yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[General Topics] Zwatson:
Few steps to avoid installing Malware

When I am using firefor and browse any website there are numbers of tab or new firefox windos open, some time automatic it starts downloading, Is there any safe tool or software to stop all this ads or pop up windwos.
[General Topics] ChrisCh22:
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/android/addon/adblock-plus/
[General Topics] digitalart:
you should be safe with Google Play store apps but when you getting your apps from somewhere else then have to be careful you never know
[General Topics] TheRootedDroid:
Nice guide.

Never really encountered malware on Android to be honest.
[General Topics] Saiyans:
Good guide, you've got to be careful when downloading apk's outside of the play store.
[General Topics] saadpal:
This is my 6th android phone ,this time i have not installed xposed framework installer or even rooted my phone.because i feel it gives hackers, full permission like a gateway access to welcome them into your phone..

or is it safe? :confused:
[General Topics] krustyzy:
Is there anything such as Noscript extension for Firefox on Android as it is on the desktop?
[General Topics] Munki84:
I have rooted every android device I've owned and never run into any issues. By rooting you can install custom recoveries (such as TWRP or CWM) allowing you to make backups of your phone which can then be easily restored should anything go wrong.

I have used Xposed on nearly all of my devices too as the aim of Xposed is to increase functionality of your device along with being able to remove manufacturer restrictions (such as volume level warnings etc), perform tweaks and install add-ons.

As long as your fairly careful and only use files and modules designed for your handset you should have no problems at all. Just remember to backup your device prior to modding or tweaking! So you can restore your device should anything go wrong.

Here's a couple of links to help you decide...

Rooting: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2699486

Xposed: http://xdaforums.com/xposed/xposed-faq-issues-t2735540

Last of all... Good luck, have fun but most of all... remember to BACKUP first! :)

Sent from my SM-G900F

---------- Post added at 03:14 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:00 AM ----------

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-us/mobile/addon/noscript/

:)

Sent from my SM-G900F
[General Topics] justmpm:
^^This...everyone should be doing this!!!!

Whenever I install a new version of firmware (the official one from the device manufacturer). I always make a back up first thing and then store a copy of it off my device. And by first thing I mean before installing any apps from the play store or restoring them with Titanium Backup (or whatever you use).

Since I frequently have to "test" things that get posted on xda, I have a barebones ROM with a throw away google account, that I restore to test things that are malware. When I am done, I just restore the latest back up of my daily driver.
[General Topics] Taching:
Nice guide.

I use alot of security - anti's tool in my androids (Samsung Tab, Note 1, S3, S4) before. Now i'm using new tools available in 2015 for my Nexus 5.

I use this: Mobile Safety - it really works for me and it's also FREE - Dr. Safety

I also found out they have a booster and also tried it (also FREE) - Dr. Booster

It works for me. I'm constantly looking for other tools - newer tools than the market leader to try them all out.
[General Topics] dylancam90:
Is there something I can use to scan existing malware that has already been installed? Or can they only catch it before you install it?
[General Topics] justmpm:
There are a lot of things that you can use to scan your device. Just look in the play store for antimalware or antivirus apps. I have malwarebytes installed because it can be set up to scan on demand. I typically don't like the apps that scan everytime something is opened. For the most part Android is pretty safe, especially if you only install apps from the play store...but it is nice to have an on demand scanner for those times when you are worried about something specific.
[General Topics] Hadi_K.t(t_t)t:
I try to scan cm 7.2 sc8810 (spreadtrum) & antivirus on my dekstop computer detected some of app at classes.dex as Android trojan gen.

Why classes.dex infected by trojan virus?

:rolleyes:
[General Topics] shelley_grace_09:
Thank you for this guide. I want to protect my device from malicious software to protect my files. This guide is very helpful.
[General Topics] umesh.nishad93:
Can yoi gave me a solution how to remove ads form my device
[General Topics] utsha.saha.58:
Hey there, you can use adblocked "hosts" file to remove ads.

You can find it in Google
[General Topics] Chunder Dragon:
I just do complete wipes and clean flashes from time to time. I don't think anti-viruses are needed for smartphones, just use common sense and stay away from dogy downloads and sites.
[General Topics] RandomUser017:
I don't know why so little amount of people actually recognize the "Download" ads. Even if I don't need it, it's a good idea to make a guide. :good:
[General Topics] Kymy414:
Great advice :) as well as the suggestions that the other members added. :good:
[General Topics] zehel7:
the world wide web is really a dangerous place to begin with
[General Topics] Hammadhassan:
Almost all the websites providing links for patched apps and games are displaying adverts that make users install unwanted apps.

Techhology
[General Topics] Booyaah82:
Yeah warez sites are the devil :) Haven't visited one of those in years.

I really should start running more malware checks when I download stuff, oh well..

Is there a reputable, highly moderated site, that is good for downloading apk's?
[General Topics] justmpm:
This one is pretty good: http://www.apkmirror.com/
[General Topics] adtech1:
thanks for sharing this info..is there any latest Anti-Malware software for smartphones?

Is poor battery life a symptom of malware attack?
[General Topics] aerithanne:
thanks for this, I should also warn my colleagues about those malware.
[General Topics] SirMika:
This is great guide. So far iv been lucky. There was only one malware file, but Malwarebytes app saved me from this.
[General Topics] RandomUser017:
I wouldn't say "only". One virus/malware file can destroy your device, steal all your data and use you in the owners botnet. And the virus/malware file can spread itself and leave **** behind. So I would recommend you do a factory reset ;)
[General Topics] J.I. Shawon:
Thank you.
[General Topics] fivelitre:
Thanks for the guide! Have adblock on my phone as a just in case, but good to also know what to look out for!
[General Topics] fazee6:
Thanks for this.
[General Topics] desmondyip1978:
good suggestion

Thx for the good guide and the other comment also very good.

Personally, I go for most recommended apps.
[General Topics] unc0der:
Didn't know about SandDroid, nice info. :)
[General Topics] nusclyss:
Try you best to download apps from Play Store, that's the single best suggestion
[General Topics] Taylor white 0911:
Valuable guide! It seems that many people use adblocker. Is it easy to use? I also want to try it.
[General Topics] Android Phreak:
This is a pretty good guide, however as time progresses and phones are constantly improving I see a rise in malware in the near future.
[General Topics] bnutz8:
Um, thats no bueno... :confused:

---------- Post added at 12:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:58 AM ----------

So.... What did you decide? Safe to root or not? :eek:
[General Topics] MissionImprobable:
I think it will be difficult to implement malware that slides into place easily. One, the majority of it comes as malicious .apk items, meaning that they not only need to be downloaded, but they need to be accepted for installation, and allow outside sources for apps needs to be set in security. All of those coming together for the average user just aren't very likely.

Secondly, Android itself is improving, as well as carrier/manufacturer skins, such that by default ask you if a an app, etc, should be allowed to carry out a specific new action--perhaps to the point of annoyance in Marshmallow, but it's optional so there you go. They also need additional permissions allowed within the new settings in order to do most of the things that would be malicious. It's not easy going to put malicious software on your device, and at this point it's basically like it was with Apple a few years ago: your borderline have to want to put malware on your device to get it, even if you are going places on the web that are questionable.
[General Topics] bnutz8:
I use ADAWAY. It came in the setting section of Rapture 8.2 Rom. I've never had malware, but this is only my second android phone (Note 4). So far so good.
[General Topics] captainpuppet:
Well, we can say we never realised we had a malware on our phones. Saying we never had for sure, it's being optimistic I bet. Above all after we root our phones and we grant access to many apps...
[General Topics] thelous:
Good guide, i think virustotal is designed to find windows viruses more then android, might be wrong too. Also most people in XDA uses adblock so those "download" ads wont be shown.....
[General Topics] Yamcha67:
I haven't had issues downloading from questionable sources :p. I ran scans for malware/viruses etc.. Got nothing on the scan.

Although I didn't make any micro transactions on any of the apps, so not sure how safe or unsafe it is. That was a while ago though, I don't came at all on my phone so it's pretty clean ATM.
[General Topics] VilleI:
I want to sometime take a computer or a phone and try and get as many viruses and malware from internet into it as i can. I wonder if there are any virus download sites :D
[General Topics] grysts:
Helpful guide especially the virustotal.com :good:
[General Topics] TheGasMaster4381:
Very nice guide, thank you for sharing. I like to use AVG from the app store, it scans any apks you install from outside the play store. I never had it catch anything, but better safe than sorry. The only thing is AVG complains if you rooted your device.
[General Topics] GalaxyDave:
Hi

Thank you for the info. Very good guide to start with.

I have also been looking at firewalls to prevent all applications communicating to foreign servers, and also see what servers they are trying to access. DroidWall, AFWall, etc see quite good.

Are there any other malware/spyware or bad host/server alternatives people can recommend for running applications in a sandbox and blocking known bad servers (or poor reputation)? I really like the idea and feel applications like Malwarebytes are just rubbish that consume space and contribute nothing!

Are there any improved solutions for sandbox or other security options to protect users these days (since the topic was started)?

Can anyone recommend Free or Paid? I've looked at a few free but think the comments and ratings are rubbish, based on how bad and full of junk, some apps were.

Thank you so much ;)

There must be some threads dedicated to security on here... just a matter of finding them.
[General Topics] MattyLloyd:
I always check the permissions of the app I'm installing and try to install from what I would consider reputable sources/developers.

Also - if you are a bit of a coder it can be both a challenge, a learning experience and guaranteed that you will know the contents of the app if you actually create it yourself! (for example I don't trust any of the online ftp apps - maybe slightly paranoid but giving an app that has internet access, sd card access your ftp credentials is just foolish unless you trust the developer.

If an app needs unusual permissions then I stay away from it....
[General Topics] GalaxyDave:
Okay, you MUST try this application. I just found it whilst testing these apps by "WanQi" (unsure if any 'pun' intended). Screenshot of pop-up after app installation (see below).

FREE play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=cn.wq.myandroidtools

PRO play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=cn.wq.myandroidtoolspro

Uninstall an app you are uncertain about.

Install MyAndroidTools Pro

Now install an app from APK or Play Store.

Then, after install it pops up with a screen showing all Listeners, Receivers, Activities, etc, etc. Done.

It also allows you to view all the XML/SQL files within Apps to see properties AND make changes to these properties! :eek:

So you don't need to modify any core files or Xposed.

Good luck! :D
[General Topics] kenhn:
I always check permission when setup any app and won't use .apk file from worst source.

btw this is good thread.
[General Topics] kiranchaitanya:
it is not installing
[General Topics] chavalier:
I just install new apps from google play,that's the safest way to avoid malware i think
[General Topics] HarryFx:
thanks for the guide

i fell depresed when those malware pop up on my phone
[General Topics] Primokorn:
I would say F-Droid :)
[General Topics] rooban90:
This is what i follow to avoid malware

Install Lookout free protection as it is good with malware protection. [Does not requires Root]

Block general malware hosts lists. (AdFree) [Requires Root]
[General Topics] lbrammer78:
Thanks for the tips
[General Topics] droider193:
Nice guide!
[General Topics] bilottag:
Thanks very informative
[General Topics] Go Swalle:
Thanks, the steps is very detailed:highfive:
[General Topics] barbe31:
Malware shouldn't exist :p

Sad we have to be cautious as on Windows
[General Topics] Tianfat:
ty for the tips
[General Topics] galaxys:
At least its not as bad ad Windows...
[General Topics] thelous:
You can avoid those fake download ads with UBlock and on android adaway.... ive donated even to them for making such great apps and adblocking services!
[General Topics] chowhk:
great info, thanks
[General Topics] donthorin:
Nice 1, appreciate it.
[General Topics] J4nu5:
Thank you for this guide.

I found the links most useful. Thanks
[General Topics] luetage:
Thanks for the tips, makes sense.
[General Topics] osrdek:
Thanks for the tips.
[General Topics] bourseindia:
Thanks, I need to remove or check the Malware present in my system, so how can i check it
[General Topics] blandead:
Download antivirus or other scanner from app store?
[General Topics] :
Thank you so much on sharing this informative thread.

It's hard to tell the difference but from this i know how to prevent.
[General Topics] next_1989:
Good to know brother thanks for the information sweet ^^
[General Topics] jebathan:
Great guide, really important info. i wish download sites didn't have a sea of fake download ads.
[General Topics] eordetxl:
thanks

thanks for the information.:good:
[General Topics] frdrcallard:
I used to trust play store. But not any more.
[General Topics] Sliphorn:
I'm using Avast to scan for malware (as well as its Firewall). So, do you folks recommend this? Or some other firewall and anti-virus and malware?
[General Topics] Primokorn:
Firewall (root) => AFWall+

Firewall (no root) => NetGuard

Both have an official XDA thread.
[General Topics] Rickyzx:
Recently, I was watching live TV. I don't know how but few Chinese software got installed. It was really irritating. Thanks a lot for your useful information.
[General Topics] Brehon:
Thank you! Can't just trust everything you install.
[General Topics] itsBasti:
e.g. the Adaway hosts files block many of the adware and malewaresites
[General Topics] MSalmanKhan17:
Virustotal didn't scan this virus

Hi,

3 days back, I installed this app [Click here for link] and download at your own risk.

It's called AndroZip Pro, and I granted it root permissions and all of a sudden, I got the following commands from SuperUser: "Superuser granted to appuser_1999284" & "Superuser granted to pronclub". I knew my phone was screwed. I opened the SuperUser app and it did not have access itself! I tried root checker app and root access was not properly installed! The virus took hold of the root! After 5 mins, my touch stopped responding, only power buttons were working. I rebooted, and it was working again but again after some time it stopped responding, so i unrooted using PC, rooted again to provide root access to Superuser, unrooted again and hard reset my phone. Thank God I managed to remove it. Btw, if you have a spare mobile, you can try the app and give it root permissions to see some suspicious behavior because virustotal didn't detect anything.
[General Topics] :
Remove the link if it's a virus. I loled at pronclub getting su access ?
[General Topics] MSalmanKhan17:
Lmao, yeah.
[General Topics] potlapalli1:
excellent

very good guide in easy way
[General Topics] w1nst0n sm1th:
yeah, there is a lot a crapware out there.
[General Topics] Barkuti:
For the love of God…

Are you installing pr0n clients? :eek:

Is people giving pr0n clients root access? :silly:

This is about the only r00t access I'd give to the creator of these ignominies:

Take care. :laugh:

Cheers
[General Topics] FazeRN:
Almost all the time, avoiding streaming websites that work on the phones. They are riddled with malwares in my experience.
[General Topics] hacksterkrishna:
is it really harmful for smart phone??

i mean there is permission system in phone so without permission it can harm??
[General Topics] supremeweb:
I got this malware on my facebook account, but strange it is only with my account, my sister using same pc without problem to login. Is it really malware?
[General Topics] IronRoo:
Very surprised how little coverage the Baidu SDK & Moplus SDK issues (backdoor, Man in the middle & personal data leaks) have got here on XDA. These SDK's are found in thousands of apps including extremely popular ones like ES File Explorer (one of my favourites). Many of our phones are rooted and therefore very vulnerable as the SDK can load malicious program without us knowing. Some of these issues have been fixed, some partially and others have NOT so your phone would still be vulnerable if it has these SDK's, besides many people will still be running the compromised software. I can only think that it is the Chinese Government that has driven this so that they may easily compromise target phones of people they may deem are not keeping the "harmony". And what about Chinese ROMs they probably have these SDK to run Baidu?

Some links

http://www.engadget.com/2015/11/02/bunk-baidu-sdk-puts-backdoor-on-millions-of-android-devices/

https://citizenlab.org/2016/02/privacy-security-issues-baidu-browser/
[General Topics] Barkuti:
🤔

Interesting articles.

That @#$% “encrapget” websh1te sucks ass, because of screen real state squatter phenomena; let me explain: :silly:

I really wish people were not so retarded to code/design sh1tes like that… :crying:

Cheers
[General Topics] supremeweb:
Thanks, I will have a look these links!
[General Topics] borotoid arts:
tnx. it was usefull for me
[General Topics] StakanUksusa:
Usefull instraction for phone clearing
[General Topics] flisterd:
all adware is malware by definition

stay away from "free" malware. Third party ads are antithetical to security and privacy.

an app with ads IS NOT FREE

---------- Post added at 03:26 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:20 PM ----------

NO

ZERO ADS are acceptable

ad "block" plus is a business selling whitelisting to advertisers

instead: uBlock Origin
[General Topics] Amanda1810:
I would like to replenish two more tips

1. Don't click on suspicious links contained in email messages, nor open spam attachments.

2. When installing software, select the Custom mode and deselect any optional programs.
[General Topics] Barkuti:
Malware?

There are truly free apps out there, apps which do not break your balls while using them with adverts, and cracked apps for good you can use, though of course you need the knowledge and discernment to know which and where to download.

Modern Windows and Android systems are too limited. It takes me a nice post-install session to demolish all of the stupid nanny software which comes with them for your safety (:p LoL!). You're living in an illusion, fellows. Truly malware software knows that crap so generally it won't be able to avoid sh1t unless the malware is old and well documented, that's the reason your systems get owned. Nanny software, however, is a serious burden for true system administrators and that is the reason I dispatch it without hesitation. Automatic updates? F√CK that!!!

And please, don't make me speak about the insane amount of adverts stock systems display. It's worse than a freakin' cancer…

On the other hand, using a cracked app won't prevent from eventually paying for it in recognition for a well done piece of software.

Of course, you're free to think as you wish (and deal with the consecuences).

Cheers :)
[Samsung Galaxy Mega] :
interestingly enough both mother board work in my spare mega with a broken screen but when i put it back the unit with good screen it starts it reboot...
[Samsung Galaxy Mega] Perseus:
It is possible there might be some other hardware issue such as loose connection or other issues with your device. Moving your thread to appropriate forum so that one of the experts for your device may be able to chime in.
[General Questions and Answers] MZO:
Hello everyone! How's it going... I'm a new member but a long tone reader on XDA Devs... Bought a new phone a week ago . it is an LG Optinus G E975... The problem I'm facing is that whenever I'm trying to install certain apps my phone acts weird... It refuses to install those apps saying it has low memory. Please help me out on this... Tried rebooting... Custom installer from market... Tried Google verify and install.. Rooted on clockworkmod V6.

I have 16 gigs of internal memory free (out of 32)
[G3 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] gtludwig:
Hi all,

I have a LG G3 D850. I bought it unlocked from AT&T last time I was in the US, but I use it in Brazil. The stock rom would not get the updates and the 4G LTE data plans here in Brazil. I flashed the kitkat and lolipop ROMs from cyanogen and all worked as a charm. But, somehow, I think I prefer the stock over these custom ROMs.

I have the stock rom somewhere, but I am afraid that if I flash that, I will loose the 4G capability for my Brazilian carrier.

When I first flashed the CM12 I got from following this thread, I lacked the multi-apn capability, but after getting the correct multi-apn.zip patch all went smooth.

My question is: will this patch work on the stock LG G3 D850 ROM?

Thanks in advance!

Gustavo
[Samsung Gear S] kamieniarz:
I went at the pool with my Gear S to test if IP67 works fine. Unfortunately after 1-2 minutes under water (but not constantly) watch simply died. Water was under SIM flap and was also in speaker hole. I put it in rice and it's dry now but it's completly dead... Is there any way to fix it or should I use my warranty (I hope they will accept it anyway)?
[Samsung Gear S] esseff:
mod edit

Anything rated at only 1m depth is clearly not really waterproof (splash proof maybe). Just standing straight in chest deep water would put it below 1m!
[Samsung Gear S] kamieniarz:
That's not what I did. Don't you know how swimming looks like? -.-

Anyway I asked you a quesion so your opinion here is unnecessary.
[Samsung Gear S] androidrouen:
Don't say them what happened, they will give you another ^^
[Samsung Gear S] gnmmarechal:
Honestly you don't need to act like that though.
[Samsung Gear S] cipherswitch:
Agreed with the other posters, be nice.

IP67 could withstand a shower, maybe.... I wouldnt have worn in it the pool, I even take it off in the shower. Just because it states a weather rating, doesnt mean I want to test just how weather proof it is. That being said, I would try to get it covered under warranty. The rice thing is a myth, yes it will get some moisture out but the short circuit already happened.

Good luck!
[Samsung Gear S] ozaghloul:
I shower and bathe with my watch specifically so I can take calls. Its ultra liberating :) I haven't had an issue with water leak. I was considering swimming with it but I guess now I will not do that.
[Samsung Gear S] erick161:
Not supposed to be exposed to chemicals similar to a pool. This is tested with plain water...not pool nor salt water.
[Samsung Gear S] kois86:
i hope it is sweat resistant as can be considered salted water
[Samsung Gear S] apprentice:
.

That's a bit of a rude reply.

.