Opinions on antivirus?

[juliesdroidsync]

I would like to know what you all think is the best antivirus to put on my galaxy note 4. Thank you for your time!

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[plumcrazy]

all are an absolute waste IMO

 

[mty msi]

I've always used the free version of Lookout and never had a problem, backs up my contacts too.

I'm not following the line of thinking that you don't need anti-virus. How about when you're downloading & installing apps including from 3rd party sources or for that matter from the Play Store, Samsung & Amazon?

 

[Rukbat]

Android is just an app running on Linux. The most serious viral attack ever was directed against Linux, so anyone who says that an Android or iOS phone doesn't need an antivirus app is obviously not a systems developer. (It's easy to attack Linux in so many different ways. Every rooting exploit is an attack on Linux.)

I'd use any of Avast Mobile Security & Antivirus, AVG AntiVirus Security, Avira Antivirus Security or Kaspersky Internet Security, along with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.

Lookout is probably good too, but you have to turn off its main function in Samsung phones, so it's just an overblown version of Android Device Manager until they fix the bug (which they've been promising to do for a long time).

IMHO it's not needed. Android doesn't have the same attack surface as Windows (which IMO is where the whole idea of needing Antivirus originates).

While Windows Scripting made it easy for script kiddies to create Windows viruses, any operating system can be attacked. That includes supercomputers, microwave oven controllers - anything that can run software. (The only reasons everyone thinks that viruses are only a Windows thing is that 1) Windows was about the only operating system being used widely when people started writing viruses and 2) No one remembers the Netware virus that took down every single Netware installation in the world until they very quickly came out with a patch to fix it. [It came in on a printer driver update sent out on a shipment of floppies that someone had infected with a boot sector virus at the 3M plant. So the internet isn't the only thing to watch out for.])

 

[mty msi]

Android is just an app running on Linux. The most serious viral attack ever was directed against Linux, so anyone who says that an Android or iOS phone doesn't need an antivirus app is obviously not a systems developer. (It's easy to attack Linux in so many different ways. Every rooting exploit is an attack on Linux.)

I'd use any of Avast Mobile Security & Antivirus, AVG AntiVirus Security, Avira Antivirus Security or Kaspersky Internet Security, along with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.

Lookout is probably good too, but you have to turn off its main function in Samsung phones, so it's just an overblown version of Android Device Manager until they fix the bug (which they've been promising to do for a long time).

While Windows Scripting made it easy for script kiddies to create Windows viruses, any operating system can be attacked. That includes supercomputers, microwave oven controllers - anything that can run software. (The only reasons everyone thinks that viruses are only a Windows thing is that 1) Windows was about the only operating system being used widely when people started writing viruses and 2) No one remembers the Netware virus that took down every single Netware installation in the world until they very quickly came out with a patch to fix it. [It came in on a printer driver update sent out on a shipment of floppies that someone had infected with a boot sector virus at the 3M plant. So the internet isn't the only thing to watch out for.])

Had no clue Lookout had a bug. What is the main function that has to be turned off & what happens if it isn't?

After reading your post I think I'll switch to your suggestions.

 

[twolastnames]

Android is just an app running on Linux. The most serious viral attack ever was directed against Linux, so anyone who says that an Android or iOS phone doesn't need an antivirus app is obviously not a systems developer. (It's easy to attack Linux in so many different ways. Every rooting exploit is an attack on Linux.)

I'd use any of Avast Mobile Security & Antivirus, AVG AntiVirus Security, Avira Antivirus Security or Kaspersky Internet Security, along with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.

Lookout is probably good too, but you have to turn off its main function in Samsung phones, so it's just an overblown version of Android Device Manager until they fix the bug (which they've been promising to do for a long time).

While Windows Scripting made it easy for script kiddies to create Windows viruses, any operating system can be attacked. That includes supercomputers, microwave oven controllers - anything that can run software. (The only reasons everyone thinks that viruses are only a Windows thing is that 1) Windows was about the only operating system being used widely when people started writing viruses and 2) No one remembers the Netware virus that took down every single Netware installation in the world until they very quickly came out with a patch to fix it. [It came in on a printer driver update sent out on a shipment of floppies that someone had infected with a boot sector virus at the 3M plant. So the internet isn't the only thing to watch out for.])

If you use the phone as Google intends, your fine. There was an article just a few days ago about how few android devices have malware.

http://www.androidcentral.com/google-reassures-how-safe-android-really-android-security-state-union

Posted

 

[rahul.sharma]

IMHO it's not needed. Android doesn't have the same attack surface as Windows (which IMO is where the whole idea of needing Antivirus originates). Also, by default Android runs in a way that requires specific user action to even potentially allow something bad to get installed on it. However there are some features of AV apps that can help find and/or wipe your device should it get misplaced or lost. But that's available now by just using Android Device Manager. In the end it really comes down to your own comfort level of whether or not to use AV.

See these AC articles for more info on the subject:

Antivirus for Android — do you need it? | Android Central

Five basic steps for protecting your Android device from viruses | Android Central

Wow, you deserve an award for this.

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