Antivirus on Android or not?

[Kalvin Kerns]

I just can't seem to find a real official statement anywhere that says we should or shouldn't use it. IPhones don't come with any, but the fact that they exist for Android makes me think we need it, just like a regular computer. Thoughts?

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[AndroidHabit]

Use them, if you are just a kid that uses the phone normally and plays games then they don't really need it.
An adult who has their email account that is attached to a credit card or other financial business on the phone, then yes.

Anyone who says or thinks there is no reason for it is just unaware of the security issues.

 

[Laura Knotek]

Here are some good articles.


Android malware scanners -- should you use one? http://www.androidcentral.com/android-malware-scanners-should-you-use-one

Whats the difference between Android malware, spyware, adware and a virus? http://www.androidcentral.com/whats-difference-between-malware-spyware-and-virus

Sent from my rooted Nexus 7 (2013) running Stock/AOSP (Android 6.0 Marshmallow) ElementalX N7-5.00 using Tapatalk

 

[Kalvin Kerns]

Thank you both, I'll read up more.

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[anon(9057135)]

Defiantly use an Antivirus. With Android, you can easily get Malware and Adware etc. You'll also want it for security. And I believe with some Antiviruses, They'll do extra features like locking apps and securing photos. On a regular computer you do have a Antivirus. It's called Windows Defender btw.

 

[Geodude074]

In my past 5 years of using Android, I haven't encountered a single security risk, nor have I met someone (online or in person) who has encountered a security risk.

BTW antivirus apps are useless when users install apps that ask for permission to view all of their private data, and the user still installs it anyways.

 

[thinkinfinity]

Always.

 

[eshropshire]

I just can't seem to find a real official statement anywhere that says we should or shouldn't use it. IPhones don't come with any, but the fact that they exist for Android makes me think we need it, just like a regular computer. Thoughts?

Posted via the Android Central App

Depends on your usage. If you want to install apps from untrustworthy sites then yes you need protection. if you root then you may need protection. If you click on unknown links you need protection.

I have been using Android for almost 5 years and have never had any problems.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

 

[Edna Alcazar]

I have Avast anti virus and my phone is not slow at all.It is a good preventative measure to install this.

 

[gameDNAstudio]

Sometimes it is good to install an antivirus but it depends on how you use the device.

 

[8livesleft]

I used to use one but didn't install one on my new phone. I feel it slows the phone down somewhat.

The worst thing that has happened was spam showing up. But I tracked it down to an app that had a lot of ad-riders.

I actually installed an antivirus and spyware remover but it didn't help at all because they can't stop or uninstall something that I installed.

I realized that the key is to be careful with what you install. Don't click on suspicious ads and don't open files from unknown people.

After I uninstalled the rogue app, the spam stopped and I uninstalled the antivirus and anti-spyware apps. Been fine since.

Sent from my LG-H818 using Tapatalk

 

[trsbbs]

Once I used Antivirus and not satisfied. I suggest you not to use Antivirus unless your financial information is attached with your phone. I think antivirus only makes the phone slow.

I use Kaspersky and have noticed no slow down on my M9.

 

[trsbbs]

In my past 5 years of using Android, I haven't encountered a single security risk, nor have I met someone (online or in person) who has encountered a security risk.

BTW antivirus apps are useless when users install apps that ask for permission to view all of their private data, and the user still installs it anyways.

I havent been in an accident for many years but that doesnt mean I shouldnt wear a seat belt.

 

[Crashdamage]

I've used Android since v1.0 on a HTC G1. I've never used any antivirus, never gotten any kind of malware and never actually seen any antivirus detect or stop any real threat on anyone's phone. Note I said real threat. I have seen plenty of false alarms and plenty of bogus warnings telling users to upgrade or buy another app or Bad Things are gonna happen. IMHO antivirus is unnecessary and ineffective at best, an as bad as he malware it claims to protect us from at worst.

I posted some simple rules I follow to keep secure before. They haven't failed me once.

http://androidforums.com/index.php?posts/7084937

 

[kuriiroobi]

You definitely have to use an antivirus app on Android devices as they unfortunately can be victims of virus attacks... I can recommend you Avast, which I use both on my smartphone and on my PC.

 

[rpboronat]

I have never use Antivirus and never had problems since 5 years now. If you always use Google Play you will never have problems.

Enviado desde mi SM-G925F mediante Tapatalk

 

[laxu]

I never install antivirus on PC or any phones. I would say use common sense and only enable permissions that you require on specific apps.

Most apps require permission you don't need.

I agree. I haven't used one on Windows 7 for years and haven't had any issues. Yes I have checked many times with various AV software.

For Android phones I think it's totally unnecessary. Just don't dowload and use programs from dubious sources.

User stupidity is the number one reason why people get malware.

 

[jmarkey77]

User stupidity is the number one reason why people get malware.

Yup

 

[Geodude074]

I havent been in an accident for many years but that doesnt mean I shouldnt wear a seat belt.

But you see people who get into accidents all the time and die, but if they had been wearing a seat belt they'd still be alive.

How many people do you see with infected Android phones? None. Zero. Zip. Nadda. Negative.

Only place you should be worried about with Android malware is in regions where Google Play is not supported. Stick to the Google Play store, download your apps from Google and not third-party sources, and you'll be fine.

 

[richardlong]

Yes