is internet security needed?

[kilo6]

hi all! Bit of noob on this, is anti virus software needed on Android? Don't really want to dl one if its not, but also concerned about nasties if they do exist!

 

[lekky]

Nope, don't worry about getting one of those.

 

[paulinozzy]

Nope, don't worry about getting one of those.

Can you elaborate on this blanket statement?
Hi, Everybody.
Iam new to the site and I am looking for opinions re. installing A/V software on my HTC Desire, also the best one to use.I have read articles from "experts" espousing the fact that Android is Linux based and it is immune to viruses as they are all written for windows.
I just think it`s only a matter of time till some asshole without a life

deceides to write somthing naughty. Anyway thanks in advance for your replies and opinions.

 

[uzetaab]

1) well, linux is a very compartmentalised OS, which makes virus writing difficult.

2) The most likely vector for a virus is downloading an app from somewhere other than the market. If you stick to the market, your pretty safe. as long as you look at the number of downloads/reviews as well as reading what the app will access. Then use a little common sense & you'll be fine.

3) there are hundreds of millions of windows PCs on the net that are not properly secured. IF I was a virus writer, I wouldn't waste my time on a niche market like android.

4)many people here trust Lekky & don't need him to elaborate.

those enough reasons why you don't need a virus scan? There are more, but I'm going to bed.

 

[gibbs1984]

As it's based on Linux then as long as you don't root your phone then one won't be needed.

Linux isn't immune to viruses but it does a superb job of not letting them run.

 

[Quboid]

4)many people here trust Lekky & don't need him to elaborate.

He's just waiting for us to let down our guards.

Elaboration is always nice. Even if you do trust the source, it's nice to know why a conclusion was come to so that you can reconsider things if situations change.

But no, you don't need any anti-virus stuff unless you're the sort of person who opens email attachments like Selma_Hayek_nude.jpg.exe on your desktop. If you're installing exclusively from the market, just check the comments. If it's a newly released app, read all comments. If you're installing off-market, you need to use common sense.

 

[gibbs1984]

What damage would that .exe do though, Linux can't run .exe files natively, I don't know a great deal about the Android OS but it's based off Linux.

 

[Quboid]

"on your desktop"

I was just using it as an example of what the inexperienced and/or stupid do. On Android, .exe files do nothing.

 

[gibbs1984]

Oh right, I see

 

[Pryomancer]

In terms of the internet, the HTTPS protocol is the standard secure version of HTTP, and is just as encrypted on a mobile as it is on a normal pc.