I get random pictures in my gallery that are apparently downloaded into my phone without me knowing. I delete them, but every few days I notice 1 or a few have shown up again.
I'm trying to add screenshots, but I keep getting errors. Ill edit on computer.
edit: Here are the screenshots.
Sent from my LG-P930 using XDA

I get those notifications every once in a while. I believe they come from certain apps like yahoo messenger used to do that. Same thing with the pictures there like cached images for apps or ads. Try using an add blocking host file if your not already it helps a lot.
Sent from my LG-P930 using XDA App

I've always used yahoo messenger and have never got those. I would double check any obscure apps you have added to your phone. Some probably have bad intentions.

I can't really see any of my apps being questionable. Of course I wouldn't really know for sure I guess. I was just hoping somebody would be able to pinpoint the problem, but it probably is something that happens quite often and is hard to pinpoint.

It is definitely caused by an app you installed. Your best bet would be to get your apps sorted by date of install and start deleting your most recent apps until this goes away.
When this happened to me, it was from some live wallpaper I had installed.

Ya I guess that makes perfect sense. I just wondered how many other people have seen it. I plan to clear everything and do a hard reset anyway. Starting from scratch cause I'm tired of ridiculous lag.

Allstar...
look for an app that removes " airpush " notifcations
AirPush Detector - Dan Bjorge
Addons Detector - Denper
Lookout Ad Network Detector - lookout labs

I get them, I think they are Go Locker ics theme.

I had that go locker ics theme...and I never had an ad like that...but meh...I got rid of all the go software save for go launcher...though I think I might be going back to the launcher pro that I had on my garminefone

This app will tell you the culprit.
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.brosmike.airpushdetector
Sent from my LG-P930 using XDA

dnorthington said:
This app will tell you the culprit.
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.brosmike.airpushdetector
Sent from my LG-P930 using XDA
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Big thanks!! It showed me the one app that was causing the spam. Mp3 Music Download was the culprit. I haven't used it in awhile so I deleted it. Thanks for the tip.

[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.
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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.
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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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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.
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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

Help With Security Solution

I want to be able to granularly set the permissions for each app. From what I understand my options are:
Cyanogenmod - except CM10 for SGS2 is missing this at this time
Pdroid for GB
Pdroid 2.0 - running CM10 only
LBE (from China)
I have had Pdroid 2.0 running on CM10 for a few weeks but CM10 isn't stable - just had it auto-reboot in the middle of a call. Does anybody have any other ideas / suggestions?
On a related note - I'm wondering why it seems that most people aren't bothered with apps monitoring their use and even more important archiving all the data compiled on them?? The only thing that I can think of is that most cell phone / XDA users are really young and just don't know any better??? Didn't they pay any attention in history class?? What am I missing here?

Mrktmind said:
On a related note - I'm wondering why it seems that most people aren't bothered with apps monitoring their use and even more important archiving all the data compiled on them?? The only thing that I can think of is that most cell phone / XDA users are really young and just don't know any better??? Didn't they pay any attention in history class?? What am I missing here?
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Because phone security is generally easy to manage. Most apps make a good name for themselves. And many people check the security of an app as soon as it were to hit the Play Store. It doesn't mean we are young it means that we aren't dumb and know how modern technology works.

hrffd said:
Because phone security is generally easy to manage. Most apps make a good name for themselves. And many people check the security of an app as soon as it were to hit the Play Store. It doesn't mean we are young it means that we aren't dumb and know how modern technology works.[/QUOTE
I highly doubt that anyone on XDA, regardless of age, is dumb. I do believe, however, that there are quite a few younger members who could be a bit naive due to a lack of experience. Younger folks tend to take most things at face value. Just because something is free monetarily doesn't mean it isn't costing you something. Just because an app is on Play Store doesn't mean it is "secure" - especially since the Play Store (as well as Android, Google, et.al.) operate on the same business model as the apps!
Just a random example - Why would Angry Birds need my Sim Card Serial number to operate properly? Why would it need to know the phone numbers of all my incoming calls? Answer - it doesn't - in fact it doesn't need ANY of the permissions it asks for to operate properly. So why does it ask for these permissions? Answer - it is data mining your phone.
Ok, so I think most XDA members are aware of WHAT these apps are doing. My original question is WHY don't more people seem to care?
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Mrktmind said:
I want to be able to granularly set the permissions for each app. From what I understand my options are:
Cyanogenmod - except CM10 for SGS2 is missing this at this time
Pdroid for GB
Pdroid 2.0 - running CM10 only
LMB (from China)
I have had Pdroid 2.0 running on CM10 for a few weeks but CM10 isn't stable - just had it auto-reboot in the middle of a call. Does anybody have any other ideas / suggestions?
On a related note - I'm wondering why it seems that most people aren't bothered with apps monitoring their use and even more important archiving all the data compiled on them?? The only thing that I can think of is that most cell phone / XDA users are really young and just don't know any better??? Didn't they pay any attention in history class?? What am I missing here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe MIUI is also a viable option for this, no? You can set app permission on a "per-app" basis with MIUI security I believe.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2

I tried this app a while back and it basically does what you want but it got annoying https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lbe.security.lite
I don't use these because I am very selective about what goes on my phone.

Thanks Luke!
Not very familiar with MIUI ROM's will have to look into them.

someguyatx said:
I tried this app a while back and it basically does what you want but it got annoying https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lbe.security.lite
I don't use these because I am very selective about what goes on my phone.
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Yes, this is the app I listed above - just had the initials wrong! :silly: It is a lot like pdroid but, like you, it scares me.

I have my own small business and run most of it from my phone, in the beginning I used the standard flip phone then graduated on to a touch pro 2 with Windows Mobile 6.5 as I began to accumulate massive amounts of data on my Windows Mobile phone, for some reason I still felt secure in the applications like ActiveSync that I was in control of my data.... A year ago last October I upgraded to the Samsung Galaxy s2.. this was my first real experience with Google's Android operating system. in the first few minutes of using the new phone I could see how deeply the hooks were being placed to data mine my information. I resisted at first but then came to realize if I wanted all the bells and whistles Google was offering I had to play the game... I use the security program mentioned above... maybe they should have an app were you sign a consent of exactly which data you would like to keep on your phone and not share with other people. then when you visit the play store apps that request more of your private data than you're willing to share won't show up? I would like to have an open sourced built firewall that monitors traffic, letting me choose the permissions per app as I see fit.

Mrktmind said:
Thanks Luke!
Not very familiar with MIUI ROM's will have to look into them.
Click to expand...
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I've ran both Adhvanlt's and Lens's JB MIUI Roms, and they're both amazing! The standard MIUI launcher feels a bit like the iphone, and there is no app drawer, but that's easily fixed by downloading [insert favorite launcher here] if you don't care for it. There's hundreds of options for customization. They are literally the most customizable ROMs you'll ever run; All of this on top of the fact that it has the security features I believe you are after baked right in to it.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2

Looked at two MIUI ROM's for the E4GT. Both of them have issues with Google Voice. I need Google Voice.
I am also going to try +AF (Droidwall fork) firewall tonight to see if it will work on FK23. It apparently has issues with some ICS/JB ROM's. That will at least give some protection from apps that don't need network access at all. But for apps that need network access to do their intended job it's useless. Just read last night that the developer has added profiles to +AF - that should be really cool.
I guess I'm spoiled a bit with Pdroid - it works so well and is very detailed.
Thanks for all the replies! Other suggestions, ideas, thoughts, opinions welcomed!

Mrktmind said:
I want to be able to granularly set the permissions for each app. From what I understand my options are:
Cyanogenmod - except CM10 for SGS2 is missing this at this time
Pdroid for GB
Pdroid 2.0 - running CM10 only
LBE (from China)
I have had Pdroid 2.0 running on CM10 for a few weeks but CM10 isn't stable - just had it auto-reboot in the middle of a call. Does anybody have any other ideas / suggestions?
On a related note - I'm wondering why it seems that most people aren't bothered with apps monitoring their use and even more important archiving all the data compiled on them?? The only thing that I can think of is that most cell phone / XDA users are really young and just don't know any better??? Didn't they pay any attention in history class?? What am I missing here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As an app developer, I can tell you that there are some shady apps, but if you download from good devs, the permissions are *usually* necessary. Here's some examples that people question the most:
Access to contacts... Assuming it's not a contact or sms app, if any app has a "share" feature needs this permission.
Access to sd card... Any app that saves anything or lets you change a background needs this.
Read phone state... So the app can properly call the "onpause" method when a call comes in.
Access to location... Assuming it's not a location app or game like ingress or zombies!Run!, you'll typically see this on free apps that have ads. Ads allow developers to get paid for their work while keeping the app free. They don't have access to the ad data, though. They just put in the api and the ad company handles the rest.
On top of that, large organizations will seek phone specific permissions like sim card numbers for analytics.
Google makes most of its money from ads, so it reads your usage to better target ads. Google also uses location data to improve location services like maps.
If you're worried about security, don't download a random app that only has 100+ downloads. If an app has 50000+ downloads, you can rest assured that it's already been vetted.
Also if you're downloading pirated apps, you're just a moron who is opening up his world to who knows who. Many (not all) pirated apps have added data mining code.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2

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
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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
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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
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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.