Is anti virus software worth installing on my s3?

phillhickey · Jul 21, 2012

I've seen different anti virus soft ware on Google play but I've read that android is virus free. Is it worth installing a/v?

andy-roid · Jul 21, 2012

I've had android phones for over 3 years and never used any

matttye · Jul 21, 2012

It's definitely possible to download malicious software onto Android, both from the Google Play Store and outside of it.

I don't use an Antivirus and just tend to only download popular applications with relatively high ratings. Whilst it's not impossible that malware could be popular, it's unlikely that lots of people would download it without realising it's malicious. Not completely safe but somewhat safer that downloading random apps with like 50 downloads.

I also look at the permissions each app needs. If a wallpaper app needs access to my contacts for example, I would question why that is before I download it.

phillhickey · Jul 21, 2012

I see what your saying mattye. It just seems strange that you can down load a/v if it's not necessary.

I also tend to down load well know apps, manly because they tend to be better quality.

I've had a S2 and S3 for three years to and I've had no problems with viruses/malware etc.

Thanks for the reply guys.

matttye · Jul 21, 2012

phillhickey said:
I see what your saying mattye. It just seems strange that you can down load a/v if it's not necessary.

I also tend to down load well know apps, manly because they tend to be better quality.

I've had a S2 and S3 for three years to and I've had no problems with viruses/malware etc.

Thanks for the reply guys.

I wouldn't necessarily say they're not necessary, I just think that I exercise enough caution not to have to use one. I'll probably get burnt one day, but for now I seem to be getting on fine without one.

JD_Racer_Dad · Jul 21, 2012

I use Lookout. I first got it for my LG Ally. It can over ride vibrate and find my phone in house (or my daughter's) if misplaced from any PC or someone else's phone. It has a locate function with mapping as well.
I found I liked the contact backup and it has an antivirus included.
I use the free version.
Don't know if I would have loaded an Anti-Virus other wise.

WA_Bob · Jul 21, 2012

I use Avast, which I have on our home PCs. The android version is free and comprehensive and, after seeing what other folks have gone though with having to reformat hard drives and get burned by malware on their phones, I'll be safe. I know Lookout is another very good choice and it's free also.

chillibean · Jul 21, 2012

I use Avast but mainly for its anti theft features

craighwk · Jul 21, 2012

Yes, Avast or Lookout are probably your best choices. Avast is coming out with a nice web portal so it won't be limited to SMS commands any more.

And yes, you should. Android malware has been increasing and will likely continue to.

Is anti virus software worth installing on my s3?

Lurker

Android Enthusiast

Android Expert

Lurker

Android Expert

Newbie

Android Expert

Well-Known Member

Android Enthusiast

BEST TECH IN 2023

Smartphones

Best Android Phones

Upcoming

Best iPhones

Upcoming

Tablets

Best Tablets

Upcoming

Laptops

Best Laptops

Upcoming

Televisions

Best TVs

Upcoming

Game Consoles

Best Game Consoles

Upcoming

Wearables

Best Wearables

Upcoming

Smart Home

Smart Home Tech

Upcoming

Similar threads