anti-virus

[ShaggyKids]

Don't be scared AV are pointless for Android atm.

Apple users use to think this. I would rather be a little bit cautious. Let's face it, nothing is immune to hackers and other badness on the internet. Common sense is a good thing I don't argue that point, but to leave your devices wide open for something bad to happen kinda contradicts what common sense is all about. At least that's my opinion.

 

[retsaw]

The thing is anti-viruses are useless against unknown viruses. IMO it is only useful to use them if you are downloading apps from dodgy sites, and even then you aren't 100% guaranteed to be protected. Also when installing apps, especially ones you are unsure of, look at the permissions they request and if the permissions don't make sense or seem excessive, then don't install them.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Android Central Forums

 

[mkiker2089]

I don't understand the vitriol against anti-virus software. They don't use resources up, they are very lean in fact. With Avast you won't notice the difference. There have been cases of malware getting past Google also, more than .01 percent. An android "defragmenter" was recently spotted by Gizmodo I think it was.

Avast has other useful features as well.

As I've said in other posts security is all about layers. Google is protecting you and Avast can help protect you as well. If we are all carefull then Android will never become the virus infested mess that Windows is.

To all those saying you don't need one, for the longest time Windows users (as well as Apple) said the same thing. Opened any emails lately

Let me sum it up like this. You know those shots they give young girls to prevent them getting cancer as an adult. You know how silly some parents were as if getting the shot meant you were accusing the girls of sleeping around. Anti-virus is like that. I won't get a virus, I'm pretty sure of it. I am inoculated however so I KNOW I won't spread one.

 

[Topgonzo]

You do not need anti virus with android. It slows down ur phone or computer and uses battery.

Sent from my EVO 4G LTE

 

[mkiker2089]

I'd like to see an Antutu Benchmark to prove that AV slows down a device.

 

[R_o_n_n_i_e]

Avast fast and free. Though I'm not sure if any anti virus software is required At all.

 

[android4life007]

I like using Webroot Secure Anywhere especially for my Rezound because it can block phone calls and texts for FREE! No other anti-virus software does that for free

 

[skippyV]

Don't listen to anyone who thinks Android or any OS is impervious to malware.
That said don't be fooled into thinking you're protected just because you're using AV. You're just more protected than those without.
Keep minimal personal info on your device. Use a separate bank account for online purchases and only put money into it as you use/need it. That way if you get pwnd - no big deal.

 

[taylorz_412]

I would say avast its great and free but I noticed a decrease In battery while using it

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

 

[ShaggyKids]

Don't listen to anyone who thinks Android or any OS is impervious to malware. That said don't be fooled into thinking you're protected just because you're using AV. You're just more protected than those without.

Well said. In total agreement. There's just nothing sacred anymore. Not anywhere anyhow or anyway. I would not want to be amongst those who find out the hard way. There may not be anything or much anyway to worry about right now however, 1 day there could and probably will be.



Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

 

[newtabletuser]

Why anti-virus not needed?

the best anti virus is no anti virus. If you been in the Android game long enough you would know that anti virus is absolutely ridiculous. Anyone that thinks they are necessary or is scared enough to install anti virus on an Android device needs to do their homework.

May I ask why you say this? They used to say this about Apple Computers, maybe they still do.

Forgive my newbie ignorance, but I honestly don't understand why anti-virus protection is not needed for an Android OS when, say, it's needed on a computer.

Thank you.

 

[rootbrain]

You do not need anti virus with android. It slows down ur phone or computer and uses battery.

Sent from my EVO 4G LTE

NOT!!

Already Avast has saved me headaches from 3 separate incidents.



Rootbrain

 

[Posey]

Use AVG without any slow down. Use it on all my systems. Better safe than sorry.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Android Central Forums

 

[rootbrain]

I would say avast its great and free but I noticed a decrease In battery while using it

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

Yes, definitely. It's protecting you while you and the phone sleep.

 

[ShaneRay]

I'm new to android (and mobile OS's in general), but not security. So, when I noticed some AVs were available for the platform, I did some research.

The general consensus I found was that, at this time, AV software is rather useless on Android: They fail miserably at detection.

Everyone will need to make up their own mind (the research is out there), but I saw enough evidence to not want AV software on my tablet.

 

[Inishatr]

I use Lookout on my NX7 as well.

 

[mkiker2089]

I'm new to android (and mobile OS's in general), but not security. So, when I noticed some AVs were available for the platform, I did some research.

The general consensus I found was that, at this time, AV software is rather useless on Android: They fail miserably at detection.

Everyone will need to make up their own mind (the research is out there), but I saw enough evidence to not want AV software on my tablet.

Your research is out of date. Avast has proven to be over 90 percent effective at finding malware. As with all computer OS's it depends on who gets the malware first typically.

edit--

As with all aspects of security time is of the essence. Out of date info is dangerous. This test was done a few months ago and completely contradicts their results from the previous year. The times are changing. http://securitywatch.pcmag.com/security-software/295335-av-test-revises-android-antivirus-results

It's also important to note that within the last six months things have changed drastically in the Android market. Malware is out there and often slips past Google and gets into the official store.

As a security expert I'd expect you to know that all forms of software are vulnerable to exploits. Security isn't a one stop solution. It's a layered strategy that works. Google is layer one (or Amazon if you prefer), you are layer two by being careful and reading the fine print, and AV is layer three.

 

[dralezero]

VU#251635: Samsung and HTC android phone information disclosure vulnerability
http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/251635


Sent from my Nexus 7

 

[rootbrain]

Your research is out of date. Avast has proven to be over 90 percent effective at finding malware. As with all computer OS's it depends on who gets the malware first typically.

edit--

As with all aspects of security time is of the essence. Out of date info is dangerous. This test was done a few months ago and completely contradicts their results from the previous year. The times are changing. AV-Test Revises Android Antivirus Results

It's also important to note that within the last six months things have changed drastically in the Android market. Malware is out there and often slips past Google and gets into the official store.

As a security expert I'd expect you to know that all forms of software are vulnerable to exploits. Security isn't a one stop solution. It's a layered strategy that works. Google is layer one (or Amazon if you prefer), you are layer two by being careful and reading the fine print, and AV is layer three.

Looked at the PCMag link and the test results. Justified using Avast!...

 

[ShaneRay]

Your research is out of date. Avast has proven to be over 90 percent effective at finding malware. As with all computer OS's it depends on who gets the malware first typically.

You are absolutely right, and I stand corrected.

Not sure how I missed that further information. I'll need to revisit this and look a little deeper.