Anti Virus. Do I need it?

[Farish]

There are some people who think Android is like the Wild West. They think the sheriff, Google, is out-of-town and everyone is free to do as they please. This is obviously not true. Google has advanced security tools with many layers of protection. The 0.001% of apps that do make it pass Google’s security have to make it through 7 layers of security. If the user doesn’t have unknown sources enabled, like most average users don’t, the app won’t even make it past the second level. Android is not the wild west, but it’s not Apple’s walled garden either. Google will let anyone upload an app to the Play Store, but that doesn’t mean they will let it infect your device. They have your back. All of this fear mongering around Android malware has created opportunities to make some easy money. A lot of people are more than willing to shell out a few bucks if they think it will protect them. There are some really nice security apps available, but most of the ones that cost money aren't worth it.

You are looking at this too narrow.


What about a webpage that loads a malware through the back end and into your phone through the browser?

People emails get hacked and they send out malware.

On the app thing, there are some people who sideload apks.

Also you are discounting that people like to click on things.

Get antivirus program not because you have a distrust of Google, but because you have a distrust of the internet in general or even yourself.

 

[S5_GJH]

To answer the OP.

Do you like to click on links and random things no matter who sent it to you?

Are you the type of person to ignore the voice in the back of your head yelling at you to stop?

Do you look at Piracy websites?

Do you believe everything you read on the internet?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, I highly recommend you get an antivirus.

No, no, no and no

Posted via Android Central App

 

[jmagid51]

However from a business perspective the insurance company who insures you against lose due to theft and all doesn't look kindly on what they call unprotected devices. They show this in their pricing structure, giving a lower rate if you use the protection.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using AC Forums mobile app

 

[Jamie Wooten]

I use lookout and haven't had any issues

 

[D13H4RD2L1V3]

Unless you are a careless person and download everything you see, certainly not.

However, it might be wise to get a security app for the other features like Lost Phone Finder and Erase.

I recommend Lookout. Though it can sometimes be a CPU hog, the security suite works tremendously well for me. If you can get it, get Lookout Premium for extra features.

Android Lost is also a good alternative for locating and erasing, as well as controlling a lost or stolen device.

 

[icouldntpossiblycomment]

I don't think so. I'm not using it on mine. I only download apps from the Play store and am careful about what links I click and what files I put on the phone. As long as you're reasonably careful - as with on a computer - you should be fine.

 

[Closingracer]

No, you don't need it...it's a battery drain and causes lag. You don't need any of the things we put on our phones in the past, app killer, spam killer, anti virus, ram boosters etc

I have Lookout on my phone since I am A) forced to have it since it is a system ( T-mobile) B) I am paying for the premium version since it is included with T-mobile Jump. It isn't really a battery drain and how would it cause lag.... It is in the background and with 2-3GB of Ram it wouldn't cause lag.