Develop Bugs

[Q] Do we need antivirus?

During the next month I will upgrade from a Touch Pro to the Desire HD. I assume that I will use this new phone a lot more when it comes to surfing the web. What are your opinions about the need for firewall and antivirus when it comes to this kind of phone and the android system? Is it needed? If yes, do I need both firewall and antivirus application? What are the best applications out there on android market?

I really doubt you will need a firewall or anti virus

Dont need them! but good to have them

I don't use AV
Hi
I don't use AV
10X

Download lookout when you get it! Better to be safe than sorry
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App

If you really are worried about it, then just use them anyway, however there is no point whatsoever. If you're getting viruses on your phone, you are doing something you shouldn't be doing anyway.
Sent from my Desire HD using Tapatalk

As with your personal computer, the best antivirus is between your ears. Just be careful - always read the changelog and permissions when installing and updating apps.
If you're particularly paranoid, then you could download Lookout but if you're careful it'll just be an unnecessary waste of CPU cycles and battery usage.

No, no need at all.

I haven't needed one. At the beginning I thought maybe I should get one, but didn't install it anyway

I didn't install any and had no problems in 3 months of usage.

I don't think we need an anti-virus for this period of time.

I have Lookout (Market Link) and ESET Mobile security (Market Link) but just having one of them is overkill. Still, if you really want them it wont hurt to download them.

No need, they would just help to drain the battery.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App

I don't use one.

Don't bother personally.
Sent from my Cyanogenmod 7 phone.

It's true that Linux based system are not prone to virus attack simply because it's just not popular enough. But IMO the time might come soon since more and more these mini warriors are being built and used.
However at this stage, i say your fine without one. Unless you tend to pass on virus infected emails with your phone to a windows based platform. Just something to think about. Personally I say screw apps that would put more load on my already weak battery life.
Sent from my HTC Desire HD using XDA App

I got my google acc hacked few times, i dont know if it has something to do with android.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA Premium App

Daz555 said:
No, no need at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 for sure.
(If you did get a `virus' you could make lots of money selling and documenting your story.)

I installed Lookout more for the location feature than the av features. Just incase some bastard does a runner with my phone.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA Premium App

Sorry for my bad English.
I'm now using the beta version of Norton. I don't know how it reacts to virusses, but I think it works good.
Before Norton I used Lookout. When I installed an app, I got feedback if the app had viruses or not. Now using Norton I do not get this feedback.
I prefer Lookout.

Antivirus apps

Out of curiosity.. how many of you are using antivirus apps?
I see a bunch out there now that have call blocking...anti theft etc all bundled in.
Any user experience or suggestions?
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA App

Internet is a lot cleaner place these days.. I remember back in 98 u could get a virus by just visiting a porn site(oops!)
However with that being said i wouldnt go as far as downloading a anti virus for ur phone as long as ur careful what attachement ur opening as well as what ur downloading.
Sent from my SGH-T989D using XDA App

Vinsane said:
Out of curiosity.. how many of you are using antivirus apps?
I see a bunch out there now that have call blocking...anti theft etc all bundled in.
Any user experience or suggestions?
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android =/= windows. Antivirus apps are useless. All they can do is scan your apk files to see if you downloaded a bad app.
Sent from my Hercules using XDA App

^ how is that useless? at least you can find and uninstall the bad apk.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk

dv84 said:
^ how is that useless? at least you can find and uninstall the bad apk.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't install some rogue app from an unknown publisher that has three downloads and you will be fine?
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium

i have Avast installed
but it's frozen, so it's not running

I use avast also since it has a scanner for your SD card. I don't know how well it actually works but I haven't had any problems just yet.
I was using something called LBE Guard (I think that's its name). I believe that it lets you decide what each app can and can't access (Like Go Keyboard accessing the internet).

I've also heard they can wreak havoc on some legitimate apps that access system files through su or on app killers, but I've also heard app killers aren't good for the phone so I'm still up in the air.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium

I have avast as well. Great little app from a good company and has a firewall built into it so u can choose which apps have internet access.
That right there for me is pretty cool.
Sent from my HTC Flyer P510e using xda premium

Vinsane said:
Out of curiosity.. how many of you are using antivirus apps?
I see a bunch out there now that have call blocking...anti theft etc all bundled in.
Any user experience or suggestions?
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using avast as well. Its actually found a few malware apps here and there. So for that purpose alone, i guess it does the trick. To each his own I guess.
I think being vigilant in what apps are accessing is crucial, but sometimes your in a hurry and you just don't care to read something, and that's when something will sneak by you.
I've tried different ones and I like Avast best so far.
The UI Is pretty slick, Once installed everything is fairly detailed and breaks down categorically things that might be worth looking at IE: Privacy
What apps can :
track location
read identity info
access messages
access contacts
access accounts
change secure settings
access web pages
It will give you the number of apps in each category and then its happy hunting from there.
but again best thing just check it out for yourself.

Here is a scenario - ROM manager by clockwork is tagged as suspicious by antivirus app!

Antivirus apps are for idiots. I hear this crap every time some moron mentions android.
If somehow by freak accident you contract a virus, you deserve it. Im not saying theyre non existant, but theyre non existant. Obviously if we have to hack and break a phone manually to access files, a simple apk wont do the trick, hence gingerbreak... And if youre rooted, then hopefully you have enough intellegence or knowledge to keep your phone clean.
Sorry if this offends you, i sincerely dont care.

ftarules said:
Here is a scenario - ROM manager by clockwork is tagged as suspicious by antivirus app!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess it depends what you use. I had a live wallpaper that was causing problems. This at least found it for me. Rom manager has never popped up as problematic. Go figure. Im all for snake oil if im not paying for it. To each his own again. Pass judgement at your discretion. In the end do what ever you want. Your phone. Your experience. Your pseudo piece of mind. Some folks don't give a crap, others are OCD and the rest fall inbetween.
"Stay thirsty my friends."
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA App

One thing to remember Antivirus programs are not just ANTI-VIRUS, they are designed to detect any program that has excessive access to the file system and/or memory, or that attempt to modify stock system code, which is one of the reasons ROM Manager gets tagged, it is able to modify your boot partition.
There are malicious apps on the market, and they don't always get caught by Google before they get out, so it does not take a genius or a moron, to get one, it can just happen ....
Antivirus apps are a double edged sword, they can save your ass, or prevent you from doing something you actually want to do , as with most things in life, they should be used in moderation ....
I personally would rather have a AV app that is a little over zealous, than one that ignores a potential threat ...
The biggest annoyance on android right now is Air-push ads , while not malicious they are annoying, even more so when the publisher does not inform you that they are the "ad supporting" part of the app ...
So IF you are app happy, and install tons of apps, an AV app may be a good thing for you ....
Call me paranoid, but I usually don't install an app from a NEW publisher that has not been on the market at least 30 days, I usually check and see what other apps are put out by a publisher as well ... IF you only see ONE or TWO apps by a NEW publisher, then you might think twice, until reviews start flowing in ...

bkaltec said:
Antivirus apps are for idiots. I hear this crap every time some moron mentions android.
If somehow by freak accident you contract a virus, you deserve it. Im not saying theyre non existant, but theyre non existant. Obviously if we have to hack and break a phone manually to access files, a simple apk wont do the trick, hence gingerbreak... And if youre rooted, then hopefully you have enough intellegence or knowledge to keep your phone clean.
Sorry if this offends you, i sincerely dont care.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Funny. Another internet tough guy who has to ruin discussions.
Attitudes like yours are what is driving our forum to the ground.
ム丹し丹メㄚ ち工工 - XDΔ ΔPP

I even dont have anti virus on my laptop lol.
They are useless if you know how to use internet
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA App

bikrame said:
I even dont have anti virus on my laptop lol.
They are useless if you know how to use internet
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Xactly
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA App

jordanishere said:
Xactly
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i agree also. dont go to the market and dowload crap apk to see "naked pretty ladies" or "poker win billions" some lame ass name stuff. just the names of tthe 30+ "malware" apk's that have been found were dead giveaways. and as far as my computer....no antivirus there either, i surf porn on my tablet as needed and really only use my computer to root phones. and even that can an ordeal with ****ing microsoft products.....i hate my desktop!!!! it doesnt deserve to live or consume electricity
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium

Using Avast. It has many features in one for free. I don't know if it works.
---------- Post added at 01:55 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:54 AM ----------
bikrame said:
I even dont have anti virus on my laptop lol.
They are useless if you know how to use internet
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hopefully you don't use windows.
---------- Post added at 01:56 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:55 AM ----------
ftarules said:
Here is a scenario - ROM manager by clockwork is tagged as suspicious by antivirus app!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It seems like a useless app because of the limited ROMs on it.

Mobile security

Do you use any virus/malware programs, thoughts and recommendations?
I've never been a mobile security using kinda guy. I've tried lookout before and never saw the point besides being able to locate a lost phone. Which I have never needed. So I just ended up uninstalling it.
My dad recently felt the need to show off his new mobile security suit and tell me all the features (I forgot what it was, but lookout did all the same things he mentioned to me)
Has anyone had a security program detect a major threat?
Considering I keep more important info on my cell than my laptop my dad got me thinking maybe I need one of these...
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda app-developers app

I use lookout for security and the locator. I doubt I'll ever need it but it pays to be safe. I've never had a threat detected but once again you never know. Instead of asking why bother, perhaps say "why not?"
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda app-developers app

I use avast because it really good if ur rooted
Sent from my SGH-T989 with Cyanogenmod 10 Alpha Power.

Yea its the one I just installed the other day. It seems more serious than lookout did, with what it had me to do to set it up
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda app-developers app

ArcticFish said:
I use avast because it really good if ur rooted
Sent from my SGH-T989 with Cyanogenmod 10 Alpha Power.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Second that Avast. used nq security for a year but it qut updating virus protection so been with Avast ever since.

I'm wary of what I download. And always keep backups and change my passwords often. Though I do use Lookout for GPS tracking, I however disable the file scanning function.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda app-developers app

I've never heard of a single case of a mobile virus but it's possible to inject malware via an app I'm very careful about what I download.. I never use any mobile security apps.
I did hear about people being able to steal your info from your phone by NFC.. All they have to do is come close enough to your phone with an nfc tag and it can automatically direct you to a Site where it automatically downloads something malicious to your phone . It's very unlikely to happen but the only way to prevent that is keep nfc off..
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium

Malware agree
NFC agree
Virus there have been some recent reports, but I use the term virus loosely.
Kaspersky used on pc gave free mobile subscription key. So I said why not

Kerns_JW said:
Malware agree
NFC agree
Virus there have been some recent reports, but I use the term virus loosely.
Kaspersky used on pc gave free mobile subscription key. So I said why not
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It would be simple to fix the NFC thing.. Just make it so it's not automatic and you need to OK it to continue.. I don't think it would be any more of a hassle
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium

Yeah wasn't saying I was worried, just saying I agree it could be exploitable

I'm in no danger.. I never use it lol
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium

I use Dr. Web it scans any app that I download and gives a notification according to the results. There are only 2 times it has ever found anything was once on my mt4g I used an apk to help root the phone. Because of the nature of the apk dr Web reported it as malicious. I knew that it wasn't so no biggie. The other time was a couple months ago when gosms was under fire for recording info from your chats/texts gosms had an update that started the controversial info collection. When I downloaded the update Dr Web reported the app was malicious. So I simply did not update. Otherwise all is quiet.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda app-developers app

in MIUI rom you can block individual app permissions.. Pretty good security feature if you ask me
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium

I would use some sorts of mobile security. Better safe than sorry.

[Req] Antivirus app

Can someone tell me great antiviris app /program ?
And is my phone in bigger risik of getting virus if it's rooted?
Sent from my GT-I8190 using xda premium

you can choos any one from google play and for 2nd question root is not a virus he give you admin privilége on your device

Android is a Linux derivative. Linux needs antivirus like a fish needs a bicycle.

I'd recommend Whitegate Antivirus if u want to use.
Sent from my GT-I8190 using xda premium

Never used or needed an Antivirus on any of my smart phones.

You never know these days, viruses etc could be built in apps and could help if use credit card details on your phone. Some people have different opinions.
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kicker63 said:
You never know these days, viruses etc could be built in apps and could help if use credit card details on your phone. Some people have different opinions.
Sent from my GT-I8190 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True, especially due to Android popularity now. BUT that can come down to the user. Only download trusted apps that have good feedback and check the permissions before installing. If in doubt, don't install.
As they say, let the pawns go first.

detexr said:
Can someone tell me great antiviris app /program ?
And is my phone in bigger risik of getting virus if it's rooted?
Sent from my GT-I8190 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lookout. The best, and ive tried them almost all.
Sent from my GT-I8190 using Tapatalk 2

Note to new Linux users: No antivirus needed.
As I said, Android is based off of the Debian Linux kernel and runs the same way. We don't need antivirus.

The best antivirus is The user
Enviado desde mi Galaxy S3 mini usando TapaTalk 2

Do not need antivirus on linux systems because no program or app can got root permissions without the user's consent. So the user is the best antivirus. Do not waste the resources of the phone with useless scheduled scans, fake checks, ad so on. However, if you really want you can increase the security with a iptables firewall based (DroidWall, android firewall, mobiwall, etc.) that's linux native too.

Avast

En contrary, I watched the news the other day and I hear there are android targeted virus's floating around because of the popularity, but I must agree the best anti virus is the user. It's down to opinion because if you think you need anti virus then that probably Means that you need it lol.
Sent from the dark side on my GT-I8190

agree I think the best antivirus is ur self with SU . and actually some firewall would be nice
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app

vonuzu said:
Lookout. The best, and ive tried them almost all.
Sent from my GT-I8190 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lookout and kaspersky also think are the best security apps...:good:

Jimmys Gr said:
lookout and kaspersky also think are the best security apps...:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I recommend LookOut

good Android AntiVirus With root?

Hello,
I searching for a good AntiVirus with root rights cause the normal without root rights can be not usefull and dont See all files, can be Modded by other apps er something else...so i want a good Antivirus eithh root rights
Thanks!
(It is better when you test it, cause such an AntiVirus APP which is infected...yeah you know. Dont worry 'baut the thanks button, i hit it )
Sent from my GT-S5830 using xda app-developers app

I prefer avast it is the best for me.
Sent from my Galaxy Ace GT-S5830 using xda premium

A tip... don't use antivirus i don't have even on my pc.

why not?
Sent from my GT-S5830 using xda app-developers app

shadownexe said:
why not?
Sent from my GT-S5830 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cos some people think that they will get good download speed and pc will not slow down and some background processes of it runs in background and eats RAM and often decrease internet speed but security is also important
use avast if you think antivirus is must
HIT THANKS COS IT WONT HURT

No need for an antivirus on android..
There r very very RARE chances of viruses on androids..
For PCs u can use light antiviruses like ESET
Sent from my GT-I9300 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Really?
mkhawx said:
No need for an antivirus on android..
There r very very RARE chances of viruses on androids..
For PCs u can use light antiviruses like ESET
Sent from my GT-I9300 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you serious it's "RARE" To get a virus on a "Rooted Android" I'm sure you are talking about a non rooted android but on a rooted android it's very easy to get a virus. When you Root your Android you allow stuff to reach the core of your phone which holds the ROM(Search it up if you don't know what that is)and stuff and that's where a virus has to be to affect your phone the much. So when you downloading stuff that requires SuperUser Accesss(Also search up if you don't know) It's simple to download a virus

puffle129 said:
Are you serious it's "RARE" To get a virus on a "Rooted Android" I'm sure you are talking about a non rooted android but on a rooted android it's very easy to get a virus. When you Root your Android you allow stuff to reach the core of your phone which holds the ROM(Search it up if you don't know what that is)and stuff and that's where a virus has to be to affect your phone the much. So when you downloading stuff that requires SuperUser Accesss(Also search up if you don't know) It's simple to download a virus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Andtoid is based on Linux(Unix).
Just google it once about its security & u'll get ur answer.
Linux don't run the executables so no chances of viruses
Sent from my GT-I9300 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

mkhawx said:
Andtoid is based on Linux(Unix).
Just google it once about its security & u'll get ur answer.
Linux don't run the executables so no chances of viruses
Sent from my GT-I9300 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1. i support mkhawx and whatever he said its correct

Nah but guys, its rare...but it isn't impossibel...so I alsways using some Antivirus, cause in case of a Virus i dont know what to do (use correct files, delate virus by myself). And i've got too much Viruses...so, on Pc i use Avast, but on Android Avast can't do anything against Root stuff, so i using the Anti-Virus from LBE...in the LBE Master App, its very effective..
Sent from my GT-S5830 using xda app-developers app

Well I use my phone as a netbook when I have work and I amnot in the office so I need to download files, send emails, etc, sometimes my phone downloads virus but with avast I can delete it, so for me the best antivirus with root options is avast
\(^-^)/
Sent from my GT-I8190L using xda app-developers app

all wrong
mkhawx said:
Andtoid is based on Linux(Unix).
Just google it once about its security & u'll get ur answer.
Linux don't run the executables so no chances of viruses
Sent from my GT-I9300 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You guys are so wrong about this. This is a major growing problem in the smartphone industry, you have all these people following random instructions all around the internet executing scripts and applications with no way of verifying them. Yes linux will not run a .exe but is will run an application with execution permission, just lookup chmod... Anyway this is the attitude that causes virus's. "Oh my mass produced device has Linux, so even though its out a date and has tons of root mods its secure and can't get viruses" - get real. Yes you need antivirus, not sure there's many out there that suite the needs of a rooted device so in the mean time practice good security. Make sure you trust the app maker before you grant him root access to your device, especially when considering custom kernels and such.

evil.orange.peel said:
You guys are so wrong about this. This is a major growing problem in the smartphone industry, you have all these people following random instructions all around the internet executing scripts and applications with no way of verifying them. Yes linux will not run a .exe but is will run an application with execution permission, just lookup chmod... Anyway this is the attitude that causes virus's. "Oh my mass produced device has Linux, so even though its out a date and has tons of root mods its secure and can't get viruses" - get real. Yes you need antivirus, not sure there's many out there that suite the needs of a rooted device so in the mean time practice good security. Make sure you trust the app maker before you grant him root access to your device, especially when considering custom kernels and such.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep I know about chmod & I know that packages may contain some virus codes.
So thats obvious if u r giving root access to an app u must know about it.
And in my observation. Antiviruses on androids doesn't scans for packages & is someone does they dont detect it as virus
Sent from my GT-I9300 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Antivirus run at background,for more ram,better not to install them,besides,most of us here are serial flasher,if we got some prob,we can just format and restore backup

sapik_ajidin said:
Antivirus run at background,for more ram,better not to install them,besides,most of us here are serial flasher,if we got some prob,we can just format and restore backup
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea always take backup of your rom.....its a very important thing in rooting field

shadownexe said:
Hello,
I searching for a good AntiVirus with root rights cause the normal without root rights can be not usefull and dont See all files, can be Modded by other apps er something else...so i want a good Antivirus eithh root rights
Thanks!
(It is better when you test it, cause such an AntiVirus APP which is infected...yeah you know. Dont worry 'baut the thanks button, i hit it )
Sent from my GT-S5830 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
use the cleanmaster app from google play, which has cleaning with antivirus features also.

Unbelievable
Flamestorm said:
A tip... don't use antivirus i don't have even on my pc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unbelievable!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes. I use Avast for a long time, many options and free but it not the best antivirus . CM Security is the best antivirus for android :thumbup. Test it for your phone.
Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cleanmaster.security
---
Sent from my GT-S5830i using Tapatalk 2

Seriously, I don't need an antivirus (for my phone only ofc). It is a challenge to even find a virus for android, or did you ever saw one (Except your antivirus is telling you the app is a "virus")? Well, I didn't.

Just to clarify where this is coming from, I am a IT Systems Administrator with over 9 years of experience working on MAC, Unix, Linux and Windows.
While non rooted android runs all applications in a sandbox mode keeping them isolated from the OS and other applications, Rooted phones have the ability to grant access to the OS and other applications so for rooted devices it is important to have an antivirus for the purpose of scanning apps with root access. If you don't have root I would still recommend that you still use a privacy advisor and add detector as those are the biggest issues with android phones. If you don't want to run those then take a good look at the rights an app requires before installing it.
As far as windows, please don't take offense but it is unintelligent for anyone not to use an antivirus. At least use MS Security Essentials as it provides basic protection with minimal impact.
Sent from my LG-E980 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
---------- Post added at 09:13 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:11 AM ----------
FYI the Hornet AV actually unpacks the APK when scanning to verify that there is no infection. It just doesn't have any SU (root) permissions associated with it.
Sent from my LG-E980 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app