Do Virus spread in Android Devices?

[Gaaneshh]

Hi,

Though it might be simple one yet i need a correct answer or a reason for it.
"Though Android is developed as an open source development project and considering the fact that its made out of Linux kernel, how do Viruses or malware spread in such a situation?"

Please explain me briefly about this or do share me if there is any link explaining. Any suggestions on this is appreciable.

 

[bioforce]

http://androidforums.com/android-ap...ps-avoid-viruses-guide-those-new-android.html

Short answer: The only way to get any crap on your phone is to purposely install it yourself by accepting bad permissions and/or dodgy sources.

 

[aysiu]

Is this a homework assignment?

 

[mikedt]

They don't.

 

[indybail]

I have never experienced a Android virus issue nor do I know anyone who has.

 

[darkestred]

Hi,

 

[thedosbox]

A virus that might work on one device won’t magically spread to another.”

Android is naturally virus-resistant

Incorrect. Vulnerabilities and exploits continue to be discovered in Android, and it's just a matter of time before someone crafts a suitably widespread delivery mechanism Android Application Allows Remote Access - No Permissions Required | threatpost

 

[aysiu]

Incorrect. Vulnerabilities and exploits continue to be discovered in Android, and it's just a matter of time before someone crafts a suitably widespread delivery mechanism Android Application Allows Remote Access - No Permissions Required | threatpost

And when people exploit the vulnerability, "antivirus" will do nothing to stop it.

 

[thedosbox]

And when people exploit the vulnerability, "antivirus" will do nothing to stop it.

Take note of where I cut the quote.

 

[aysiu]

Take note of where I cut the quote.

I did, and I appreciate that. I just don't want people seeing "there could be vulnerabilities" and then translating that to "I'd better install antivirus right now!"

 

[thedosbox]

I did, and I appreciate that. I just don't want people seeing "there could be vulnerabilities" and then translating that to "I'd better install antivirus right now!"

That's a fair concern, and I agree that you can never underestimate people's capacity to do foolish things. However, the truth remains - android is not inherently virus/malware proof.

 

[jerofld]

The chance of a virus (easily transmittable malware that can infect your device without any knowledge of the user) is extremely unlikely. And I doubt many virus authors would even bother. They would have to program something that could interact with the Dalvik VM and then attack the core of Android.

Now trojan attacks that exploits security loopholes in the permission system? Far more likely.

 

[aysiu]

The chance of a virus (easily transmittable malware that can infect your device without any knowledge of the user) is extremely unlikely. And I doubt many virus authors would even bother. They would have to program something that could interact with the Dalvik VM and then attack the core of Android.

Now trojan attacks that exploits security loopholes in the permission system? Far more likely.

If I were to write malware for Android, I would certainly make a trojan instead of a virus. Why? Because in order for my virus to be successful, 1) I have to discover a vulnerability in Android and 2) Google has to make it sure it never patches that vulnerability. In order for my trojan to be successful, all I have to do is find a bunch of gullible users to install my "useful" or "pirated" app, and then I've infected their devices. There doesn't seem to be a universal patch for gullible users.

 

[Gaaneshh]

Not a one buddy!! Simple but i do need a answer for it....

 

[!on]

I think you had more chance of virus on Nokias which was greatly reduced by newer incartations of Symbian. Even then I think they were only spread by bluetooth, I remember seeing * one * file requesting my attention ending in ".sis" (symbian file type, not a .jpg or .mp3). It required the user (me) to physically press the accept button. Nope

I have no idea what an Android specific file type for unix would be, as I've never seen one. I'm guessing this is the same argument "do macs get virus" (well they probably do, but can't do much on a unix platform without giving permission).

The problem still remains, as one poster above said "gullible users" who are childish enough to accept any incoming object & not knowing what a file extension is.