antivirus on android

[happy_highlander]

how necessary is an antivirus on an android. Being new to them I don't know just how many virus there are that will attack the android operating system and is it just an unecessary app running in the background.

Thanks

[gregk]

As far as I know android does not need AV. As it's based on LINUX. Linux only has a hand full of viruses all of which are not harmful,l plus there is very difficult for virus to enter operating system. Linux never installs anything in to core of the system and you need to be system administrator to run install command.

[SouthernComfort]

When running applications, check for requested permissions, anything out of the ordinary investigate further. Developers should give valid reasons for permissions.

[happy_highlander]

When running applications, check for requested permissions, anything out of the ordinary investigate further. Developers should give valid reasons for permissions.

probably a stupid question but how do I check for permissions

[Jim.Mahoney]

probably a stupid question but how do I check for permissions

Most applications have their own permissions for example; read & write data or access internet etc...

They are usually set when you install a given application!

So, downloading say a Facebook application from the Facebook site is OK and you can be pretty certain it is safe to allow the application access the internet and read data....

However, downloading a unbelievably great application for free from a link is not something I'd want to try!!

[SouthernComfort]

probably a stupid question but how do I check for permissions

Listed on initial install, only applies to unknown sources. Market apps are thoroughly tested, I would be wary of anything that requests call or text permissions (not the same as phone identity). Applications such as launchers or dialers require these permissions.

[happy_highlander]

So I presume the apps from applanet are ok.I have noticed that the likes of copilot require these kind of permission

[SouthernComfort]

Some Navigation software requests these permissions so you can use the services in application. As for applanet, treat it as you would any other filehosting site, there are rogue apps out there.

Copilot Permissions

• android.permission.INTERNET
• android.permission.ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION
• android.permission.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION
• android.permission.ACCESS_LOCATION_EXTRA_COMMANDS
• android.permission.ACCESS_MOCK_LOCATION
• android.permission.DISABLE_KEYGUARD
• android.permission.WAKE_LOCK
• android.permission.WRITE_SETTINGS
• android.permission.CALL_PHONE
• android.permission.READ_CONTACTS
• android.permission.READ_PHONE_STATE
• android.permission.VIBRATE
• android.permission.WRITE_SMS
• android.permission.SEND_SMS
• android.permission.ACCESS_WIFI_STATE
• android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE

Prefer NDrive personally but have fun testing, try to avoid rivers etc.

[happy_highlander]

Some Navigation software requests these permissions so you can use the services in application. As for applanet, treat it as you would any other filehosting site, there are rogue apps out there.

Copilot Permissions

• android.permission.INTERNET
• android.permission.ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION
• android.permission.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION
• android.permission.ACCESS_LOCATION_EXTRA_COMMANDS
• android.permission.ACCESS_MOCK_LOCATION
• android.permission.DISABLE_KEYGUARD
• android.permission.WAKE_LOCK
• android.permission.WRITE_SETTINGS
• android.permission.CALL_PHONE
• android.permission.READ_CONTACTS
• android.permission.READ_PHONE_STATE
• android.permission.VIBRATE
• android.permission.WRITE_SMS
• android.permission.SEND_SMS
• android.permission.ACCESS_WIFI_STATE
• android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE

Prefer NDrive personally but have fun testing, try to avoid rivers etc.

I use a tom tom twat nav everyday so I am quite good at not turning into fields, buildings and the likes. It will only be to use as a backup incase somebody nicks nicks tom tom

[MrFug]

Android devices do need AV. There's been a massive increase in the number of viruses and malware on android devices recently.

ESET Mobile Security for Android is in beta stage atm, and is free.

ESET Mobile Security for Android Beta - Free antivirus software beta testing

[X6shooter]

ANDROID

android is the BEST OS there is!

[SouthernComfort]

For anyone concerned try Lookout MS, from memory all rogue apps were pulled from Market as soon as they were discovered and the situation was being monitored. These apps may help but common sense will be your best defence.

Here's the list of the malicious apps from Lookout's blog that have been identified so far:

* Falling Down
* Super Guitar Solo
* Super History Eraser
* Photo Editor
* Super Ringtone Maker
* Super Sex Positions
* Hot Sexy Videos
* Chess
* ***19979;***22368;***28378;***29699;_Falldown
* Hilton Sex Sound
* Screaming Sexy Japanese Girls
* Falling Ball Dodge
* Scientific Calculator
* Dice Roller
* ***36530;***36991;***24377;***29699;
* Advanced Currency Converter
* App Uninstaller
* ***20960;***20309;***25112;***26426;_PewPew
* Funny Paint
* Spider Man
* ***34584;***34523;***20384;
* Bowling Time
* Advanced Barcode Scanner
* Supre Bluetooth Transfer
* Task Killer Pro
* Music Box
* Sexy Girls: Japanese
* Sexy Legs
* Advanced File Manager
* Magic Strobe Light
* ***33268;***21629;***32477;***33394;***32654;***33 151;
* ***22696;***27700;***22374;***20811;Panzer Panic
* ***35064;***22868;***20808;***29983;Mr. Runner
* ***36719;***20214;***24378;***21147;***21368;***36 733;
* Advanced App to SD
* Super Stopwatch & Timer
* Advanced Compass Leveler
* Best password safe
* ***25527;***39600;***23376;
* ***22810;***24425;***32472;***30011;
* Finger Race
* Piano
* Bubble Shoot
* Advanced Sound Manager
* Magic Hypnotic Spiral
* Funny Face
* Color Blindness Test
* Tie a Tie
* Quick Notes
* Basketball Shot Now
* Quick Delete Contacts
* Omok Five in a Row
* Super Sexy Ringtones
* ***22823;***23478;***26469;***25214;***33580;
* ***26700;***19978;***26354;***26829;***29699;
* ***25237;***31726;***39640;***25163;

http://blog.mylookout.com/