Is it necessary to install antivirus?

[mystvearn]

Just got my SGS2, and I went mad installing some 50 odd free apps from the android. I've downloaded the AVG antivirus. Is it necessary? It is running in the background idle at times which is draining the battery.

 

[ironass]

By using the "Search this Forum" you will see that there are already numerous threads on this already,
Here are a few:-

http://androidforums.com/android-applications/26812-android-viruses.html

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

http://androidforums.com/android-applications/330360-anti-virus-do-you-one.html

http://androidforums.com/android-applications/43572-antivirus-app-necessary.html

http://androidforums.com/android-applications/320482-antivirus-android.html

and the list goes on.

Basically the forum is divided about anti viruses and their usefulness.

I would read these and make your own mind up as you will only get more postings saying "Yes I do" and "No I don't".

IMHO, the best protection against viruses is not to be stupid!

Hope this helps.

 

[UKCatFan]

Many people say no. I keep Lookout on my phone, but mainly for the ability to locate my phone should it go missing.

 

[Clementine_3]

+1 to both!
If you are careful about what you install from where you should be OK. I too have Lookout, but mostly for the location service. I do let it scan apps as I install them but really think it's not necessary.

 

[mystvearn]

Thanks for the info. I've read somewhere recently that someone invented a sandboxing style app that lets you deny apps authorization after initially allowing authorization to certain data of your phone but the app is still in beta. Some sort of firewall for android. Does anyone know what is it?

 

[janpetras]

Dude, I don't use an anti-virus on Linux so I won't use one on Android that's for sure.

 

[mauiblue]

I was like the OP and installed dozens and dozens of apps within a week or two after receiving my Incredible. I thought about an AV app and installed Lookout! as it was free. After reinventing my Incredible phone quite a few times buy rooting, uninstalling, changing this and that, I finally went back to a stock phone, reinstalled much of my apps but left out the AV app. I am more discreet on what I install and many of the apps I've installed have never giving me any problems that would make me feel I need an AV app. I've slowed way down on what I install and I am very careful on what I download to my Incredible. So far, so good after almost a year of ownership.

 

[mystvearn]

Does lookout drain lots of battery? Using it now. Seems like its always on in the background

 

[zer0snap]

Does lookout drain lots of battery? Using it now. Seems like its always on in the background

It is always on (Im sure you can disable it to run in the background but if you are going to do that why have it installed?!) as it scans apps after you download them to make sure they are safe and it doesnt seem to hog much battery life afaik. I like Lookout as I always feel like I have some sort of protection running.

z.

 

[mystvearn]

It is always on (Im sure you can disable it to run in the background but if you are going to do that why have it installed?!) as it scans apps after you download them to make sure they are safe and it doesnt seem to hog much battery life afaik. I like Lookout as I always feel like I have some sort of protection running.

z.

Good point. No idea why I installed it actually I have some 80+ pages bookmark about android apps from lifehacker, so just installed it. It replaces both the avg av and the phone locator