[Q] Do we need antivirus? - Desire HD Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

During the next month I will upgrade from a Touch Pro to the Desire HD. I assume that I will use this new phone a lot more when it comes to surfing the web. What are your opinions about the need for firewall and antivirus when it comes to this kind of phone and the android system? Is it needed? If yes, do I need both firewall and antivirus application? What are the best applications out there on android market?

I really doubt you will need a firewall or anti virus

Dont need them! but good to have them

I don't use AV
Hi
I don't use AV
10X

Download lookout when you get it! Better to be safe than sorry
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App

If you really are worried about it, then just use them anyway, however there is no point whatsoever. If you're getting viruses on your phone, you are doing something you shouldn't be doing anyway.
Sent from my Desire HD using Tapatalk

As with your personal computer, the best antivirus is between your ears. Just be careful - always read the changelog and permissions when installing and updating apps.
If you're particularly paranoid, then you could download Lookout but if you're careful it'll just be an unnecessary waste of CPU cycles and battery usage.

No, no need at all.

I haven't needed one. At the beginning I thought maybe I should get one, but didn't install it anyway

I didn't install any and had no problems in 3 months of usage.

I don't think we need an anti-virus for this period of time.

I have Lookout (Market Link) and ESET Mobile security (Market Link) but just having one of them is overkill. Still, if you really want them it wont hurt to download them.

No need, they would just help to drain the battery.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App

I don't use one.

Don't bother personally.
Sent from my Cyanogenmod 7 phone.

It's true that Linux based system are not prone to virus attack simply because it's just not popular enough. But IMO the time might come soon since more and more these mini warriors are being built and used.
However at this stage, i say your fine without one. Unless you tend to pass on virus infected emails with your phone to a windows based platform. Just something to think about. Personally I say screw apps that would put more load on my already weak battery life.
Sent from my HTC Desire HD using XDA App

I got my google acc hacked few times, i dont know if it has something to do with android.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA Premium App

Daz555 said:
No, no need at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 for sure.
(If you did get a `virus' you could make lots of money selling and documenting your story.)

I installed Lookout more for the location feature than the av features. Just incase some bastard does a runner with my phone.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA Premium App

Sorry for my bad English.
I'm now using the beta version of Norton. I don't know how it reacts to virusses, but I think it works good.
Before Norton I used Lookout. When I installed an app, I got feedback if the app had viruses or not. Now using Norton I do not get this feedback.
I prefer Lookout.

Related

Antivirus apps

Out of curiosity.. how many of you are using antivirus apps?
I see a bunch out there now that have call blocking...anti theft etc all bundled in.
Any user experience or suggestions?
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA App
Internet is a lot cleaner place these days.. I remember back in 98 u could get a virus by just visiting a porn site(oops!)
However with that being said i wouldnt go as far as downloading a anti virus for ur phone as long as ur careful what attachement ur opening as well as what ur downloading.
Sent from my SGH-T989D using XDA App
Vinsane said:
Out of curiosity.. how many of you are using antivirus apps?
I see a bunch out there now that have call blocking...anti theft etc all bundled in.
Any user experience or suggestions?
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android =/= windows. Antivirus apps are useless. All they can do is scan your apk files to see if you downloaded a bad app.
Sent from my Hercules using XDA App
^ how is that useless? at least you can find and uninstall the bad apk.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk
dv84 said:
^ how is that useless? at least you can find and uninstall the bad apk.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't install some rogue app from an unknown publisher that has three downloads and you will be fine?
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
i have Avast installed
but it's frozen, so it's not running
I use avast also since it has a scanner for your SD card. I don't know how well it actually works but I haven't had any problems just yet.
I was using something called LBE Guard (I think that's its name). I believe that it lets you decide what each app can and can't access (Like Go Keyboard accessing the internet).
I've also heard they can wreak havoc on some legitimate apps that access system files through su or on app killers, but I've also heard app killers aren't good for the phone so I'm still up in the air.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
I have avast as well. Great little app from a good company and has a firewall built into it so u can choose which apps have internet access.
That right there for me is pretty cool.
Sent from my HTC Flyer P510e using xda premium
Vinsane said:
Out of curiosity.. how many of you are using antivirus apps?
I see a bunch out there now that have call blocking...anti theft etc all bundled in.
Any user experience or suggestions?
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using avast as well. Its actually found a few malware apps here and there. So for that purpose alone, i guess it does the trick. To each his own I guess.
I think being vigilant in what apps are accessing is crucial, but sometimes your in a hurry and you just don't care to read something, and that's when something will sneak by you.
I've tried different ones and I like Avast best so far.
The UI Is pretty slick, Once installed everything is fairly detailed and breaks down categorically things that might be worth looking at IE: Privacy
What apps can :
track location
read identity info
access messages
access contacts
access accounts
change secure settings
access web pages
It will give you the number of apps in each category and then its happy hunting from there.
but again best thing just check it out for yourself.
Here is a scenario - ROM manager by clockwork is tagged as suspicious by antivirus app!
Antivirus apps are for idiots. I hear this crap every time some moron mentions android.
If somehow by freak accident you contract a virus, you deserve it. Im not saying theyre non existant, but theyre non existant. Obviously if we have to hack and break a phone manually to access files, a simple apk wont do the trick, hence gingerbreak... And if youre rooted, then hopefully you have enough intellegence or knowledge to keep your phone clean.
Sorry if this offends you, i sincerely dont care.
ftarules said:
Here is a scenario - ROM manager by clockwork is tagged as suspicious by antivirus app!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess it depends what you use. I had a live wallpaper that was causing problems. This at least found it for me. Rom manager has never popped up as problematic. Go figure. Im all for snake oil if im not paying for it. To each his own again. Pass judgement at your discretion. In the end do what ever you want. Your phone. Your experience. Your pseudo piece of mind. Some folks don't give a crap, others are OCD and the rest fall inbetween.
"Stay thirsty my friends."
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA App
One thing to remember Antivirus programs are not just ANTI-VIRUS, they are designed to detect any program that has excessive access to the file system and/or memory, or that attempt to modify stock system code, which is one of the reasons ROM Manager gets tagged, it is able to modify your boot partition.
There are malicious apps on the market, and they don't always get caught by Google before they get out, so it does not take a genius or a moron, to get one, it can just happen ....
Antivirus apps are a double edged sword, they can save your ass, or prevent you from doing something you actually want to do , as with most things in life, they should be used in moderation ....
I personally would rather have a AV app that is a little over zealous, than one that ignores a potential threat ...
The biggest annoyance on android right now is Air-push ads , while not malicious they are annoying, even more so when the publisher does not inform you that they are the "ad supporting" part of the app ...
So IF you are app happy, and install tons of apps, an AV app may be a good thing for you ....
Call me paranoid, but I usually don't install an app from a NEW publisher that has not been on the market at least 30 days, I usually check and see what other apps are put out by a publisher as well ... IF you only see ONE or TWO apps by a NEW publisher, then you might think twice, until reviews start flowing in ...
bkaltec said:
Antivirus apps are for idiots. I hear this crap every time some moron mentions android.
If somehow by freak accident you contract a virus, you deserve it. Im not saying theyre non existant, but theyre non existant. Obviously if we have to hack and break a phone manually to access files, a simple apk wont do the trick, hence gingerbreak... And if youre rooted, then hopefully you have enough intellegence or knowledge to keep your phone clean.
Sorry if this offends you, i sincerely dont care.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Funny. Another internet tough guy who has to ruin discussions.
Attitudes like yours are what is driving our forum to the ground.
ム丹し丹メㄚ ち工工 - XDΔ ΔPP
I even dont have anti virus on my laptop lol.
They are useless if you know how to use internet
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA App
bikrame said:
I even dont have anti virus on my laptop lol.
They are useless if you know how to use internet
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Xactly
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA App
jordanishere said:
Xactly
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA App
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Click to collapse
i agree also. dont go to the market and dowload crap apk to see "naked pretty ladies" or "poker win billions" some lame ass name stuff. just the names of tthe 30+ "malware" apk's that have been found were dead giveaways. and as far as my computer....no antivirus there either, i surf porn on my tablet as needed and really only use my computer to root phones. and even that can an ordeal with ****ing microsoft products.....i hate my desktop!!!! it doesnt deserve to live or consume electricity
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
Using Avast. It has many features in one for free. I don't know if it works.
---------- Post added at 01:55 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:54 AM ----------
bikrame said:
I even dont have anti virus on my laptop lol.
They are useless if you know how to use internet
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hopefully you don't use windows.
---------- Post added at 01:56 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:55 AM ----------
ftarules said:
Here is a scenario - ROM manager by clockwork is tagged as suspicious by antivirus app!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It seems like a useless app because of the limited ROMs on it.

Lookout mobile security/T-Mobile mobile security

Are these type of apps needed or recommemded? Got lookout preinstalled(not activated) and got a txt about the T-Mobile mobile security app. Wife dloaded it, but I did not on to mine.
If needed which one is best?
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA
droptopMP said:
Are these type of apps needed or recommemded? Got lookout preinstalled(not activated) and got a txt about the T-Mobile mobile security app. Wife dloaded it, but I did not on to mine.
If needed which one is best?
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont think we really need those stuff. If you know well what you are downloading and from where you are downloading this stuff are useless.Beside they Consume battery alot.
I never used them on my 4 android devices lol
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
Thanks
I use Lookout a lot. It has saved me many times when I left my phone somewhere, and I had to find it. The web interface is great. You can locate it via GPS, make it scream, or even wipe it if you need to. It also does a daily back up of all your pics and calls. Not sure if we need the Anitvirus yet on our phones, but it's nice to have as a piece of mind. Especially when downloading all these third party apps from say XDA (not that members would try to give bad ones, but some links go to shady sites once in a while).
So look out is good? What about avg?
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA
Avast beta FTW
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA
Another really good security app is cerberus doesn't provide any type of virus protection be offers a wide array of lost or stolen options definitely worth a try.
Sent from my galaxy s2 juggernaut
2nd for avast. Don't care much for lookout and I wouldn't give me dead grandmother AVG.
Casperi
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
I don't think lookout is necessary, although the locating feature is great..you can try cerberus or seekdroid if you want an app that locates your phone
I like my Roms the way I like my women..... Clean and smooth
I use avast. Use it on my desktop and it's way better than most other anti virus for PC. Avast doesn't seem to use much battery and is very light on my phone. Plus the anti theft feature is the best out there. Period.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA Premium; powered by the Darkside.
All I have to say is Cerberus the best for rooted and non rooted users its like alarm force for my phone
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T989 using xda premium
What's wrong with AVG? Im still on the.fence on if I want to use any of it......
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA
I use Lookout mainly for its backup and lost devices capabilities... as long as you are downloading from known sources you should have no need to scan files for viruses.
Quick question about these type of apps: do they automatically enable GPS if lost and you try to find the device?
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
inpherknow said:
Quick question about these type of apps: do they automatically enable GPS if lost and you try to find the device?
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No it does not enable GPS, but it still narrows it down to a couple feet using triangulation with the surrounding towers and/or wi-fi. I just did it for mine, and the map pinpoints it to inside my living room. Since it also has the ability to scream (actually screams a loud noise) there should be no issues finding it within a few feet while screaming. On that note even if the phone is set to silent Lookout will turn the volume all the way to 100% to scream making it very easy to locate.
My favorite combo is tmobile security (auto location off) with dropbox for backup purposes... less battery drain. (Wont find your phone if its off)

Mobile security

Do you use any virus/malware programs, thoughts and recommendations?
I've never been a mobile security using kinda guy. I've tried lookout before and never saw the point besides being able to locate a lost phone. Which I have never needed. So I just ended up uninstalling it.
My dad recently felt the need to show off his new mobile security suit and tell me all the features (I forgot what it was, but lookout did all the same things he mentioned to me)
Has anyone had a security program detect a major threat?
Considering I keep more important info on my cell than my laptop my dad got me thinking maybe I need one of these...
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda app-developers app
I use lookout for security and the locator. I doubt I'll ever need it but it pays to be safe. I've never had a threat detected but once again you never know. Instead of asking why bother, perhaps say "why not?"
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda app-developers app
I use avast because it really good if ur rooted
Sent from my SGH-T989 with Cyanogenmod 10 Alpha Power.
Yea its the one I just installed the other day. It seems more serious than lookout did, with what it had me to do to set it up
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda app-developers app
ArcticFish said:
I use avast because it really good if ur rooted
Sent from my SGH-T989 with Cyanogenmod 10 Alpha Power.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Second that Avast. used nq security for a year but it qut updating virus protection so been with Avast ever since.
I'm wary of what I download. And always keep backups and change my passwords often. Though I do use Lookout for GPS tracking, I however disable the file scanning function.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda app-developers app
I've never heard of a single case of a mobile virus but it's possible to inject malware via an app I'm very careful about what I download.. I never use any mobile security apps.
I did hear about people being able to steal your info from your phone by NFC.. All they have to do is come close enough to your phone with an nfc tag and it can automatically direct you to a Site where it automatically downloads something malicious to your phone . It's very unlikely to happen but the only way to prevent that is keep nfc off..
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
Malware agree
NFC agree
Virus there have been some recent reports, but I use the term virus loosely.
Kaspersky used on pc gave free mobile subscription key. So I said why not
Kerns_JW said:
Malware agree
NFC agree
Virus there have been some recent reports, but I use the term virus loosely.
Kaspersky used on pc gave free mobile subscription key. So I said why not
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It would be simple to fix the NFC thing.. Just make it so it's not automatic and you need to OK it to continue.. I don't think it would be any more of a hassle
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
Yeah wasn't saying I was worried, just saying I agree it could be exploitable
I'm in no danger.. I never use it lol
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
I use Dr. Web it scans any app that I download and gives a notification according to the results. There are only 2 times it has ever found anything was once on my mt4g I used an apk to help root the phone. Because of the nature of the apk dr Web reported it as malicious. I knew that it wasn't so no biggie. The other time was a couple months ago when gosms was under fire for recording info from your chats/texts gosms had an update that started the controversial info collection. When I downloaded the update Dr Web reported the app was malicious. So I simply did not update. Otherwise all is quiet.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda app-developers app
in MIUI rom you can block individual app permissions.. Pretty good security feature if you ask me
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
I would use some sorts of mobile security. Better safe than sorry.

[Q&A] is it worth to use an antivirus on the gnex ? What is the best one?

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
you dont need it if you know what you're downloading.
Thanks but play market is safe enough?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
mauro2390 said:
Thanks but play market is safe enough?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. Same as on a PC, just don't download super shady apps or sideload pirated apps and you'll be completely fine.
Even on the play store you need to think before installing. If you install the official Facebook app, chances are good it's malware free. However if you download some Japanese emoji app that's not even a week old on the play store and asks for permissions it shouldn't ask for, your guard should be up.
That said, I don't think the risk of malware is very high and I doubt Android 'virusscanners' actually improve security enough to make it worth wile. What's the detection rate? False positives? Heuristics performance? Statistics are non-existent (afaik).
it would be best to start tightening security @kernel/rom level than installing an antivirus.
sent from my i9250
I run lookout on every device. Free version backs up(not necessary, but not a bad thing) scans for malware, has lost device capabilities, and it has a seriously unnoticeable footprint on your memory or battery. Plus it's free. To each their own.
I777 gets it done, gnex just for fun
Honestly. If you're rooted. You should be educated enough to know what not to do. Most of the time when someone reports an infected app. Its from some pirate website they have sideloaded. As long as you get your apps from the market. You're fine.

[Q] im scared of loosing my phone so how can i track it?

Hey people I was wondering I'm scared to loose my phone and I was wondering is there an app I can use to track my phone? I have avast and it has anti theft but I don't know how to use it to track I also have avast on my laptop soo any suggestions I can try or someone know how to use the avast tracking
Cerberus will do a lot of different things, including track your phone; I highly recommend it.
If you have Sprint's insurance you can download the total equipment protection app from the play store. Once set up you can locate the device and it also backs up your contacts.
Where's My Droid and Androidlost are the ones I use. I think that they are better than the one that came with my insurance.
I tried different apps but finally settled on to Cerberus. I would recommend it to anyone. Just try the free seven day trail.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda app-developers app
All these things are moot if a sophisticated person finds your phone and wipes it and installs a new ROM. You can either wish that an average joe who's not advanced finds your phone or your phone stays put where you lost it before it runs out of battery.
TrustGo Security. Register in the website, and add the site to someone else bookmarks. Works for me in less than a minute. Also let the GPS on.
Sent from my O=O
THORMUNZ said:
Hey people I was wondering I'm scared to loose my phone and I was wondering is there an app I can use to track my phone? I have avast and it has anti theft but I don't know how to use it to track I also have avast on my laptop soo any suggestions I can try or someone know how to use the avast tracking
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GotYa face trap app: has good ratings and a has already proved useful in live situations according to a news report
WheresMyDroid: also has good ratings and reviews
Wow I just open the app and I see all this thanks for all the suggestions
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium
i use android lost personally, but there's a number of apps that do the same thing.
Plan B has worked for me. You can install it even after you've lost it, then it'll show up on your map, you can send messages through it and even sound an alarm. Handy dandy.
preyproject or lookout are the two I recommend as a Police Officer.. Plan B is a part of Lookout that can be downloaded after the fact, if stolen,,
As stated earlier these apps are only useful if you loose your phone and no one picks it up and or some average Joe that isn't smart enough to pull the battery out or just turn off the GPS and data ...
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app
derf8966 said:
As stated earlier these apps are only useful if you loose your phone and no one picks it up and or some average Joe that isn't smart enough to pull the battery out or just turn off the GPS and data ...
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the sprint app. I had the location gps turned off on the phone. And tried the online site and it tracked it exactly where I lived. Also can do a schedule on gps tracking fron the phone.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app

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