Nice article to read.. Just thought I would share.. MODS PLEASE DELETE IN CASE THIS IS A DUPLICATE.
http://news.yahoo.com/theres-zombie-security-flaw-almost-every-android-phone-013019842.html
There's a Zombie-like Security Flaw in Almost Every Android Phone
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Abby Ohlheiser 56 minutes ago
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There's a Zombie-like Security Flaw in Almost Every Android Phone
Almost every Android phone has a big, gaping security weakness, according to the security startup who discovered the vulnerability. Essentially, according to BlueBox, almost every Android phone made in the past four years (or, since Android "Donut," version 1.6) is just a few steps away from becoming a virtual George Romero film, thanks to a weakness that can "turn any legitimate application into a malicious Trojan."
While news of a security vulnerability in Android might not exactly be surprising to users, the scope of the vulnerability does give one pause: "99 percent" of Android mobiles, or just under 900 million phones, are potentially vulnerable, according to the company. All hackers have to do to get in is modify an existing, legitimate app, which they're apparently able to do without breaking the application's security signature. Then, distribute the app and convince users to install it.
Google, who hasn't commented on the vulnerability yet, has known about the weakness since February, and they've already patched the Samsung Galaxy S4, according to CIO. And they've also made it impossible for the malicious apps to to install through Google Play. But the evil apps could still get onto a device via email, a third-party store, or basically any website. Here's the worst-case scenario for exploitation of the vulnerability, or what could potentially happen to an infected phone accessed via an application developed by a device manufacturer, which generally come with elevated access, according to BlueBox:
Installation of a Trojan application from the device manufacturer can grant the application full access to Android system and all applications (and their data) currently installed. The application then not only has the ability to read arbitrary application data on the device (email, SMS messages, documents, etc.), retrieve all stored account & service passwords, it can essentially take over the normal functioning of the phone and control any function thereof (make arbitrary phone calls, send arbitrary SMS messages, turn on the camera, and record calls). Finally, and most unsettling, is the potential for a hacker to take advantage of the always-on, always-connected, and always-moving (therefore hard-to-detect) nature of these “zombie” mobile devices to create a botnet.
The company recommends users of basically every Android phone double check the source of any apps they install, keep their devices updated, and take their own precautions to protect their data. But as TechCrunch notes, Android users really should be doing this anyway, as the devices tend to come with a " general low-level risk" from malware. That risk, however, is elevated for users who venture outside of the Google Play store for their apps.
So while the actual impact of the vulnerability is not known, neither is the timeline for fixing it. Manufacturers will have to release their own patches for the problem in order to fix it, something that happens notoriously slowly among Android devices.
I was under the impression that the very latest android is not vulnerable (4.2.2). Is this true of CyanogenMod?
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
It says almost everything since 1.6 is vulnerable. It also says its up to the device manufacturers to patch the vulnerability. So 4.2.2 is just as vulnerable. My guess is aosp will be patched in 4.3.
So unless the CM team already knew about this, and have already solved it, it'll be at risk. And I doubt they would have. Pretty sure they'd make it public if they did.
@op Thanks for posting! Hopefully this'll wake some golks up and they'll stop installing anything they find. This could be one helluva strike against software pirates too! Obviously one of the easiest way to infect someone is if they use pirated root capable apps.
Be aware too though, a simple themed system app could just as easily do this. I'd say that untill we know more, be cautious with any themed or modded system apps, even those you find here on xda. (Of course if they are from our RD/RC/RT's, or from reputable sources such as Wicked (Deviant Development) you're most likely ok) But watch for stuff released by people with brand new accounts.
Hopefully we will know more soon. And more hopeful that the oatch will be simple as in the past. (Dont remember the name right now but one was patched by an empty file with no permissions.)
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
And yet for all these years I don't have any problem of somebody broke my house. I would take this with reserve and as scare tactic. Of course there always be some hacks, even pentagon is prone and vulnerable to cyber attacks, just keep your private stuff private.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
vulnerabilities
dito33 said:
And yet for all these years I don't have any problem of somebody broke my house. I would take this with reserve and as scare tactic. Of course there always be some hacks, even pentagon is prone and vulnerable to cyber attacks, just keep your private stuff private.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't panic or get scared just be aware. These days mass hysteria can be easily created by the mass media. Ahhhh!!!! My android phone turned my family and friends in ANDROID ZOMBIES.
Mass hysteria and mass hypnosis are spreading across North America like unstoppable waves of hypnosis. The concepts of vulnerability and media go hand and foot. But I find it to be crap .. Who care ?? It a phone not your person safe.. If you dont want it seen dont keep it or type it on you phone. Android is not the only phone there are exposed security holes in Apple products such as the iPhone which allowed applications to connect to remote computers and transfer personal data. It is extremely difficult to defend against unknown vulnerabilities. Especially if we choose to believe everything the media and the masses say.
LOL dont worry about it ...you should be worried about the app that unlocks your brain vulnerabilities and takes over your MIND....:good::good:
Common Sense is the best defense!
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
They have been talking about this a little on twit.tv , it's mostly a worry only if you side load apps you don't get from the play store. They are said to reveal the vulnerability at the next black hat convention.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Trevorlay said:
They have been talking about this a little on twit.tv , it's mostly a worry only if you side load apps you don't get from the play store. They are said to reveal the vulnerability at the next black hat convention.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not mostly. You are only vulnerable if you side load. Google runs verification on apps before they are uploaded to play to ensure they don't have malicious behavior or request undocumented permissions.
With that said, just be careful what you download, as always. The best virus protection is common sense.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
Maybe apple paid the person to write the article lol
Sent from my EVO using xda premium
Adreaver said:
Not mostly. You are only vulnerable if you side load. Google runs verification on apps before they are uploaded to play to ensure they don't have malicious behavior or request undocumented permissions.
With that said, just be careful what you download, as always. The best virus protection is common sense.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not fool proof. There have been several instances where malicious apps made it onto the play store. Just cause it's there doesn't make it safe.
Sent from my SGH-T999V using xda premium
Is anti-virus app can detect the zombie?
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
Didn't the article say? I don't think there is. It's been a while since I read it but I thought it touched on that.
Sent from my SGH-T999V using xda premium
Related
Hey guys, I just read in a local newspaper that there is a security flaw in the android web browser. It allows hackers to access files stored on the SD card. Does this call for an AntiVirus software?
Sent from my HTC Wildfire using XDA App
It's true. I also read an article where they said rooting is illegal. What about that?
And you think antivirus-software will block that? I don't think so.
Android is open source, be happy they're telling Google the bugs in Android so they can fix it. It's better than hackers find the bug and Google doesn't know of it.
Hmm.. so should I be worried about this flaw or not? According to the article, seems like its quite serious..
Sent from my HTC Wildfire using XDA App
Read this article..has to do with the USSD...good thing i got backups..lol
http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/technol...security-flaw-wipe-phone-click-010830893.html
Its been around for a while now, its easily solveable, don't click on a link you don't know, pretty much how you would react on a pc if you had a random email with a link in it. I'm not sure if by dialling a code on a wildfire you can wipe the phone though someone correct me if i'm wrong.
It can happen on my s2 but i highly doubt it will, i suspect this is a leaked story to help promote the iphone 5 a little to the uneducated.
No need for antivirus as the way it works is you click the link with the malicious code in and it tells the phone to dial a code which then wipes the phone so unless your anntivirus can detect the code in a url it won't help.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2
The flaw was patched sometime back in August IIRC, but thanks to slow updates it's still unpatched on a majority of phones.
My One S with 4.0.4 Sense 4.1 has the issue. I thought those tel: links from the browser was a feature, not a security risk!
They are a feature, it's just that some phones can be wiped with no prompt by dialling a code so its also a possibility that some idiot can add that certain dialling code into a link. Shouldn't affect most of us xda'ers though and even if it did most of us wipe our phones on a regular basis anyway and know all about the importance of backups, its just a minor setback in my eyes.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2
here's some more information on the issue: It's Not Just Samsung Phones: How to Check If Your Android Device Is Vulnerable to The Remote Wipe Hack
eventcom said:
here's some more information on the issue: It's Not Just Samsung Phones: How to Check If Your Android Device Is Vulnerable to The Remote Wipe Hack
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol mine is indeed vulnerable !
I think my phone is vulnerable, but I don't think that code works, I think it may be a Samsung code to factory reset, which HTC doesn't have. Other codes like IMEI, INFO and CHECKIN work, but not the factory reset one, I don't think.
Edit:
Also don't have root so I can't make a backup. If we had S-OFF, I would root, but don't want to void my warranty, with no way of turning back.
usaff22 said:
I think my phone is vulnerable, but I don't think that code works
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did you notice there's a link to check @ the Lifehacker article
Would you guys say that mobile security apps are worth the storage space? I have the 2 mentioned in the title and was wondering if I need them or are they pointless?
Sent from my R800i using XDA App
I use kaspersky but only cause it free with barclays bank
Sent from my R800i using Tapatalk
I wonder if they are pointless though?
Sent from my R800i using XDA App
They are pretty much pointless.
The best use Android virus scanners have had is giving iPhone trolls some content when they try to speak on behalf of a "rampant security threat" that they want to pretend is a flaw of Android when taking advantage of people as oblivious as themselves.
TLRtheory said:
They are pretty much pointless.
The best use Android virus scanners have had is giving iPhone trolls some content when they try to speak on behalf of a "rampant security threat" that they want to pretend is a flaw of Android when taking advantage of people as oblivious as themselves.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Couldn't have agreed more. They say you're a higher security risk if your phone is rooted or if you download apps illegally; but even with my Moto Droid I never encountered viruses, malware, etc... So I found having the 'extra security' was somewhat pointless and a waste of app space.
Will uninstall both now, thanks!
Sent from my R800i using XDA App
I consider Avast! Mobile Security worth the install space for its Antitheft features alone. I've used a few other standalone antitheft apps, but none I've seen does it so well.
It works best with Root, it disguises itself and hides, you can remotely control certain aspects of your phone via SMS including; SIM whitelist and alert on SIM change, lockout certain areas of the system, complete wipe of phone and SD memory, GPS location.. etc.
While there's never any guarantee that you'll ever get your phone back if lost or stolen, it might just pay to be proactive.
I think it's worth a look:
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&hl=en
ZetanBloodline said:
I consider Avast! Mobile Security worth the install space for its Antitheft features alone. I've used a few other standalone antitheft apps, but none I've seen does it so well.
It works best with Root, it disguises itself and hides, you can remotely control certain aspects of your phone via SMS including; SIM whitelist and alert on SIM change, lockout certain areas of the system, complete wipe of phone and SD memory, GPS location.. etc.
While there's never any guarantee that you'll ever get your phone back if lost or stolen, it might just pay to be proactive.
I think it's worth a look:
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&hl=en
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah I use kaspersky for those features
-------------------------------------------
Fma965 - ForgottenCoders
http://forgottencoders.co.uk
Thanks
Sent from my R800i using XDA App
ZetanBloodline said:
I consider Avast! Mobile Security worth the install space for its Antitheft features alone. I've used a few other standalone antitheft apps, but none I've seen does it so well.
It works best with Root, it disguises itself and hides, you can remotely control certain aspects of your phone via SMS including; SIM whitelist and alert on SIM change, lockout certain areas of the system, complete wipe of phone and SD memory, GPS location.. etc.
While there's never any guarantee that you'll ever get your phone back if lost or stolen, it might just pay to be proactive.
I think it's worth a look:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! I am going to give Avast a shot (mainly for the remote features you mentioned). I have long suspected Lookout does little.
I use LBE Privacy Guard (it's free, needs root). It allows you to disable certain permissions for certain apps, which is awesome.
It doesn't scan for viruses and malware though. I don't have any app for that since I only install apps that I trust...
I have used several security applications. And I would strongly suggest anyone who is concerned about losing their phone and or having it stolen. Cerberus anti theft. It is awesome. The market is a 7 day trial. Then its a one time fee of $2.99. Totally worth it. Lost my phone at a store once. When to the customer service desk, no one had found it. Asked if I could use a computer. Went to the cerbertapp.com website signed in and made my phone take pictures, got the location and made it make a alarm sound. Found it less then a minute later. Fallen out of my pocket while sitting in a recliner and it has fallen in the cushions. Seriously...best app ever.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lsdroid.cerberus
Sent from my R800x using xda premium
I want to be able to granularly set the permissions for each app. From what I understand my options are:
Cyanogenmod - except CM10 for SGS2 is missing this at this time
Pdroid for GB
Pdroid 2.0 - running CM10 only
LBE (from China)
I have had Pdroid 2.0 running on CM10 for a few weeks but CM10 isn't stable - just had it auto-reboot in the middle of a call. Does anybody have any other ideas / suggestions?
On a related note - I'm wondering why it seems that most people aren't bothered with apps monitoring their use and even more important archiving all the data compiled on them?? The only thing that I can think of is that most cell phone / XDA users are really young and just don't know any better??? Didn't they pay any attention in history class?? What am I missing here?
Mrktmind said:
On a related note - I'm wondering why it seems that most people aren't bothered with apps monitoring their use and even more important archiving all the data compiled on them?? The only thing that I can think of is that most cell phone / XDA users are really young and just don't know any better??? Didn't they pay any attention in history class?? What am I missing here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because phone security is generally easy to manage. Most apps make a good name for themselves. And many people check the security of an app as soon as it were to hit the Play Store. It doesn't mean we are young it means that we aren't dumb and know how modern technology works.
hrffd said:
Because phone security is generally easy to manage. Most apps make a good name for themselves. And many people check the security of an app as soon as it were to hit the Play Store. It doesn't mean we are young it means that we aren't dumb and know how modern technology works.[/QUOTE
I highly doubt that anyone on XDA, regardless of age, is dumb. I do believe, however, that there are quite a few younger members who could be a bit naive due to a lack of experience. Younger folks tend to take most things at face value. Just because something is free monetarily doesn't mean it isn't costing you something. Just because an app is on Play Store doesn't mean it is "secure" - especially since the Play Store (as well as Android, Google, et.al.) operate on the same business model as the apps!
Just a random example - Why would Angry Birds need my Sim Card Serial number to operate properly? Why would it need to know the phone numbers of all my incoming calls? Answer - it doesn't - in fact it doesn't need ANY of the permissions it asks for to operate properly. So why does it ask for these permissions? Answer - it is data mining your phone.
Ok, so I think most XDA members are aware of WHAT these apps are doing. My original question is WHY don't more people seem to care?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mrktmind said:
I want to be able to granularly set the permissions for each app. From what I understand my options are:
Cyanogenmod - except CM10 for SGS2 is missing this at this time
Pdroid for GB
Pdroid 2.0 - running CM10 only
LMB (from China)
I have had Pdroid 2.0 running on CM10 for a few weeks but CM10 isn't stable - just had it auto-reboot in the middle of a call. Does anybody have any other ideas / suggestions?
On a related note - I'm wondering why it seems that most people aren't bothered with apps monitoring their use and even more important archiving all the data compiled on them?? The only thing that I can think of is that most cell phone / XDA users are really young and just don't know any better??? Didn't they pay any attention in history class?? What am I missing here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe MIUI is also a viable option for this, no? You can set app permission on a "per-app" basis with MIUI security I believe.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2
I tried this app a while back and it basically does what you want but it got annoying https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lbe.security.lite
I don't use these because I am very selective about what goes on my phone.
Thanks Luke!
Not very familiar with MIUI ROM's will have to look into them.
someguyatx said:
I tried this app a while back and it basically does what you want but it got annoying https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lbe.security.lite
I don't use these because I am very selective about what goes on my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, this is the app I listed above - just had the initials wrong! :silly: It is a lot like pdroid but, like you, it scares me.
I have my own small business and run most of it from my phone, in the beginning I used the standard flip phone then graduated on to a touch pro 2 with Windows Mobile 6.5 as I began to accumulate massive amounts of data on my Windows Mobile phone, for some reason I still felt secure in the applications like ActiveSync that I was in control of my data.... A year ago last October I upgraded to the Samsung Galaxy s2.. this was my first real experience with Google's Android operating system. in the first few minutes of using the new phone I could see how deeply the hooks were being placed to data mine my information. I resisted at first but then came to realize if I wanted all the bells and whistles Google was offering I had to play the game... I use the security program mentioned above... maybe they should have an app were you sign a consent of exactly which data you would like to keep on your phone and not share with other people. then when you visit the play store apps that request more of your private data than you're willing to share won't show up? I would like to have an open sourced built firewall that monitors traffic, letting me choose the permissions per app as I see fit.
Mrktmind said:
Thanks Luke!
Not very familiar with MIUI ROM's will have to look into them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've ran both Adhvanlt's and Lens's JB MIUI Roms, and they're both amazing! The standard MIUI launcher feels a bit like the iphone, and there is no app drawer, but that's easily fixed by downloading [insert favorite launcher here] if you don't care for it. There's hundreds of options for customization. They are literally the most customizable ROMs you'll ever run; All of this on top of the fact that it has the security features I believe you are after baked right in to it.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2
Looked at two MIUI ROM's for the E4GT. Both of them have issues with Google Voice. I need Google Voice.
I am also going to try +AF (Droidwall fork) firewall tonight to see if it will work on FK23. It apparently has issues with some ICS/JB ROM's. That will at least give some protection from apps that don't need network access at all. But for apps that need network access to do their intended job it's useless. Just read last night that the developer has added profiles to +AF - that should be really cool.
I guess I'm spoiled a bit with Pdroid - it works so well and is very detailed.
Thanks for all the replies! Other suggestions, ideas, thoughts, opinions welcomed!
Mrktmind said:
I want to be able to granularly set the permissions for each app. From what I understand my options are:
Cyanogenmod - except CM10 for SGS2 is missing this at this time
Pdroid for GB
Pdroid 2.0 - running CM10 only
LBE (from China)
I have had Pdroid 2.0 running on CM10 for a few weeks but CM10 isn't stable - just had it auto-reboot in the middle of a call. Does anybody have any other ideas / suggestions?
On a related note - I'm wondering why it seems that most people aren't bothered with apps monitoring their use and even more important archiving all the data compiled on them?? The only thing that I can think of is that most cell phone / XDA users are really young and just don't know any better??? Didn't they pay any attention in history class?? What am I missing here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As an app developer, I can tell you that there are some shady apps, but if you download from good devs, the permissions are *usually* necessary. Here's some examples that people question the most:
Access to contacts... Assuming it's not a contact or sms app, if any app has a "share" feature needs this permission.
Access to sd card... Any app that saves anything or lets you change a background needs this.
Read phone state... So the app can properly call the "onpause" method when a call comes in.
Access to location... Assuming it's not a location app or game like ingress or zombies!Run!, you'll typically see this on free apps that have ads. Ads allow developers to get paid for their work while keeping the app free. They don't have access to the ad data, though. They just put in the api and the ad company handles the rest.
On top of that, large organizations will seek phone specific permissions like sim card numbers for analytics.
Google makes most of its money from ads, so it reads your usage to better target ads. Google also uses location data to improve location services like maps.
If you're worried about security, don't download a random app that only has 100+ downloads. If an app has 50000+ downloads, you can rest assured that it's already been vetted.
Also if you're downloading pirated apps, you're just a moron who is opening up his world to who knows who. Many (not all) pirated apps have added data mining code.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2
Who uses it?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
I use it, in PC & Nexus 4. Any question?
VivaErBetis said:
I use it, in PC & Nexus 4. Any question?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have. Does it slow down the system on n4, and have you notice it affecting battery life?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
I use it on my N4. No noticeable slow down or additional battery drain.
Sent from my Nexus 4
I really don't see the need for a antivirus program. Half the time it doesn't even catch it from reports I've read..and this goes for all the "name brands" programs.
Sent from my Nexus 4 16GB using Tapatalk 2
porkchopbolt said:
I have. Does it slow down the system on n4, and have you notice it affecting battery life?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No slowdown at all or battery drain. As far as I know the apps are checked only when you started them, so it may take longer, but I didn't noticed a big change. Internet navigation is fluid too.
The option to perform a periodic system scam is very quick too and works well.
And last but not least, it comes with an optional and very complete anti-thief solution that allows you to control some of the functions of the mobile from another mobile using SMS messages or just from avast web account. I've installed and tested it and is fantastic.
For me It's highly recommendable because nowadays Android is a growing market for malware.
Avg is cool with no battery drain. And yesh works
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
I don't use anti virus programs... I find it stupid that there are anti viruses on Android. It doesnt get any... I have seen articles saying Android gets them, but I used Android from the release of the Dream/G1 and never have any viruses.
Its on every computer and mobile device I own. GREAT Antivirus.
I use it on my phone as well. I use both Anti-Theft and Anti-Virus feature.
So did anyone ever catch any malware with it? :b
Well, aslng as it won't effect performence / battery drain, why not use it?
It is a layer of protection against 0-day exploits, finds some malware + anti-theft (which is the main rason I think about getting Avast).
I do. Besides, I am definitely a power user and I love every customization / functions / protection on my phone while doing my best to conserve battery and maximize performance.
Avast is currently the best antivirus software on the play store. I dont hear from others, I experience it. I used AVG and then Lookout when I used my LG Optimus One two years ago, and I found them crap. Not for the UI or simply the scanning ability, but the stupid limited functionality they tend to provide in the free version. As someone said above, its just an Android phone, not a big deal, many even thinks that antiviruses are totally not necessary, so why being so serious and offering paid features which is... as well not a big deal?
I don't say that an antivirus is a must, and in regard to the increased security Google offers in their Play Store last year, and even the apk scanning system introduced in android 4.2, the need for an additional antivirus program is nearly unnecessary.
Since the Galaxy Nexus, I said to myself Lookout is real crap I must find a better program then I found Avast, and got amazed. Lookout lags your phone when you install / update an app on the Play Store because the scanning process is bulky. However for Avast, it was totally a breeze.
The open-app scanning is really a top security function, but for the sake of maximizing battery life (reducing any possible additional cpu load), I disabled that. And before Android 4.2 I enabled the install-app scanning function, now it apparently can be disabled
The Web Shield is useful if you use stock browser (if in AOKP) or Chrome, I always enable that.
Privacy Advisor and Firewall are two bonus features which saves my phone space that I don't have to install another two separate apps for them. Network Meter should be designed for post-ICS devices and I have that disabled. SMS and Call filter are totally useful and working, another built-in feature that saves my space.
Last but not least the best free feature it offers is of course Anti-Theft. It does nothing harm to battery and performance and those Norton and Kaspersky make them paid features. Well, they are almost the same which gets triggered by SMSes. Avast offers all functions you can ever imagine in an anti-theft app and it once helped me to locate my phone in my relatives' home Try it and it will never regret.
Also in settings you can disable the ongoing notification if you would like to keep things minimal like me. All in all with the proper settings I can make Avast stay as my antivirus + antitheft when never giving a chance or reason for it to hog my cpu to affect performance / battery as most antivirus apps do, or what most users are concerned about it. I recommend to every of my friends, I hope you will like and enjoy using it too :laugh:
weeo said:
I don't use anti virus programs... I find it stupid that there are anti viruses on Android. It doesnt get any... I have seen articles saying Android gets them, but I used Android from the release of the Dream/G1 and never have any viruses.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It IS possible to get a virus on Android, but generally not if you only download apps, etc. from the Play store. I know of a friend who sideloaded a bad apk...
From what I've gathered, having an antivirus on android is pretty useless, unless sideloading downloaded apk's from what could be shady websites. Even then, android itself has a built in 'malware scanner' that checks for this stuff when you try to install a downloaded apk.
To be honest, I've never ever seen anyone report they've seen an antivirus on android catch anything. Nor have I seen it on my own devices either.
None the less, I guess it couldn't hurt having an extra layer of protection.
I do...
I use it on my laptop and reviewed it recently on my N4 for AndroidTapp. Good product and easy to use. It's very much a all-in-one solution which is good if you want something easy and effective but not-so-good if you're a bit paranoid about malware as you're putting all your eggs in one basket so-to-speak.
Malware on Android is massively over-rated and finding a virus on Google Play is very unlikely. I download all manner of apps and games for review on a daily basis- and have been doing so since 2009- and I've yet to find one solitary app that had something bad in it,
Unfortunately, the security of Android must really grate security companies so they put out fear-mongering stories about how insecure the platform is. They refer to 'research' but if they're doing the research themselves it's hardly objective, of course they are going to find threats! In truth it's pretty much all bullsh*t.
As has already been mentioned, the only chance you might find a virus really is if something is sideloaded to your device.
Do you realise that chances of getting a virus on android are lower than winning a lottery jackpot ?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
I guess I will disable open-app scanning.
Leaves me with:
Scan on Install
Anti-Theft
Call/MSG Filter
rest disabled.
BTW, there is an online Android malware scan here, for the records:
http://anubis.iseclab.org/
Hey there,
I'm developing my first Android app for Google Play named Nexus 4 companion. Basically it includes lots of tips and tricks (about 40-50 now), tips for certain apps, guide for rooting etc.
It's currently in some Alpha version, works flawlessly but need some modifications and features before I publish it.
Anyway if you have any non-standard tips and tricks you'd like to recommend me for putting into this app, please do so.
Also after finishing the app for Nexus 4, I planned releasing bunch of apps for most Android phones.
Very nice! cant wait to try it as long as no ads
leoaudio13 said:
Very nice! cant wait to try it as long as no ads
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Well honestly I thought of it, and I dislike ads too (even though I don't see them, got AdAway). But I need some form of monetization.
What I thought is charging (in-app) .99$ for complete rooting guide (custom roms, kernel, recovery, root etc.), and perhaps for recommended apps adding other apps willing to pay (if there are any). Nothing intrusive tho.
That would ruin the whole thing cause as soon as people see they need to pay, they'll run to google instead.
So you'd suggest a 100% free app (without ads)? I thought to earn some extra money after releasing app for every flagship phone out there.
If you charge for full rooting instructions they will just Google it and end up here. I would put adds in. Most people will either have them blocked or simply understand the point of them and appreciate a free useful app despite the adds that pop up
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Just use non-intrusive ads. Nobody minds that. Also, in main reading area don't use ads, put them in settings, categories, etc.
So, is the app up yet?
Just publish 2 versions, a free one which you can set ad-supported, and a donate version so that people who want to support you can buy it, without any restrictions on the free version. So is it up yet?
Sent from my sizzling hot and blazing fast Nexus 4