yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[General Topics] smokinwhisper:
As long as ya download and install apk from sources you personally trust you should be fine, I have never gotten a virus on my phone, computer is a different story though, a good cleaner is always nice to have been looking for one of those. I know on iPhone icleaner was a life saver but no idea on a good one for Android.
[General Topics] aestylis:
Yes/no

I am mixed, on one hand, my wife uses lookout security on her LG G2 and has never had any issues with it, no battery drain, etc. But on my personal devices I feel no need to use anything. As long as you only install applications that are trustworthy (that includes apps on the appstore as some can be malicious) you should be fine. Personal preference really. Try one out, if it doesn't do anything for you uninstall it and move on.
[General Topics] simonbigwave:
I feel you do need an antivirus now due to the amount of viruses in pdf files you may download and not scan. also new fake sites that look like original sites you may click on by mistake. kaspersky mobile and ESET seem to not drain battery too much. The CleanMaster app also has an internal antivirus but its more for scanning files after to check. not real time.
[General Topics] Skalofrio12:
All the apps are downloaded via Play Store, so it's no need to install anti-virus apps on my phone. :D The only needed app for me is Android recovery app that help people retrieve deleted files on Android phone or tablet.
[General Topics] simonbigwave:
not really. its possible to get a virus not from apps but from browsing and clicking a bad web or email url by mistake
[General Topics] Danusyakti:
i'm android user since 2011 and never used antivirus for all android i ever used, no problem at all:good:
[General Topics] Evanescent:
it's possible to get it by other ways ever by apps takes in play store, Google has just remove a good quantity of malicious software that initially has some function and with an update became virus or something like that but is ever difficult to encounter in this problem (but not impossible)

I think finally that FOR ME is useless have an antivirus
[General Topics] simonbigwave:
the problem is, alot of people get infected with a virus or malware, and they have no idea without an antivirus scan.

---------- Post added at 02:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:56 PM ----------

more info here some may find interesting http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/do-you-need-antivirus-on-android/
[General Topics] itsBasti:
I think that you don't need an antivirus programm on android without root. Just think over what you are downloading...
[General Topics] simonbigwave:
not really. many phishing scams, malware, ransomware, indected pdf files etc. Just "thinking over" what you download may not be safe-enough either nowadays.
[General Topics] JulianAT:
Download apps only via Google Play Store, check the permissions of each app and use your brain.

That should be enough.

But ok, this is not as easy as it should be...

A friend of me asked me to help him, because he had a "virus" on his smartphone...

It wasn't really a virus. He just clicked a link on Facebook and there has been opened ~30 tabs with ads like "UPDATE YOUR PHONE NOW!!!"...
[General Topics] simonbigwave:
that's my point. people don't realise they can get viruses Trojans via bad urls or phishing emails that look legit. even 'experts' can get fooled. so its not just about downloading from google play only, as we know there has been malware on Google Play store before.
[General Topics] a g bell:
Can someone please tell what virus|trogan l can get on my phone via a email etc ?
[General Topics] ssali shafiq:
Having an antivirus on an android phone isn't necessary if you more of an Instagram, twitter, Facebook social person (i mean just chatting with friends and checking statuses) ,But i do say it may come in handy if you more of a root person and use your phone as storing and copying data between your PC and Phone a lot, preventing simple worms and annoying shortcuts that maybe created on your storage.
[General Topics] a g bell:
There are lot of claims by various sources oh you need anti virus buy it here but unless you plug your phone into PC why do you need it ?
[General Topics] gieoxda:
Ghost push trojan
[General Topics] simonbigwave:
example, new Android banking trojans via sms https://threatpost.com/new-banking-trojan-targets-android-steals-sms/110819/

---------- Post added at 07:58 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:55 PM ----------

also recent article "trojans hide in Google Play games" https://www.grahamcluley.com/2016/01/android-trojan-steganography/
[General Topics] zelendel:
And non of the anti virus apps will pick it up.

As for the banking issue, not a big deal as most people are smart enough not to do banking on a mobile phone.
[General Topics] TyrellP:
I don't find the need to go use one
[General Topics] williamacker77:
Recently I opened a video on Messenger that came from an old friend. When I opened it , my Note 3 started blinking and vibrating. Whatever it was took over my Messenger app and sent itself to all 350 of my friends on Facebook. I did a factory reset from recovery , but even that did not get rid of it. I had to wipe my phone , and install the stock kernel using Odin. Is there an app that can scan an attachment in an email or from social media on demand , without running all the time and slowing down my phone ?
[General Topics] Walds:
I've been asked this question dozen of times and always replied: -no. I've read several comments and they've nested some doubts in my mind.
[General Topics] eddie-lu:
I would recommend avast mobile security, it works fine on my phone.
[General Topics] wuodland:
Re: Do we really need an antivirus app on android? Attention required.

I don‘t think we need one as long as we don‘t use fake APKs or dont download infected files.
[General Topics] Roy4joy:
Virus is a microsoft sh.it and let them be worried about those.

A unix based plate form like android don't need any anti virus (as far as i know), since there are no .exe sh.its in unix or linux and same for android.

just don't install .apks from the internet always use google play store and you'll be fine.

Because those .apks can be modified and can use your phone to dail long distance calls or steal your passwords or can have a keylogger to track every thing.
[General Topics] knutson:
I totally agree! The problem is mostly in users, not in software. Always use software from the safe sources (official stores), and you will never have any viruses.
[General Topics] Gamertroid:
Re: Do we really need an antivirus app on android? Attention required.

You definitely need antivirus if you install unknown sources on your phone. I think smart phones need just as much security as computers, so that is why I install avast! If you use your phone very safely (e.g only install apps from Google play, don't root) You will be fine without antivirus.
[General Topics] nozz3r:
Re: Do we really need an antivirus app on android? Attention required.

my view (as others have said) is it depends on where you surf / download apps. Have tried avast etc but generally use common sense
[General Topics] barokut:
Re: Do we really need an antivirus app on android? Attention required.

I'd go with what David said. Im not using any antivirus by the way.
[General Topics] xevar25:
For PCs, viruses could appear because some person plugged in his USB with an autorun file. Unlike them, however, these aren't very rampant in smartphones. What's essentially needed for PC users is common sense, anyway. Having common sense and being careful around these things with your own (personal) smartphones, chances are you won't experience anything close to getting infected.
[General Topics] coltonbauman:
I've been using Avast for awhile, and I don't think it's hurting my phone, so why not haha.
[General Topics] clydedean:
Well as far as i know if u dont download apps game and other stuff from third parties you dont need any antivirus and if u download stuff from third parties you should get antivirus atm i m using appriva cloud antivirus and its available on play store free to download you shoud give it a try i m using it cos sometime i have to download stuff from third parties If u know what i mean :p
[General Topics] AcquiredIntellect:
Its nice to be able to run a scan and see what apps you have downloaded that have adware in them. Its annoying when our phone starts to offer you things on its own so its cool to be able to easily find it without looking for it. Its also nice if your downloading torrent files a lot like movies and music for person to person sharers. Some people just like to though software out there that will harm you just because they can young kid learns how to render something useless or mess with it because he can and wants to you now have a way of easily detecting if something harmful is happening with your device. Like someone who doesn't know what they are doing and sets some settings that can end up harmful when they download something from an outside source that has been tampered with or marked or filled with whatever ads they please will enter your phone and you might turn it on and it offers you some boring application or takes you to some website you have never seen before all on its own...on its own like you don't touch your phone and your browser pops up and sends you there when all you wanted to do was try and call someone or use your phone now again you have an app that can detect that and give you a solution on the best way to solve it....not everyone is intelligent a lot of people could use an antivirus app just to know if there device is working properly they way they want it to. Or trouble shoot any bloated applications.
[General Topics] Neefy:
http://www.av-test.org/en/tests/mobile-devices/android/mar-2013/
[General Topics] timgreen123:
if you know about android very well you do not need any applicaiton to help you do that.

but if you do not know anything about this system. you 'd better get one applicaiton to help you prevent ;)
[General Topics] fivezall:
i dont use an anti virus application for now. on the future i dont know. i really compatible without any an anti virus application for rigth now. make my smartphone running smooth like a horse :D
[General Topics] UncleLester:
I used to use the AVG antivirus which had anti-theft feature and before that I had McAfee but they started to drain my battery, as what everybody else has said just be sensible when downloading apps
[General Topics] ShadowLea:
I noticed this with AVG too. About 20% in 24 hours... Not worth it.
[General Topics] rahul.kapoor:
Anti-virus

Yes you need a Anti virus in your android because in terms of security android is not so good.
[General Topics] calebrocca:
Yes!

There are many know viruses for android. If you would like a phone that you donot have to install an antivirus then buy an iPhone!!
[General Topics] RootYourPhoneHD:
I think that android antivirus is useless,just wasting battery..:p
[General Topics] RootYourPhoneHD:
Exactly that...Google play store is trustworthy enough :thumbup:
[General Topics] Rhodesfreak:
Its better to be at the safe side.
[General Topics] badboy47:
I am using LBE Privacy Guard to block certain apps permission. It has anti virus also which i use it sometimes.

Sent from my Nexus 4
[General Topics] WiiDal:
In my opinion antivirus on android are basically useless, maybe there are some good utility in case of stealing

Inviato dal mio Galaxy Nexus con Tapatalk 2
[General Topics] ShadowLea:
Seeing as how the first thing a thief does after stealing your device is to do a factory reset, not really.
[General Topics] WiiDal:
Maybe, but in a lot of cases the only thing that thief do is extract the sim card :)

Inviato dal mio Galaxy Nexus con Tapatalk 2
[General Topics] RootYourPhoneHD:
Risks lead to success :D
[General Topics] UncleLester:
But again shouldn't it be down to the user's responsibility to be a bit more careful in what they download? We can't take common sense away from the general public.

---------- Post added at 06:59 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:49 PM ----------

Like :thumbup:
[General Topics] iBlueArrow:
I don't really bother about having an antivirus. Since the playstore already do much of the filtering, just take note about the permission given to the apps especially those from unknown sources.
[General Topics] Joakim112:
if you inserted flashdrive with malwares is it possible that my android phone will be infected also?
[General Topics] ShadowLea:
If the malware isn't specifically made for Android, no. Remember, .exe's don't work on Android.

Send From My Samsung Galaxy S3 Using Tapatalk 2
[General Topics] Joakim112:
Thanks for the info mate.
[General Topics] webbjames:
I have never used an antivirus app on my android smartphone and my phone works well.
[General Topics] sayou94:
In my opinion, it's useless
[General Topics] YouCreateGaming:
Only download from the Play store, and people you trust online. If you plan to pirate an app (a paid version for free) which is illegal you will likely get a virus from it. So do not pirate apps and you should be good. Check reviews for a new app on the play store, Google might not of detected it yet.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Phone: Tmobile Samsung Galaxy s4 m919

Rom: Wicked v2

Kernel: Stock

Radio: Stock

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[General Topics] tulipo:
I agree that AV is useless in android. Just be careful where you download your app outside the market.
[General Topics] juse8:
Just be careful where you download your app outside the market.In my opinion, it's useless
[General Topics] phoneguru9:
If am not wrong Android uses linux kernel which are generally less pron to virus attacks.....if i was a virus maker i would design one that can access your user info and activity on the internet....then se this data to various marketing companies

Many people now use android powered phones to access the internet
[General Topics] XDguru:
In this case avast is really good,cause it wont allow you to change or even go to settings,also it disables usb debugging so u cant flash either.
[General Topics] ShadowLea:
That's pointless fear mongering. Which hasn't been an effective anti-piracy method since humans grew brains

Piracy only has a (virus) risk of you are a complete and utter moron. (I ought to know, our whole country does it. We even have a law that makes it legal.)

I'm not advertising piracy, quite the contrary. If you like an app, buy it!

The point simply is that there are countries where A, even free apps are blocked because of censorship (yes Americans, there are other countries!), and B, people can't get credit cards. Or C, your credit card doesnt support refunds. (every prepaid one!) And what choice do they have, then? How are you going to test if an app works, if the 15 minute refund does not exist? Fine for 1 euro apps, but Next Launcher is 15,95.. And it didn't work properly!

Send From My Samsung Galaxy S3 Using Tapatalk 2
[General Topics] marzman86:
good question.. always wondered if i should have anti virus on my phone.. but it always drained battery and never picked anything up
[General Topics] zelendel:
No it is not completely. It has been found that alot of pirated apps have included things like keyloggers and data miners. Also it maybe coming that it may not be an option to pirate apps soon as I am seeing more and more paid apps use encrypted asec files instead of apks to prevent redistribution and editing, so there is not even an apk to share.
[General Topics] skyh1gh:
i have never used one. i dont think i need it....
[General Topics] Addicted2boobs:
Can an apk contain a virus or trojan?

Can they steal your phone wirelessly?
[General Topics] darknifeious:
I never use any of this.
[General Topics] NazS!:
I don't think its necessary. It just slow down your phone. For rooted devices, maybe its needed.
[General Topics] :
I don't like my settings and files/folders being messed up. That's why I prefer to flash everything myself manually instead of using ROM Manager, GooManager, etc. And system care apps that claim to increase performance, battery, wifi, etc.
[General Topics] Jaistah:
CRACK APPS may contain malwares or adwares but before you install it, your phone actually ask permission to install it and from there you can distinguish if its fake or not. Problem is with users who can't determine things like that. So I suggest install an anti-virus but don't auto run it. Only activate it when you are about to install something, you can do that via forcestop or greenify.
[General Topics] XDguru:
Good suggestion.. :D
[General Topics] beef_supreme:
Never needed one. Just be smart about sites you visit and what you download.
[General Topics] teddydude:
I know I'm waking a dead thread here...but yes, anything connected to www is
[General Topics] ch4zzy:
I use an antivirus and it protected me from installing some apps with annoying ads. I'm on root now and I prefer to have an av,especially that I install apps from different sources than the Play Market. Althought installing an av for a common user is pointless.

Wysłane z mojego LT22i za pomocą Tapatalk 4
[General Topics] Underblaze:
Never needed one
[General Topics] Bishal Pranto Roy:
Firewall mostly.

If I Have Helped You Can You Press

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THANKS BUTTON

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To support Me.
[General Topics] pepo.k:
I dont know any reason for antivirus
[General Topics] hydrogen993:
i think that phone don't need antivirus and task killer
[General Topics] fajol89:
I have never used or needed one... also because it sucks a lot of battery...
[General Topics] Dabolx:
I don't think that we need antivirus except for anti-theft. It just draining battery devil that doesn't help in any other way (at least these days, we don't know what will happen in future).
[General Topics] caiorsiqueira:
No!
[General Topics] AdisR:
I dont have one. I think its just a huge battery killer
[General Topics] oziboy:
Nahhh use Dr.web doesn't suck that much just play less on it phone xD
[General Topics] UnrealChrisG:
Don't waste your battery or CPU power, just be careful when downloading apps and you will be fine
[General Topics] Felosis:
I don't

I've been using android from the beginning and Linux in general for many years and have never used an AntiVirus/Spyware program... I've also never had a virus, spyware, etc... on either. :)
[General Topics] ShadowLea:
Aparently, judging from the recent reports of security leaks, malware and other junk, you only need a virus scanner if you download apps through the Play Store.

If you use 'alternative sources' you're perfectly fine. Say what you will, but ALL malware thus far has been found in the Play Store. Not outside it. (That russian thing, the apps mentioned in a thread a few pages onwards, this: http://bluebox.com/corporate-blog/bluebox-uncovers-android-master-key/ )

I love how that makes everyone who says "You can't get malware if you download only from the Play Store, you can only get it if you pirate stuff" look like a complete hypocrite and utter moron... No offence, it's just funny. :p

Which is not to say you should pirate. Let's make that part clear.
[General Topics] alkatro:
I think, No.
[General Topics] Anon5978:
I used one in the past and it never helped me.
[General Topics] bmwkeith:
No, if you use common sense.
[General Topics] :
Nice question... I've tested almost all the AV apps on Android & they DON'T REMOVE/FIX the files infected with any virus. They only detect malwares. So it's just waste of Battery & RAM in fact. Though avast! for Android provides many cool options for free such as anti theft, firewall, etc. So just don't feel that you're secured by installing any so called AV.

Bottomline: No, you don't need any AV for Android. You have to scan Phone/SDCard separately from you're PC AV.
[General Topics] emtzzz:
I had Norton Mobile before, doesn't really feel any differences and it never even once in it's subscription period noticed me of any kind of virus in my phone. So I don't think it's necessary.
[General Topics] sanpolac:
I think it necesary, but for rooted user it is recommended
[General Topics] jimbo.levy:
No, they're a complete waste of time unless you're totally careless with your device.

Also, having the app running in the background and in the notification bar all the time saps more of the battery.

Just exercise a little caution when downloading your daily dose of porno and you'll have nothing to worry about.
[General Topics] hawk05:
i think i don´t need a antivirus app. just my brain

but in the futher this can maybe change?
[General Topics] Amigo77:
Absolutely right
[General Topics] iva37:
The main danger for the Android platform - is the secret sending of SMS messages for your money. This is called the virus for Android. Most people in the world does not understand security. Moreover, many people do not even understand (or not) in the settings of your ROM. Just a quick pinch on the button to install the application and all .. If we talk about the users who use a narrow range of programs for their tasks, they probably do not need Anti-Virus, because they already know their programs. And if you're a tester or doing a lot of experiments, then there is no time for attention to the needs of the new application.. And then comes to the rescue Anti-Virus, which automatically will follow up the new program, and you can not spend your time and attention to the analysis of the situation. Thus, while there is a threat to send secret SMS, in most cases, anti-virus needs.

Which to choose? I can tell you from experience that in comparison with other, very good anti-virus Doctor Web is. There is a free version, which is enough for most.

play google => Dr.Web Anti-virus Light
[General Topics] zelendel:
See if you are a tester and you miss something like that then your not a very good tester. If you are not paying attention to the permissions an app needs then you got no one to blame but yourself. As long as you get your apps from a trusted source and pay attention anti virus are pretty much pointless. Not to mention most do catch the type of things you described.

Wayne Tech Nexus
[General Topics] DesertHawk:
Hell no. This aint windows lol
[General Topics] felixlong:
antivirus app is usefull on Android, But it shouldn't be just copy of Windows, It should provide these features:

1, Monitor which APP is doing malicious things like (Send SMS, Phone Call).

2, Revoke hamfull permissions required by APP.

3, Block malicious website.
[General Topics] iva37:
You are right, but we are talking about different things. For most users need antivirus. If I talk about myself personally, I don't need an antivirus. If we talk about testing programs that are not part of any project, and you тестируешь in search of something new and many many programs over a short period of time, then it will not be superfluous to use anti-virus. If we talk about testing programs that are part of the project, which has goals and objectives, then don't need an antivirus. The result of all this for most users this - if there's a threat, then we need protection from this threat. Do you agree?
[General Topics] Blowntoaster:
Bettter to have and not need...

Using Lookout. low on battery use, does not use a lot of RAM. Scans once a day, scans apps and any APK before install. has a few features such as remote wipe, remote scream, Signal Flare - that sends a location just before your battery dies etc.

As they say, it is better to have and not need something, than to need something and not have it.
[General Topics] khainqk:
I think it is unnecessary, it slows down my phone
[General Topics] WildfireDEV:
I believe it is not needed as it just takes up space on your phone and uses the phones resources. I have used android for quite a while now and my dad has used it since the first android phone and neither of us have still come across any viruses or rogue apps.

**Press the thanks button if I have helped you.
[General Topics] Jensgar:
Not necessary
[General Topics] 0killer:
To be on the safe side just use an Antivirus.

There are good free offers (Avast, Lookout, ..)

And the impact on the phone is nearly Zero.