Cant find s6 malware scanner

[Anti the gamer]

I thought it came built it. I did the process to go do my first scan but i cant find it. I have boost mobile, could that be the reason?

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! Preinstalled antimalware apps are typically dependent on the carrier, so it might be due to the fact that you're on Boost. It's easy enough to install one from the Play Store--consider Lookout or Malwarebytes. Do you have reason to believe you have malware, or are you just being safe?

 

[Anti the gamer]

Better safe than sorry! So what app exactly would you recommend thats good for keeping the phone clean and running smooth?

 

[Anti the gamer]

Also i already have look out set up. But the free version

 

[Saros]

Better safe than sorry!

In practice, on Android, this is really not the case, rather the opposite of the approach you would want for protecting a PC. Some anti-malware apps aren't particularly terrible, but others are quite invasive, if not awful, and can really chisel away at your phone's performance. This AC article words it more tentatively (if not delicately) than I would overall:

...in terms of malware protection you're probably already protected by Google — or just by common sense. Don't click on suspect links in unsolicited emails or text messages. Don't install an app that mysteriously downloaded itself to your phone or tablet. Only use reputable app stores like Google Play or the Amazon Appstore.

So do you need extra protection against viruses and malware? Probably not. Will it hurt anything if you choose to use an app? It'll take up space on your phone, perhaps. Maybe even rob your device of some performance. (And do know that there are a number of disreputable developers out there who sell nothing more than a placebo effect.)

Judicious oversight of software and requested permissions makes these apps largely unnecessary. And as for apps that shouldn't be allowed to even exist, spend some time reading this thread and the external discussions/resources.

 

[B. Diddy]

Completely agree with Saros. For the most part, it's still quite difficult to get an actual virus on your phone, because malware requires you to manually accept the installation (which is why they try to fool you into thinking you're installing something legitimate). Use common sense:

1. Avoid shady websites that deal with things like porn, gambling, and "free" (aka pirated) apps/music/movies.

2. Never ever tap on a link that appears in a popup while browsing, especially if they're warning you that your phone is infected--they're just trying to scare you into installing some bogus "antivirus" app that is probably malicious itself.

3. Only install apps from well-established app sources like Google Play Store or Amazon Appstore. Read a bunch of app reviews before installing an app to look for any complaints about adware or suspected malware.

4. Turn on Google's "Verify Apps" function. This allows Google to periodically scan your phone's apps to look for malware. It's usually in your Google Settings app, under Security (although it might also be in the main System Settings, in Settings>Security).