What is everyone using for internet security?

[B. Diddy]

My thoughts on security apps, which I've posted elsewhere as well:

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).


5. Turn off "Unknown Sources" in Settings>Security. This prevents any app that wasn't obtained from Google Play Store from being installed (which could include malicious apps that are inadvertently downloaded).

 

[Kangda]

I'm using Lookout (Premium) b/c it comes with T-Mobile Jump!. I use the web browsing security feature on it.

 

[jrham]

Never used one and never will, I don't hide from sketchy sites or adult sites either and on top of all that I've played with torrents and sideloading plenty. I understand the risks but I just don't care, I've never knowingly had anything running on my phone that I didn't put there. The way I look at it it's easy enough to wipe and do a fresh install if something does happen, with that being said I do understand the risk but it's how I run my PC at home as well. I know people that go out of their way to run all sorts of Antivirus / malware apps yet have 10 different rouge tool bars installed on their browser and pop-ups galore. The trick is pay attention to what you're clicking on and agreeing to.

 

[Mike Dee]

Never used one and never will, I don't hide from sketchy sites or adult sites either and on top of all that I've played with torrents and sideloading plenty. I understand the risks but I just don't care, I've never knowingly had anything running on my phone that I didn't put there. The way I look at it it's easy enough to wipe and do a fresh install if something does happen, with that being said I do understand the risk but it's how I run my PC at home as well. I know people that go out of their way to run all sorts of Antivirus / malware apps yet have 10 different rouge tool bars installed on their browser and pop-ups galore. The trick is pay attention to what you're clicking on and agreeing to.

I agree except on PCs as it's easier to pick up malware unknowingly

 

[jrham]

I agree except on PCs as it's easier to pick up malware unknowingly

Yup I'd agree with you on that and it's happened but not often.