Anitvirus for mobiles

[birkward]

Can anyone tell me if it is necessary to run an anitvirus programme on a mobile, does anyone have one and what would you recommend? Thanks

 

[SUroot]

Someone once said that a fake version of Angrybirds on teh market used some exploit. However I can't see how this was possible, but wouldn't rule it out.

Android runs applications in a sandboxed environment, and will only let applications have access to phone functions if the user specifically allows it (i.e. presses the allow button).

Personally I dont think it is neccessary, but in the situation where someone has allowed access to an application, I wouldn't know.

Always read reviews of apps

 

[sshadowbanee]

I use Dr.Web....not sure how good it is though...ratings were fine so

 

[SUroot]

The thing is, how can you rate an antivirus programme unless you have purposely pushed known android viruses to your phone to test detection rate and outcome?

 

[sshadowbanee]

To be honest i think they are useless really, maybe just for peace of mind.

 

[SUroot]

hehe.

Does it work in that respect?

 

[Uridium]

The thing is, how can you rate an antivirus programme unless you have purposely pushed known android viruses to your phone to test detection rate and outcome?

Is there not an Android equivalent of the 'Eicar test string'?

easy to find out though..just drop a file named eicar.com containg the text string below on to the phone

X5O!P%@AP[4\PZX54(P^)7CC)7}$EICAR-STANDARD-ANTIVIRUS-TEST-FILE!$H+H*

 

[Mattmann]

As Danfrance said, you have to allow it...

BBC News - Virus writers hit Google Android phones - this is a link to what BBC has stated to be "Virus Writers Hit Android Phones" - as there was an app that is a media player, but when opened, sent texts to a number that is premuim rate - thus costing money for you and making them money.

However, I wouldnt install a media player that asks for access to read/send text messages. (even though i hardly look at what they are asking, lol)

Thanks, Matt

 

[birkward]

Mmm food for thought. Thanks for your replies. It seem to me that most apps ask for access to all sorts of info and if one was wary of that you'd end up with no apps!

 

[SUroot]

As Danfrance said, you have to allow it...

BBC News - Virus writers hit Google Android phones - this is a link to what BBC has stated to be "Virus Writers Hit Android Phones" - as there was an app that is a media player, but when opened, sent texts to a number that is premuim rate - thus costing money for you and making them money.

However, I wouldnt install a media player that asks for access to read/send text messages. (even though i hardly look at what they are asking, lol)

Thanks, Matt

The permissions are ambiguous. It will ask for access to messaging app so It can listen to.receive sms events and allow your message notification to play.

I'm sure that would be typical of a media player

 

[Jammy]

Surely the use for these things is to prevent people from downloading Windows viruses to their phone and then transferring them to their computer?

 

[SUroot]

Surely the use for these things is to prevent people from downloading Windows viruses to their phone and then transferring them to their computer?

No, they're all for android / linux viruses.

 

[Rob Jones]

I use Lookout, it seems to scan all new apps

 

[birkward]

Thanks, will check out Lookout. Wavesecure is good but doesn't scan for viruses I don't think.