Develop Bugs

What Phone Security is necessary?

What kind of security is recommended to set up on phone? I.e virus scan, firewall etc.
Thanks.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App

I am currently testing Lookout Pro but I am new to smartphones so I would be interested in more experienced users responses.

Android is a modified Linux image. Linux needs antivirus like a fish needs a bicycle.

This is really a controversial issue, with most people seeing phone antivirus as not necessary. Personally I don't see the harm, Lookout is a good app that scans apps as well as locates your phone if it gets stolen. It's what I use.
Other than that just always use a secure wifi connection and only download apps you trust and you should be good to go!
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

I've been using lookout for almost a 2 months it drains my battery fast, but I still use it battery's not a problem though.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App

It is *impossible* for an anti-virus to work on Android. If it did, then BY VERY DEFINITION, the anti-virus would actually be ***A VIRUS***. No installed application can access any data related to any other application unless either signed with the same private key (i.e., was produced by the same developer), or it is accessing information SPECIFICALLY SHARED by that other application.
Don't waste your limited brain capacity messing with antivirus nonsense. This concept only applies to MS WINDONKEYS, which has world renowned smoke and mirrors in place of ANY form of security.
A strong kernel is better than any kind of nonsense scanner.

dhkr123 said:
It is *impossible* for an anti-virus to work on Android. If it did, then BY VERY DEFINITION, the anti-virus would actually be ***A VIRUS***. No installed application can access any data related to any other application unless either signed with the same private key (i.e., was produced by the same developer), or it is accessing information SPECIFICALLY SHARED by that other application.
Don't waste your limited brain capacity messing with antivirus nonsense. This concept only applies to MS WINDONKEYS, which has world renowned smoke and mirrors in place of ANY form of security.
A strong kernel is better than any kind of nonsense scanner.
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I LOL'd.
10 characters

Been using cell phones for over 20 years, I have used just about every platform, I have yet to come across a virus on a cell phone, right now waste of money, memory phone resources etc.

Took you guys advice and removed the trial Lookout app from my phone, tks!

Quick question I only have been using lookout cause of the GPS tracking incase my phone got stolen anyone know any other apps that do just that without taking up a ton of resources and battery?

Ditto. Android's modified Linux. If anything, Antivirus is just gonna slow it down. Beside, it's awful hard for anything to gain root access (needed to actually infect the system) without ADB. Without this element, a factory reset would destroy any remnants of a virus if any such beast even exists for Android. I seriously doubt anyone has anything to worry about as far as this is concerned.
Most would-be thieves are stopped simply by potential consequences. They know there's a GPS chip in those phones. Theft of service? In a lot of states, automatic felony. If not, the value of the phone alone could push a felony. Who knows if you have GPS tracking software installed? The IMEI blacklist which is activated when you report your phone stolen, essentially rendering it useless? The fact that it's a federal crime simply to change the IMEI to get around the blacklisted number. So many things to think about. Cell phone theft just isn't that common anymore.
So the likelihood of your phone catching a virus? Slim/none. The likelihood of it getting stolen? Also slim. Unless some idiot really wants that phone, which'll shut off as soon as you report it stolen anyway.
I've been using Android since it came out on the G1. I say just enjoy it. Save your space for more useful (or fun) apps.

[Q] Lookout or Kaspersky?

I know some of you might say these kind of apps are useless but just for the sake of argument (and to feel safe since I had a issue with my phone days ago) which one gives more security to your phone? and which one is less heavy on the cpu and battery,Lookout or Kaspersky?

I know u don't want people to tell you that these apps are useless but corrent me if I'm wrong but you can't actually get viruses on phones. (As in Linux due to there being no executable file extensions).
Sorry I don't actually have an answer to your question but I doubt many people use these apps.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA Premium App

It's certainly possible to get a virus on Android (Linux too for that matter), in fact there's been a few cases lately. I have no idea whether or not the risks are high enough to justify installing anti-virus software right now but I did for peace of mind.
As to which is better that's up for debate. Personally I settled for Lookout as it fit the bill nicely and didn't slow down my phone, but try both and see which you prefer.

Im using lookout atm and it doesn't seem to drain battery too much, with the new kernel and latest radio Im getting 24 hrs battery life with normal usage

If your DHD is rooted, etc... then just be mindful of what you are installing outside of the Market.
The recent incident involving malware in the Market probably would not have been prevented by these apps anyway as it happened very quickly. Google identified the apps in question, pulled them, pushed the remote kill-switch and issued a fix to affected handsets.
If your DHD is not rooted then there would be no need to have either of those, or any of those type of app. You are protected by S-ON, that alone will undo any system changes when you reboot.
Back to your question. I'd pick Lookout, it was the first you mentioned therefore your (subconscious) preferred choice.

I use Lookout also. The features are nice, and they send me weekly emails of what I did with my phone, and it backs up everything, has phone locator, phone wipe, and tells me when the definition database has been updated. It's a nice alternative to the ever-not-working HTCsense.com.

I lost my GNEX!! Advice to all users, install GPS tracking apps!

So. I was in a hookah bar in Texas. I'm almost sure I put my GNEX in my pocket right before I left! Must have slipped while I thought I was sliding it in my jacket's pocket!
This is not a thread to complain or for you to feel sorry for me. My previous phone was a Motorola Atrix 4G, which can be GPS-tracked and remotely-wiped through the MotoBlur website. I must have been too excited with the GNEX that I did not find the time to check if I had the same options in case of emergencies. It seems Google Nexus phones does not have a similar feature by default. I went back home and tried tracking the NEX but no go. I did not have any apps for this functionality pre-installed. **pulls hair**. There's an app called "Plan B" which can be installed remotely using your account in the Android market website to enable GPS locating. Sadly, It did not work for me. Maybe it's not updated to support ICS yet.
Anyway, I'm just saying make sure to install a reliable GPS tracking app and test it in case you misplace your GNEX phones. (maybe even recommend us one?)
I used my brother's iPhone 4S later that night and I almost laughed despite how sad I was for my loss. The iphone feels like a little toy after getting used to the GNEX. I felt the same when I went back to my Atrix too, which has an even larger screen than the iphone 4s. I concluded, there's no going back.. I ordered another GNEX today!
Good luck.

CyberPunk7t9 said:
So. I was in a hookah bar in Texas. I'm almost sure I put my GNEX in my pocket right before I left! Must have slipped while I thought I was sliding it in my jacket's pocket!
This is not a thread to complain or for you to feel sorry for me. My previous phone was a Motorola Atrix 4G, which can be GPS-tracked and remotely-wiped through the MotoBlur website. I must have been too excited with the GNEX that I did not find the time to check if I had the same options in case of emergencies. It seems Google Nexus phones does not have a similar feature by default. I went back home and tried tracking the NEX but no go. I did not have any apps for this functionality pre-installed. **pulls hair**. There's an app called "Plan B" which can be installed remotely using your account in the Android market website to enable GPS locating. Sadly, It did not work for me. Maybe it's not updated to support ICS yet.
Anyway, I'm just saying make sure to install a reliable GPS tracking app and test it in case you misplace your GNEX phones. (maybe even recommend us one?)
I used my brother's iPhone 4S later that night and I almost laughed despite how sad I was for my loss. The iphone feels like a little toy after getting used to the GNEX. I felt the same when I went back to my Atrix too, which has an even larger screen than the iphone 4s. I concluded, there's no going back.. I ordered another GNEX today!
Good luck.
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Bummer.. I'm using AndroidLost from the market, top app!

Vangelis13 said:
Bummer.. I'm using AndroidLost from the market, top app!
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Androidlost helped me find my wife's lost HTC Legend and has some pretty cool features.

I doubt you need the reminder but I recommend changing your passwords.
Did you try calling your phone?

@CyberPunk7t9 bummer mate.. Really sorry to hear that ..
I installed AndroidLost.. Its AWSOME

To use Plan B you have to have lookout installed. This is why I get insurance on my phone
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

i purchased cerebus for my 3 andriod phones on my account. if you root you can install it in the system folder so even a factory wipe wont get rid of it. great app.

sahakiap said:
i purchased cerebus for my 3 andriod phones on my account. if you root you can install it in the system folder so even a factory wipe wont get rid of it. great app.
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Same here. Cerberus is awesome. It takes pictures, track, wipe, auto turn data/gps on.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

_Gir_ said:
I doubt you need the reminder but I recommend changing your passwords.
Did you try calling your phone?
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Yes, I did change my Google account password right after I failed to track the device. I needed the password to be unchanged until I (quickly) try to locate the device using the Plan B app.
A reminder to people who lose their phones..
If you somehow fail to locate your lost device and feel or knew it might be in someone else's hands:
-Change your Gmail/Google password.
-Login to Google Checkout and remove all credit cards added to your account.
-Inform your phone provider/carrier to disable your SIM. Excessive usage of data can show up on your bill if you have limited plans.
Also, If you have Google Maps Latitude service enabled, It's possible with some luck to locate the phone accurately by logging in to the Google Latitude website and look for yourself.

xXJay_RXx said:
To use Plan B you have to have lookout installed. This is why I get insurance on my phone
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
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No you don't.. I've used Plan B without Lookout before.
This is the first and only 'find my phone' app that you download AFTER you've already lost your phone. Having Lookout on your phone is the best way to protect your phone and find it fast, but use Plan B if you have already lost your phone and didn't have Lookout installed.
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I don't know about Android Lost, haven't tried it but I believe Phone Locator Pro has to be the best thing out there. It has every option imaginable including the ability to continuosly send what ever message you want to your phone for the thief to read, but he still can't unlock it. Also takes a silent snap shot from the front camera of your device on any failed unlock attempts and sends it immediately to your email.

sahakiap said:
i purchased cerebus for my 3 andriod phones on my account. if you root you can install it in the system folder so even a factory wipe wont get rid of it. great app.
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how do you install in the system folder
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

DroidHam said:
how do you install in the system folder
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
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Put the apk into system/app folder.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

I used to use GotYa but now I don't use an unlock screen... just installed Android Lost because of all the positive recommendations. Looks good!
I watch over my phone like a hawk, but it never hurts to have a backup plan.

I also installed AndroidLost. It can be hidden without rooting and you have to administer it from the website.

Sorry you lost your phone, that really sucks
I should probably heed your advice and install one of these GPS programs but I have concerns.
1. Surely they drain your battery quite a lot?
2. Wouldn't you have to leave GPS on all the time?
3. I'm not sure I'd trust some random company with all my data..
4. Would it actually help you find it? I mean if you lose your phone someone's going to take it aren't they?
Thoughts?

case0 said:
Sorry you lost your phone, that really sucks
I should probably heed your advice and install one of these GPS programs but I have concerns.
1. Surely they drain your battery quite a lot?
2. Wouldn't you have to leave GPS on all the time?
3. I'm not sure I'd trust some random company with all my data..
4. Would it actually help you find it? I mean if you lose your phone someone's going to take it aren't they?
Thoughts?
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I'll answer first cerberus.
1. Battery isn't affected at all, it will track your phone when you'll log in on a pc. So it's not tracking 100% of the time.
2. You can turn it off, when you'll go on the website you can turn it on. So you can loose your phone, turn it on and find it back. So even if the thief turn gps and data off, you can reenable them from the website.
3. I trust them
4. Yeah it will help, you'll see his position on Google map and every time he try to unlock it,. It. Take a picture with front camera. It will be easy to recognize the thief.
The app doesn't appear on the phone and it can't be installed and deleted without your cerberus username and password.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

case0 said:
Sorry you lost your phone, that really sucks
I should probably heed your advice and install one of these GPS programs but I have concerns.
1. Surely they drain your battery quite a lot?
2. Wouldn't you have to leave GPS on all the time?
3. I'm not sure I'd trust some random company with all my data..
4. Would it actually help you find it? I mean if you lose your phone someone's going to take it aren't they?
Thoughts?
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Click to collapse
1. Not necessarily, but they need to run in the background, yeah.
2. The app would be given permission to turn on GPS if it's off.
3. There are some apps which need a lot of permission to work properly (like Light Flow), that's why users should look for apps by recognized developers if they decide to install apps like that, not just random one from the market.
4. Yes it can. I once lost my Atrix phone and found it in my friend's car under the seat after GPS-tracking it in the Motorola website. So, It's not ONLY for cases of theft although it can help with that.
If I had a GPS tracking app in my lost GNEX, I'd be able to tell it was still in the hookah bar where I believe I lost it and confront them there about it, but I had no proof. I'd rather lose the money than accuse the employees there without an evidence.

Hookah bar.. hmm do you live in spring texas?
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium

Do you live in San Antonio?
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

[Q] is there a app to make shutting down the device require a password?

I need some help in trying to find an app that requires a pass code or password to allow the device to shutdown and enter airplane mode. Why you may ask well because while my phone is protected against theft via Cerberus someone could easily shut it down or make it go into airplane mode if it required a pass code then a thief wouldn't be able to do so thus letting me track down the device. I know a battery pull could still make it all useless but my phones case an otter box defender is a bit hard to take off and they'll probably turn on the phone at some point if they where to pull the battery. Anyways if any one knows an app that could do this I would highly appreciate someone telling me what it is. Thanks in advance.
Sent from my Sprint Galaxy Nexus CDMA using XDA

Bump?
Sent from my Sprint Galaxy Nexus CDMA using XDA

I have an Otterbox Defender and it's quite simple to remove it, not hard at all.
Beyond that, if a thief was smart enough, they'd reinstall the battery and go into a method to factory reset it or write the ROM clean.
I understand your point of making things slightly more difficult, but nothing is theft proof, and as such, if they want it they'll take it.
Beyond that, even the best of trackers will not have the police knocking on doors to retrieve it... All the thief has to say is "I don't know what you're taking about" and refuse admittance in to his home.
No judge will authorize a warrant to enter a home to retrieve a cell phone that may or may not be there. GPS systems don't have pin point accuracy, so your phone could be next door or across the street.
So really theft trackers are ok, but slightly useless for retrieval methods.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

I've been curious as to whether it'd be possible to "write protect" your custom rom installs, essentially requiring a password to flash a new kernel or rom

Yeah I know nothing is theft proof but still I would like that little extra protection. And also I'm sure someone could make a recovery that could require a password. Someone should request that im pretty sure someone can do it with like twrp 2 and I would also rather have a thief steel a phone that's useless to them than something they could use.
Sent from my Sprint Galaxy Nexus CDMA using XDA

Avast Mobile Security writes the anti-theft to root. So even a factory reset the app will survive. and has sim detection.
Theft can just pull the battery that no one can stop. Unless you have a internal battery.

Yeah battery pull seems to be the only way to make any anti theft app useless and I use Cerberus which has a similar feature where even after you factory reset it will remain on the system pretty good considering I was able to get a free license to it
Sent from my Sprint Galaxy Nexus CDMA using XDA

I'm not sure anything will survive a new rom flash.
At least your data will be somewhat protected.

r29 said:
Avast Mobile Security writes the anti-theft to root. So even a factory reset the app will survive. and has sim detection.
Theft can just pull the battery that no one can stop. Unless you have a internal battery.
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How does it write anti-theft to root? Do you mean it makes it a system app?

This is one of the only things I like about Apple, is that if your phone gets stolen, you can easily lock it, and nothing gets passed it unless you go to and Apple store.
I'm sure there's another method, but that would require good knowledge of computers and code and most thief's probably don't know about that stuff.
Sent from someone's Galaxy Nexus running AOKP + Franco

Would be smarter to build an app to make it look as if the phone had shutdown. Especially since of they can't shut it down from the power menu then they would just pull the battery.
Sent From My Sprint Galaxy Nexus via XDA Premium

Antivirus (lookout) worth it? Or battery eater?

Simple question really. I've been using lookout on my s3 since June 2012(ish) never saw a warning of any kind. Never blocked a web page that I'm aware of. Never warned me of malware. Scans everything I install from anywhere.
Curious if antivirus (like lookout) are worth it or just eat battery??
Sent using T999 with DarthStalker ROM

My opinion: worthless
Just be careful and watch what you download.
|When Emotion Goes Up, Logic Goes Down|
|Even If You Fall Face First You're Still Moving Forward|

I agree. The best Anti-Malware/AntiVirus is common sense.

Araltd said:
Simple question really. I've been using lookout on my s3 since June 2012(ish) never saw a warning of any kind. Never blocked a web page that I'm aware of. Never warned me of malware. Scans everything I install from anywhere.
Curious if antivirus (like lookout) are worth it or just eat battery??
Sent using T999 with DarthStalker ROM
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I've been using since my original droid more because of the locate feature. Granted there are other apps out there that do the same thing but lookout was one of the first so I'm just sticking with it. I've never considered it an anti-virus for web browsing though. There have been reports of it catching some things on play store but yeah idk lol.

I use it just like I do on my PC. My PC's malware blocks maybe 1 threat a year or less - I figure why not have Avast/etc in case something ever happens on Android ? I'm not seeing any difference in battery so it's just invisible to me.

It caused me drainage when I first got my phone...I removed it and never looked back. I do not always download on my phone so I never have to worry about virus and all that thing....but if you really need one try avast or advance system care for the mobiles.

btw just checked my batt stats, lookout isnt even showing up on my usage stats