Antiviruses

[Ricky Babalu]

Just got a SGS3 and was wondering if antiviruses are actually a necessity. And if so, which one is the lightest on resources/best?

I also wanted to mention this is a lovely community and I've already done a ton to my phone thanks to all the valuable information I've gleaned off the threads.

I have never had any AV program in all the years of owning several Android phones. Like others have mentioned, it you are "wise" and use common sense, then there is little to be concerned about.

 

[AxlMyk]

But how prevalent are viruses?

Phones are the new targets for virus/malware writers. I use AVG.

--Tapatalk on Samsung GS3.

 

[nrm5110]

Phones are the new targets for virus/malware writers. I use AVG.

--Tapatalk on Samsung GS3.

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[DroidN3WB]

Lol I can see this a bit of a point of contention within the community. I asked a bit earlier in the thread, if I close the virus scanner (such as when you close a program when holding the home button) will it still be running in the background?

- - - Updated - - -

Lol I can see this a bit of a point of contention within the community. I asked a bit earlier in the thread, if I close the virus scanner (such as when you close a program when holding the home button) will it still be running in the background?

 

[Kelly Kearns]

Virus writers targeting phones make sense, they don't do viruses to be helpful.

Mac users used to think they didn't need AV, they were wrong after it was too late.

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[nrm5110]

Virus writers targeting phones make sense, they don't do viruses to be helpful.

Mac users used to think they didn't need AV, they were wrong after it was too late.

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And I would like to see your research into this subject good sir.

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[Kelly Kearns]

Well first I have a fairy avatar and not a male name, common sense dictates I'm not a sir.

Research on what? Macs needing AV? Big news this last year.

Read "April" and check out Sophos.

m.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-20799343

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[Wilfred]

I use Avast, security and system installer so even with a full wipe I can still trace my phone.

 

[nrm5110]

Well first I have a fairy avatar and common sense dictates I'm not a sir.

Research on what? Mac's needing AV? Big news this last year.

Read "April" and check out Sophos.

m.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-20799343

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No android being a big target. The big two were gingermaster and droidkungfu both of which were mostly a problem from alternative markets in china on repackaged apps from sources that were not very reputable.

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[nrm5110]

http://m.blogs.computerworld.com/mo...unches-laughable-list-malware-maladies-itbwcw

This may help.

Basically if you are stupid you can get a virus. Again common sense is a massive player in protection. I've been on android since 2.1 and trust me as a specialist in cyber security a lot of this makes me laugh.

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[Kelly Kearns]

No android being a big target. The big two were gingermaster and droidkungfu both of which were mostly a problem from alternative markets in china on repackaged apps from sources that were not very reputable.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2

Yeah again maybe you should research some of the virus writer groups, they go for big news items.

You don't want AV, don't have it, but stop trying to downplay the issue. Not to mention this bit of very public info about the S3, won't be long for many to take advantage of it. Honestly, following the news informs you a great deal.

bostinno.com/2012/12/19/malware-exp...xy-s3-phones-vulnerable-to-app-based-attacks/

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[nrm5110]

Yeah again maybe you should research some of the virus writer groups, they go for big news items.

You don't want AV, don't have it, but stop trying to downplay the issue. Not to mention this but of very public info about the S3, won't be long for many to take advantage of it. Honestly, following the news informs you a great deal.

bostinno.com/2012/12/19/malware-exp...xy-s3-phones-vulnerable-to-app-based-attacks/

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That's an issue with Samsung and again app based attacks. Where did you get the app. How many people have been attacked by this exploit

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[Kelly Kearns]

http://m.blogs.computerworld.com/mo...unches-laughable-list-malware-maladies-itbwcw

This may help.

Basically if you are stupid you can get a virus. Again common sense is a massive player in protection. I've been on android since 2.1 and trust me as a specialist in cyber security a lot of this makes me laugh.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2

Of course only stupid people get a virus, even people with AV in their computer can get a virus.

I find that people that need to try and put others down really don't think that much of themselves.

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[nrm5110]

I'm downplaying it because the risk is really negligible do you know how java works its a sandbox anything that happens happens within Javas runtime environment the only time it gets outside of that is if YOU let it. These things have to list the permissions its asking for before you get it from the play store. It has to ask permission before its installed it tells you exactly what it has access to. Its not like windows where you go herp derp double click install and bam dead its a much more detailed process.

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[Kelly Kearns]

I'm downplaying it because the risk is really negligible do you know how java works its a sandbox anything that happens happens within Javas runtime environment the only time it gets outside of that is if YOU let it. These things have to list the permissions its asking for before you get it from the play store. It has to ask permission before its installed it tells you exactly what it has access to. Its not like windows where you go herp derp double click install and bam dead its a much more detailed process.

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Yeah again, experts disagree with you. Why do you care what others do about AV?

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[Kelly Kearns]

And yes i know how Java works, learned that in school while getting my degree.

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[nrm5110]

Yeah again, experts disagree with you. Why do you care what others do about AV?

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What experts I have yet to see these so called experts.

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[nrm5110]

Also how will av work on something with elevated permissions. If the app in question boosts its permissions to root level the av no longer has the ability to help without root itself.

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[nrm5110]

As a proof of concept on permissions. I can look at the permissions that any of my apps have and get a description of what is possible with said permissions. Take android tuner in said screenshot this is jus a clip of what I allowed.

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[Kelly Kearns]

Yeah again, worry about YOUR device and not ours. Surely you have more important things to do than to be so obsessed with our devices.

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