Avast for Android!

[cammykool]

https://market.android.com/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwyLDEsImNvbS5hdmFzdC5hbmRyb2lkLm1vYmlsZXNlY3VyaXR5Il0.

it works really well on the optimus v!

 

[brotherswing]

It would be interesting to see a comparison of the various security apps for android. Like a Consumer Reports style test of AVG vs Avast vs Lookout, etc.

So, everybody, what's your fave and why? I like Lookout, but don't leave it installed all the time. I install a backup of it when I sideload new apps, or visit somewhat shady websites. The rest of the time, I don't use it.

 

[cammykool]

im bonn have my avast installed 24/7 it doesn't slow down cm7 at all

weird thing is there are root modes too

 

[benslgdroid]

I don't use anything. I don't install anything with wonky permissions like record in call

 

[brotherswing]

I don't use anything. I don't install anything with wonky permissions like record in call

And there you go!

 

[hiwatt]

That's great, but I've never seen a need for anti virus on Android. It's little more than snake oil and another way for the app to access things it doesn't need to access.

 

[JerryScript]

If any of these so called antivirus programs for Android can prove they do anything particularly useful, I may endorse one. At this time, there are no viruses on Android, and malware is detected and removed by Google. Once new malware comes out, these apps have no way of knowing it, and cannot protect you.

The best these apps can do is give you some uninformed peace of mind, the worst is they can bog down your system. For now, I cannot recommend them.

 

[AndyOpie150]

Hey JerryScript. Have you tried Kinetoo? It has warned me on several occasions of sites and one app. I can also do a full scan like PC. This may not be necessary now, but might come in handy later. Site and app info are based on info in the cloud.

 

[JerryScript]

Warnings, even from the cloud, will never be able to prevent zero-day exploits. These are the only type of exploits I personally worry about, because no matter what you do, you cannot protect yourself against them.

My other main concern is that these so called antivirus apps are given permissions that are dangerous. Due to Android's permissions management, if they themselves are compromised or written poorly, they can cause more harm than good.

I am currently working on a major security upgrade for BACKside, downloads are currently automatic once a link/button is pressed, no confirmation. They can also be triggered by apps with no confirmation, and even trigger installation in the background with no notification. This is VERY dangerous. I intend to add a download prompt, which can be disabled in settings for those who like to live dangerously.

 

[brotherswing]

Sounds good to me!

 

[cammykool]

avast runs fine on cm7

 

[brotherswing]

avast runs fine on cm7

Yes, but if you don't need it, why waste the space and bandwidth?

 

[cammykool]

it has greatanti theft

 

[brotherswing]

Be that as it may, there are many apps for that like Seekdroid and Wheresmydroid. For me, those are useless. My OV hasn't been more than three feet away from me in the past eleven months. Then again, I'm neurotic.

 

[Petrah]

Cammy, if you like Avast and any of the extras it adds to your phone, then keep it.

C'mon guys, let's stay on topic. There's a bazillion other threads on these forums about why you should or shouldn't use antivirus on an android phone.

 

[350X]

Found a recent review on cnet.com "Free Android antivirus apps fail to cut it" when I went looking for one. They did say virus protection on Android was mostly snake oil and the best of the worst was, the free app Zoner antivirus but even being the best it was only 32% effective.

 

[brotherswing]

As long as you deny root access to any app you don't recognize, you should be good to go.

 

[RedMurkal]

Found a recent review on cnet.com "Free Android antivirus apps fail to cut it" when I went looking for one. They did say virus protection on Android was mostly snake oil and the best of the worst was, the free app Zoner antivirus but even being the best it was only 32% effective.

Id like to know on what part of CNet you found that review. I fallow CNet and Avast. I seen nothing of what you say. Im not saying your making this up, just it doesnt seem true. At least by what Ive seen there is no review currently available by CNet for Avast mobile version.

 

[Atma]

Cut > Paste > Google > Voila Free Android antivirus apps fail to cut it
Although I don't see Avast mentioned.

 

[benslgdroid]

Id like to know on what part of CNet you found that review. I fallow CNet and Avast. I seen nothing of what you say. Im not saying your making this up, just it doesnt seem true. At least by what Ive seen there is no review currently available by CNet for Avast mobile version.

Was up a while ago

 

[350X]

Id like to know on what part of CNet you found that review. I fallow CNet and Avast. I seen nothing of what you say. Im not saying your making this up, just it doesnt seem true. At least by what Ive seen there is no review currently available by CNet for Avast mobile version.

If you took my quoted text, the article title, its the number 1 result on google

"Free Android antivirus apps fail to cut it"

http://www.google.com/search?client...il+to+cut+it&sourceid=opera&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8

and it was from nov 15 2011, so I don't think avast got tested.

 

[RedMurkal]

Cut > Paste > Google > Voila Free Android antivirus apps fail to cut it
Although I don't see Avast mentioned.

Thanx for the link. But as I thought no mention of Avast. Security may be falling short for Android devices. But ive used Avast for sometime on PC, with good results. Im going to give their team my trust. The internet is getting worse everyday..........at least thats what we hear. I wonder really what a person has to do to come across these threats. Maybe Im lucky or maybe Avast works. I hope that I never find out for sure.

 

[RedMurkal]

If you took my quoted text, the article title, its the number 1 result on google

"Free Android antivirus apps fail to cut it"

Free Android antivirus apps fail to cut it - Google Search

and it was from nov 15 2011, so I don't think avast got tested.

Didnt intend to pick you apart on that. Just was shocked that Avast would get singled out. CNet has given Avast some good reviews.

 

[RedMurkal]

Found a recent review on cnet.com "Free Android antivirus apps fail to cut it" when I went looking for one. They did say virus protection on Android was mostly snake oil and the best of the worst was, the free app Zoner antivirus but even being the best it was only 32% effective.

Lol ok I didnt read your text write my fault sorry. I thought you mentioned Avast. Wow to much time reading this stuff..........

 

[paulhead]

Weird thing happened. I installed avast mobile on my hero (non-rooted) yesterday and it seemed to be working fine. At 2am I get a Facebook notification with a song in my library that I never set up in settings. I'm like WTH, turn it off, and go back to sleep. This morning I'm looking at the app and it's telling me an app has a problem, big red message like a virus warning, and it's asking if I want to uninstall the affected app. I click yes and then avast uninstalls itself! any ideas?