yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[General Topics] kriznanda:
if you really like flashing rom, like me, antivirus is annoying and wasting space, :angel: but if u like antiviral, :D i recommend avira mobile antivirus
[General Topics] Boopie11:
It is marketing, I don't think it's necessary at all for our Android devices :)
[General Topics] jmindset:
Exactly. Also most viruses are created to infect windows. Since the Android os is fairly young there hasn't been many viruses created for it. But in a couple years, I see antiviruses becoming a necessity more than a luxury as it currently is.
[General Topics] theErock:
I have one frozen and set aside in case I feel uneasy about an apk. For example some one PM me a apktool that wasn't available on the play store. I was a little suspicious so I scanned it just to be safe. Other than that the lag is not worth it to me.

Sent from XT912

[AOSP/4.3] [ROM] Eclipse v5.1 build 6 spyder
[General Topics] jmindset:
Yep. Best way to do it. I to make sure to check if its in the play store first. I remember downloading an apk that was named egg.apk. no doubt that it some sort of malware or virus. So triple checking the apk, checking the name and scanning are the best way of doing it. There's no point in having an antivirus running in the background
[General Topics] Navitron:
You don't even need a antivirus for a PC I run without antivirus on my Windows 7 machine. Its all about user habits and technical knowledge, things like not downloading random software being smart about phishing attempts and just common sense if it sounds to good to be true its probably a scam/malware.
[General Topics] abumy:
Good point.

While windows is way more susceptible to viruses. And some windows viruses are nasty.
[General Topics] simonbigwave:
After the Snowden revelations on pbsfrontline and nbc news about government malware and snooping etc, I am beginning to think an anti-virus maybe a good "first step" to help prevent malware and for people's privacy and protection...
[General Topics] pajoslav83:
Best protection for any device or platform is "You" and noone else. You'll be perfectly safe unless you click something you shouldn't xD

Talking in general not pointing to someone.. :D
[General Topics] simonbigwave:
Generally I agree but thats a good simplified view. IMO, Nowadays malware maybe masked as genuine legitimate debug command line tools or whatever or even masked as software "updates" http://www.pcworld.com/article/2111...bility-to-brick-devices-researchers-warn.html and add to that, if Snowden is to believed, unless you use SSL and VPN with encryption, all your data can be "siphoned" via fake mobile govt cell towers pretending to be Verizon etc. That may not be Antivirus specific, but when I installed 360 anti-virus it automatically detected an sms vulnerability in my previous 4.4.3 android.

So just "safe surfing" habits might have been good before but, maybe, IMO it might not be enough in this moment...but thats only my personal opinion. I don't have anti-virus installed anymore, but I am gonna start testing see if I can find a thin-client one that doesn't battery drain or slow my Android "too" much...
[General Topics] Stuart Little:
No Not needed
[General Topics] masanamuthu:
No need any antivirus for android. In playstore they didnt gve any malware apps.
[General Topics] Stuart Little:
You have also apps out of the box :p
[General Topics] sansoto:
Waste of resources. Use common sense and you'll be fine
[General Topics] dgibb2000:
Never needed one here. Maybe a good idea to put on a wife's phone. They tend to get into trouble...
[General Topics] SuperC2:
I used antivirus once but stopped using it after a while. If you flash custom roms regularly like me, you probably don't need it.
[General Topics] Stuart Little:
No need because antivirus apps are viruses
[General Topics] spooksarecool420:
No, antivirus apps on android are useless
[General Topics] Stuart Little:
They are just armed with blacklist of apps that the antivirus companies don´t like.

There will nothing except that list scanned :p
[General Topics] abumy:
I am surprised that antivirus programs don't stop downloads, like how google chrome does.
[General Topics] Aan siam:
avast
[General Topics] Stuart Little:
Why would you choose for avast?
[General Topics] Aan siam:
its very good,scan apps have antI theft, backup, etc
[General Topics] theErock:
I use avast. Its not bad, but there are other anti virus that have the same features. I have it hibernated almost all the time though. Only use it to scan if I'm suspicious about an apk.

Sent from XT912

[AOSP/4.3] [ROM] Eclipse v5.1 build 6 spyder
[General Topics] Stuart Little:
I would love to see a working antivirus that can detect real virusses instead of disrecommending a blacklist of apps
[General Topics] theErock:
When I used avast it said it found a Trojan in one of my apps. Does that not count or is it just black listed?

Sent from XT912

[AOSP/4.3] [ROM] Eclipse v5.1 build 6 spyder
[General Topics] Stuart Little:
That is just fake.

They are disrecommending random or bad for the company apps.

They use different situation acts to let them believe.
[General Topics] theErock:
So it really can't detect malware or virus at all? :(

Sent from XT912

[AOSP/4.3] [ROM] Eclipse v5.1 build 6 spyder
[General Topics] Stuart Little:
They are useless but i would love to have a good antivirus app that do the same as on PC
[General Topics] theErock:
Yeah me too. I really thought that avast did more than black list, that's too bad. I know in some cases you can detect certain and treat certain threats using command prompt. Too bad of can be done on terminal emulator.

Sent from XT912

[AOSP/4.3] [ROM] Eclipse v5.1 build 6 spyder
[General Topics] Stuart Little:
Agree
[General Topics] krazzykuldeep:
anti-virus necessary

Anti-Virus is necessary fro scanning viruses and malwares bcos the are many fake apps in play store too which add viruses and malwares to phone

so its recommended to use anti-virus in phones

if one can spend money then u can use Norton Security Antivirus or can use BitDefender AntiVirus for free...

" Let me make clear that not all anti virus apps available are true "
[General Topics] Planterz:
Your brain and common sense (not so common these days) is your best anti-virus. Is it necessary? No, if you don't do stupid $#!t. Is it a good idea? Sure, why not? It doesn't need to be constantly active, draining your resources or slowing you down. If you're worried about an app you just installed, then run your AV app. Read the permissions when installing an app. Even if it's not from the Play Store, it'll still tell you what permissions it requires. If you don't trust the source, or the app, don't install it.

Your phone is your genitals. If you don't protect it, unwanted things can happen.
[General Topics] Stuart Little:
Exactly [MENTION=5749364]Planterz[/MENTION]

Sent From A Samsung Galaxy S2 With AOSB Project ROM .
[General Topics] mojahun:
I have used some antivirus apk in my phone and found they are doing nothing. But the anti-theft part is good.;)
[General Topics] Stuart Little:
Also exactly [MENTION=5065325]mojahun[/MENTION]

Sent From A Samsung Galaxy S2 With AOSB Project ROM .
[General Topics] Stuart Little:
It's sucking everyones ram with 500MB - lol

Sent From A Samsung Galaxy S2 With AOSB Project ROM .
[General Topics] abumy:
There it went. The Antivirus I have for sure caught malware for me yesterday. (I learned that it was accurate the hard way.)

Now I will have to say that an anti-virus program might just be worth it.
[General Topics] King_Rat:
Nope...

Sent from my Kin[G]_Pad ™
[General Topics] simonbigwave:
has anyone here actually "used" the anti-theft function in their anti-virus? just asking. be good to hear some real time benefit and experience with it.
[General Topics] Stuart Little:
[MENTION=5569579]simonbigwave[/MENTION] i use cerberus for that stuff

Sent From A Samsung Galaxy S2 With AOSB Project ROM .
[General Topics] Nunquam:
For starter, i don't think you should keep important data on a mobile phone at the point that you need to use an Anti-Virus, mostly a mobile phone should be used for communication and not to store data. Nowdays at least...
[General Topics] Killz420:
Waste of battery. Just don't install random trash from the interwebz
[General Topics] jimdent:
Use always trusted apps.

No need for av for the time being.
[General Topics] :
I download an antivirus app (malewarebytes or avast) like once per two months. run a scan and if everything is fine I uninstall it after the scan. then I repeat same thing every 2 months just to make sure everything is alright
[General Topics] abumy:
A "mobile phone" meaning a smartphone nowadays is basically a computer. Even when it comes to communication the issue of it storing data is relevant like emails, texts, and even calls are data based in many ways.

I mean who needs 64 gigabytes of memory to make calls? The whole point of smartphones and tablets is the inclusion of data infused into our ability to communicate.
[General Topics] zr239:
I wouldn't say we need an antivirus app. Maybe a spyware app, or a security app if you lose your phone. But we already have one it's called lookout security.
[General Topics] Stuart Little:
People people....

If you wan't a app to prevent thefting your device then you should buy Cerberus or download a free alternative : Theftie
[General Topics] crisis_trustee:
Do we really need an antivirus app on android?

Yes, of course!
[General Topics] JBmorris:
Just don't Download apps from the internet (apk files) then you will be fine. Download apps from the play store. If you are worried about your phone's security, then you would want an Antivrus. If you are not worried then you don't need one. Just Don't end up downloading stuff that are fake!
[General Topics] Anstar1992:
I never used any antivirus app. It drains the battery and occupy memory. Just be careful when access to internet.
[General Topics] Sieber101:
When the system allows down it's just easier to factory reset. Never needed security software as it kills battery. Just have to be careful with phishing and what you click on or download like on a pc
[General Topics] ShernDog:
No you do not need an antivirus app unless you mindlessly search for weird porn on not well known websites or try to illegally download things off the internet, which is not regulated. Or switch to iOS. The lack of a big enough screen for porn watching and the inability to download basic files to it sure helps avoid malicious content.

Sent from my Nexus 7 running Android L (>^n^)>
[General Topics] fazliey:
Maybe not..
[General Topics] av2588:
Antivirus in CM Cleaner, reliable or not?

Guys, are you familiar with the app CM Cleaner? I just want to know if its built-in antivirus feature is reliable of not. It does not automatically update its virus database unlike some antivirus app such as Avast (the whole CM app, however, is being updated from time to time and I'm assuming that virus database is being updated at the same time).. Yet, the lack of an automatic virus database update feature makes me doubt the reliability of the app.. Any comments guys?
[General Topics] HippoDevices:
I have never used or needed one:)
[General Topics] pegs520:
It's probably not necessary, but I have avast on my phone. I use it for anti-theft, since cereberus makes you pay.

I've rarely used the antivirus part, and it has never found a virus.
[General Topics] sanket.m:
I use AVG antivirus not a single virus is found yet besides it has option to block calls and sms also to lock apps
[General Topics] ekaj98x:
5 years on android phones and not once have I encountered a virus, and I download 3rd party apps from the browser continuously, I have no antivirus installed and never have
[General Topics] xdema:
this is a nonsense, you can put android (an o.s.) on a pc (the hw), and there are malware for android, fraudolent apps ( some cases also in the google playstore) and ingenuous people.

a virus today is not only the .exe that crash your pc (with the windows o.s.).

for the newbe i suggest to uncheck the "allow apps from unknown source" and don't install antivirus on low end/old device, on middle/high end device the av apps could be used to find lost device
[General Topics] 10k35h:
You should have an anti-virus if you are going to be browsing through random unsecured webpages / using bluetooth in public to transfer files to your phone. Bluetooth is very unsecure to get your phone infected with virus. This is one of the reason why files cannot be sent from iPhone and Windows phones.
[General Topics] miltosmic:
I dont think so.

I used to use one, but i found out that its a waste of resources for me.

As long as you are careful, i dont think you will have a problem(i didnt!).
[General Topics] techmanc:
I use avast anti virus free program for my PC and it nice to have I installed the avast app for my phone and seeing if any virus it did not find any and then I uninstalled app. I cant see using it on phone full time but will run it if I think some problems and not had to reuse app atm.
[General Topics] andreilp34:
never used! ist really necessary?:confused:
[General Topics] rYzkiE_17:
don't use any antivirus app it will drain our batteries or sometimes it can cause lag issues
[General Topics] Lelouch Lamperouge:
Beware!

This thread is interesting.

I just want to share this, I have a co-worker that previously worked at an anti-virus software. He said that whenever the subscriber reached the expiration of the product they will send a virus to their computer to force them to resubscribe. Never again installed an anti-virus in my computer after learning that.

Seriously though, do we really have known virus in android os? I thought they're just used as a cleaner app to improve phone's performance.
[General Topics] jornvdcb:
Normally you don't unless you are downloading weird apps, you can always verify the installers
[General Topics] finac94:
I don't even need it on PC, so I definitely don't need it on my phone either
[General Topics] vishalbiswas:
I have a friend who ignores all the suggestions in the above posts. He downloads apks from anywhere and installs there just as blindly.

Surprising, he never once had a virus attack. So, I learned from him and never installed am antivirus app and I just like him downloads apps from anywhere without verifying them!

Sent from my Nokia_XL
[General Topics] immortalneo:
Re: Do we really need an antivirus app on android? Attention required.

I'd rather read a little about viruses, malwares and phishing, rather than install an antivirus crap on my phone! Knowledge is power, man...:cool:

"To err is human, to forgive is divine"

Sent from my SGS II
[General Topics] jim261jim261:
Can your device afford that app?

To be the first,those applications use lots of your resource(CPU and RAM), no matter in PC or mobile.

With devices with root, just make sure you really know what the apps which request root permission really do, if you set it "always allow automatically" you would need an antivirus app.

If you get non-root devices, antivirus app isn't a must, because it can't get root permission easily, and if one is stronge enough to bypass the

antivirus app, you don't need it, either.
[General Topics] AlexLOG:
Re: Do we really need an antivirus app on android? Attention required.

I think its not necessary because if an app infects your mobile, in my case, only will obtain social passwords like Facebook,nothing important I would reflash the ROM and all OK again:p

Enviado desde mi GT-I9001 usando Tapatalk 2
[General Topics] Paramedic91:
I never use one. Just be careful what you install and you will be fine...:good:
[General Topics] mhbraun:
AW: Do we really need an antivirus app on android? Attention required.

There is no total security. Caution and a scanner do help.

<i9001 0x07 board running ivendor CM10beta3 on CastagnaITkernel 10.6 with i9001XXKPO baseband>
[General Topics] FenixxPl:
As mhbraun said, "There is no total security".

Problem is that our smarphones store a lot of informations about us.

That makes them very interesting for some of hackers, and as (I think) everybody knows, there is no such thing as bugless/exploitless software.

This thing makes me install antivirus (and firewall) on every rom I use, they really don't take so much CPU and RAM, and for me, my data safety is worth it.
[General Topics] BmXStud:
I use one, but its not really needed because i dont use email and all the apps i use come from the play store. Now a virus could come from my browser, but who knows. It did slow my down my virgin mobile Kyoceria Rise, but it doesn't slow down my evo v 4g.
[General Topics] ashish2193:
Re: Do we really need an antivirus app on android? Attention required.

I dont think that we really need antivirus for android..

Avast has antitheft feature..but if the thief is smart enough he will probably factory reset the device and all datat will be gone

And one more thing that antivirus does..

Suck battery and make the phone laggy and sometimes intrruput the processes..so it is just a crap
[General Topics] SebLemery:
Re: Do we really need an antivirus app on android? Attention required.

just download stuff on the play store with high rating and good comments
[General Topics] scorpion26:
for now unnecessary
[General Topics] Lim Wee Huat:
Re: Do we really need an antivirus app on android? Attention required.

No. It consumes ram and battery. But Secdroid is highly recommended.
[General Topics] MrAsch:
I'd never use it on my htc desire ;(
[General Topics] kchannel9:
Re: Do we really need an antivirus app on android? Attention required.

I use Zoner Antivirus, it seems to work fine
[General Topics] darkie666:
i have avast antivirus but only really use it for the call and sms blocker as it is very good for blocking unwanted !! ...
[General Topics] MaBlo:
Re: Do we really need an antivirus app on android? Attention required.

I use one. It's called common sense :p
[General Topics] AntjeG:
Virus does not come without your action

I'm sure no

Right now owner of an iPhone
[General Topics] Miche454:
Those test results are very interesting. I'd love to see a comparison with the bigger apps.
[General Topics] :
Re: Do we really need an antivirus app on android? Attention required.

No virus app cleans the virus it straight away deletes the app u installed........ My avg some times alerts me with some newly installed apps but i never uninstall them and still my GN2 is ultra fast

I hate my X and love my Next.......... Conditions apply*
[General Topics] David _J_D:
Anti-Virus software is Not neeeded for A/V but..

I don't believe that there have been any genuine Android viruses 'in the wild'. Mainly because Android runs on a Linux kernel.

However, there is definitely Android Malware out there: Trojans, Fake 'security Apps', Spyware and others. Even in the Play Store, which is why Google removes them as and when they're identified. The best way to avoid Malware (And Apps which ask for excessive permissions) is to read the permissions list carefully and understand what each permission means and any security implications it may have. Then decide if the App is safe to install, and don't be afraid to email the developer to ask why some permissions are needed. e.g. for a music player app, why does it need to make calls or send sms.

As others have said, it is however, valid, even desirable, to install something like Avast for it's other features like device location and remote wipe.
[General Topics] badzas:
it's not imprtant. Don't worry
[General Topics] Stuart Little:
There is no problem with that bro :)

I download apps from anywhere now for 3 years :)

No virusses ;)

All the virus companies are fake or crap on Android ;)

Sent from my beastly SM-T320
[General Topics] simonbigwave:
r u sure? https://uk.news.yahoo.com/fake-id-s...droid-devices-multiple-055437249.html#1TxwQD2
[General Topics] -df-:
Wasn't that patched very quickly by a Google Play Services update?

And an anti-virus app wouldn't be able to do anything against that anyway, unless there was a list of known applications that exploited that bug and they warned on installation of the APK

Edit: The closest you get to a virus on a non-rooted phone with Android is data mining, and if you accept the permissions for an app to read all your data that doesn't need to, well, that's not a virus that's just you not being cheap and not buying the one that doesn't ask for those permissions (if you worry about that sort of thing, otherwise go for the free one).

No such thing as a free app/game...you either pay with advertising, in-app payments, outright payments or data mining.
[General Topics] simonbigwave:
here says 12% androids still vulnerable

http://labs.bromium.com/2014/07/31/remote-code-execution-on-android-devices/#more-493 says "Android 4.2 contained a fix for the underlying javascript vulnerability. Unfortunately the way it was fixed meant that the fix was disabled in certain scenarios, for reasons of backwards compatibility. The reality of Android version fragmentation and how the ad-supported business model works on Android means that these scenarios are not that uncommon. We looked at*100,000 current APK files from the Google Play Store, and found that about 12% of them were still potentially vulnerable even when running on the latest Android devices."
[General Topics] -df-:
Quoted from article:

In order for the fix to be enabled, the code calling addJavascriptInterface must be compiled against API 17 or above – that is, you must target Android 4.2 or later. In order to be compatible with the widest number of devices, apps and ad frameworks are often built against the lowest possible API version. The upshot is that an app can be vulnerable even when running on a fully-patched Android device running 4.2, 4.3 or 4.4.

---------------------

If any developer out there is not building against the latest SDK, then they are crazy.

And this quote here is completely false

"In order to be compatible with the widest number of devices, apps and ad frameworks are often built against the lowest possible API version."

You always build against the latest version, and then set the min sdk version to what ever you want to support. Articles that have simple mistakes like that make it hard to them seriously.
[General Topics] Bones519:
I've had Android phones for years now and have never used antivirus programs much. I have never gotten a virus, therefore, I wonder if antivirus apps are really that important, or if you are just wasting resources. .. On an Android phone.
[General Topics] Araragi:
I never use it in my phone nor my computer. If you know how virus can infect your computer/phone then the most important thing is to prevent or to make ur device not to click that virus
[General Topics] ugjka:
I don't think you need one if you're downoading your apps only from Play store. They do virus scan for you. But if you're installing cracked software from torrent sites then maybe you need antivirus.
[General Topics] Stuart Little:
Sites where they let download people APK files are mostly secure.

Torrent sites are always able to send you virusses

Sent through my beastly SM-T320 using Tapatalk 4
[General Topics] amigoloco:
Does anyone makes viruses for android anymore?
[General Topics] m9j_cfALt:
playstore dont let upload or download harmful apps.

but if u installs apps from unknown sources,,. u may be compromising ur privacy.

if u r rooted and using apps that have root level access.. u may be giving ur everything to app creater.

antivirus can varify apps from unknown sources and root apps.

but dont know which antivirus is best for it.
[General Topics] OlinB:
When I get a new phone I use an AV app as well as online scans for everything I install. After I have the phone set the way I want it I am pretty much finished with installing new apps so I disable the AV and leave in on there just in case.
[General Topics] Stuart Little:
Just totally fake, i tried some AV out and it says that MoboGenie is a legit one hahah it's the virus itself.

I just flash some AV script using recovery ;)
[General Topics] nide_2:
Never found antivirus apps useful for me. In most cases found them to big, memory hogging and intrusive.