I don't run AV software on my Android device as I am very careful of what I download and use, but I noticed
AVG's Antivirus Pro is on sale today for 99 cents.
Do you think it might be worth the purchase just for safety's sake?
Well, I answered my own question.
I tried it last night, and did a scan, no malware although it really doesn't tell you anything . It is incredibility sparse in details, just stated security issues were dealt with or something along those lines, which I didn't like, I want to know what it is doing.
It also alerted me to the fact that I am set to sideload apps, which AVG stated was a big security issue.
I uninstalled and got my money back, 99? is not a big deal, but the original price is $10, it is in no way worth that.
I can take my dollar and buy a pack a gum with it, I think it would be more useful to me
I'm a bit of a security nut, especially when it comes to computers as I strongly believe in a layered defense (Defense in Depth). But, Android is a different beast and I have come to the conclusion that security software (one part of a layered defense) isn't worth the potential performance impact versus the potential benefit. Reason being that with Android the system by default (non-rooted) is locked down fairly well and resistant to malicious software as long as the user is very careful of where and what apps are installed and what websites are visited (drive by malware risk is pretty low anyway). As long as you are unrooted, even if malware were to get on the device, either uninstalling the offending app or worse case a factory (master) reset would get you back to a clean slate. As to being rooted, I'm not so sure, as that in and of itself removes a security layer built into the system and one very important layer of security in the computer world (least privilege), so I'm very uncomfortable with that aspect of rooting and not certain the security implications thereof. May be someone else can speak to that. But, anyway, this is all just my own analysis and opinion for what it's worth.
Android is a different beast and I have come to the conclusion that security software (one part of a layered defense) isn't worth the potential performance impact versus the potential benefit.
Security is ALL ABOUT risk verses rewards. Always. On every system. The correct security approach depends not only on the type of system, but on the data and its value and/or potential impact if lost or compromised. The type of device alone doesn't determine the best security practices.
Thanks all, I have Cerberus, but I might use Avast's malware scanner if I go that route, BTW I am rooted, and I wouldn't go back.
I am extremely careful, so I don't worry, just be prudent in what you do is the best defense ever.