Android Anti virus software

sjmandroid · Jan 7, 2014

With PCs it seems to be recommended that you should have anti-virus software installed. However I haven't really come across the same recommendation for Android phones.

I'd be interested to hear people's opinions: Should I install an anti-virus app on my phone? Does it have much impact on performance?

dibblebill · Jan 7, 2014

It's really up to you. My antivirus resulted in a fun runaround because it isn't Android 4.4 compliant a short time ago that disabled my Nexus 10 for around 5 days.

Mostly they have decent anti-theft features, but if you are careful about what you install, malware/viruses really aren't an issue.

BigRedGonzo · Jan 7, 2014

I agree totally with Dibble. It is mostly a comfort level thing. There aren't many viruses at all that target Android, but there is a lot of malware that does. Most of the time, AV software doesn't catch malware, because you normally tell it that you want to install it. The Google Play Store (I really hate that name) does a really good job of policing this issue, but they aren't perfect. I use Kaspersky (mainly because I use it at home) and it has caught a sketchy app or two from the Play Store that contained things it didn't like, but nothing "dangerous" mostly air push stuff. However, the tracker/phone finder/anti-theft stuff does really give you a warm fuzzy feeling. I have used it with my 17 year old a couple of times to figure out where she was so I could tell her how to get home. I'm still not sure why using Maps doesn't come to mind when she gets lost. Anyway, the whole concept is more comfort level than anything.

dibblebill · Jan 7, 2014

What Android version are you using Kaspersky with? My copy went berserk in Android 4.4.

lansdowne · Jan 7, 2014

I've had Avast anti-virus for some time and I've found it excellent, and it's free

BigRedGonzo · Jan 7, 2014

Dibble,

I have 4.3 and had issues with the (then) current version of Kaskersky when I upgraded. I contacted them and they directed me to a Beta/RC version that fixed the issue until they updated it. You may want to contact support, they are really good about answering you.

You realize that you're just down the road from me. I live in Winston-Salem and work between Greensboro and Birlington. We're practically neighbors!!

Lansdowne,

We had someone decide that they didn't like Kaspersky at our church and uninstalled it and replaced it with the free version of Avast. They then came to me about issues with the PC. It was the main PC in our sound room and HAD to work properly. I removed Avast and the million crapware that installed with it and finally got it back up and running correctly. I did some research later and found many articles about the issues with Avast. If it works for you, fine, but I wouldn't use it.

dibblebill · Jan 7, 2014

BigRedGonzo said:
Dibble,

I have 4.3 and had issues with the (then) current version of Kaskersky when I upgraded. I contacted them and they directed me to a Beta/RC version that fixed the issue until they updated it. You may want to contact support, they are really good about answering you.

You realize that you're just down the road from me. I live in Winston-Salem and work between Greensboro and Birlington. We're practically neighbors!!

Lansdowne,

We had someone decide that they didn't like Kaspersky at our church and uninstalled it and replaced it with the free version of Avast. They then came to me about issues with the PC. It was the main PC in our sound room and HAD to work properly. I removed Avast and the million crapware that installed with it and finally got it back up and running correctly. I did some research later and found many articles about the issues with Avast. If it works for you, fine, but I wouldn't use it.

Strange. It worked properly on mine for Android 4.1 and 4.3 (phone and tab, respectively). It even ran under 4.4 on teh tab until I tested the remote lock feature. I'll reinstall it when I renew next month. The tech support I got wasn't very helpful at ALL, and basically I had to run him through step-by-step what was happening 2-3 times, then he asked me for all the information I initially entered into the form in the first place. Device, firmware version, Kaspersky version, etc. I've uninstalled it, so I can't pull that, and there's no record of it in any of my e-mails, so I gave up at that point.

Crashdamage · Jan 7, 2014

There's NO active Linux or Android viruses. NONE. There is some malware, yes. Viruses are a type of malware, but not all malware is a virus. That's very important distinction to keep in mind. Viruses are a much more serious problem than other types of malware.

Use common sense, only install from the Play store and you have little to worry about. No need for antivirus software.

MLSS · Jan 7, 2014

It is not necessary.
I have never heard of an android device getting a virus. The best anti virus is to use your head and only download from trusted sources.

Why download something that is just gonna use up RAM and resources if it's not needed?

Petrah · Jan 7, 2014

It's not really needed as long as you are diligent about checking out the apps that you want before you install them. Reading the comments on the Play Store for apps is a good example because people will create angry comments about bad (in regards to this topic) apps.

Along with the above, never installing apps from unofficial sources (ie warez sites or sites that you don't know) should also be observed. Sticking with the Play Store and reading the comments is your best bet. No need for scanners taking up your precious space or eating up your phones resources. It's just not necessary.

ClockworkImpulse · Jan 9, 2014

I've never needed it. The only program you need is Common Sense 2014 Edition. Just check permissions, if an app seems a bit sketchy delete it or don't install it.

codenutz · Jan 9, 2014

I would definitely recommend getting something like AVG on your android phone - I dont think the problem is that bad right now, but its only going to get worse.

electricpete · Jan 9, 2014

ClockworkImpulse said:
The only program you need is Common Sense 2014 Edition.

Interesting, do you gave a download link?

(just kidding)

dibblebill · Jan 9, 2014

I don't know about that. I thought it was "Things That Should Be Common Knowledge 2014", since "Common Sense" isn't... Common.

I got my copy when I was in high school. Wetware download through interactive textual resources.

sjmandroid · Jan 17, 2014

Thanks all. V. helpful.

Goodspike · Jan 17, 2014

Av-Comparatives now tests mobile software.

AV-Comparatives Mobile-Review » AV-Comparatives

!on · Jan 18, 2014

I use Lookout. It verifies your apps, makes backups, can locate your device with it. Probably don't need it but it's not doing any harm.

dibblebill · Jan 21, 2014

There aren't any.

dibblebill · Jan 23, 2014

melaney1551 said:
2 years ago, I used android phone and installed anti-virus program because, unlike
I phones, android phone has complicated system in deleting files.
Although you remove some files, they are still remained in main system(SD file).
android systems are like this and the fact that there is a lot of unknown files and virus is unavoidable, i think. so i installed "AL Yac", and nothing happened.

I would like to recommend downloading AL Yac app.

There are no viruses.

funkylogik · Jan 23, 2014

Lol one of the first android apps i ever installed like 3yrs ago was facebook and ive NEVER had a virus so facebook must kill viruses

Sorry, even for me that was too sarcastic. No harm intended

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