[Q] Virus Scanner Recommendations? - HTC Vivid, Raider, Velocity

In looking at threads in other forums, there appears to be mixed opinions about the need for a Virus Scanner.
There was just recently an article published that said the free ones were not worth bothering with. According to the article, the only ones worthwhile were F-Secure Mobile Security and Kaspersky Mobile Security. Both of these are For Pay apps. F-Secure is not in the App Market and the App Market price for Kaspersky is about 1/2 what they quote on their website. Is there a difference in the app between the Market and their website?
Here's the link: http://www.av-test.org/fileadmin/pdf/avtest_2011-11_free_android_virus_scanner_english.pdf
Any thoughts on the need? Recommendations?

i have never needed one. i tried Lookout in the past, but found it to slow down my phone and drain battery quicker. i have had ZERO reason to use an AV on my phone in over a year and a half...

Honestly, don't even try. You will NEVER need an antivirus.

Yea truthfully all the garbage you read about viruses and what not on the Android are as far as I have been able to tell BS. Although with the amount of times I tend to flash Roms it wouldn't matter and it is not like I ever keep important sensitive information on the phone either. And as stated every AV I have used tend to slow the phone down and drain the battery like hell.

Thanks all. You've convinced me to skip the idea.

the only time u will get malware on your phone is when you download free apps that sounds shady

Related

best free antivirus software

okay so,
is there any best free antivirus software for windows pc
Until recently used avast!, and spybot search & destroy, I didn't have any problems.
I 'upgraded' to norton, which slows my pc down a lot especially on startup, I did a full system scan and it found nothing.
I found a few reads from this link
As for antivirus i would recommend Avira Free Version:
http://www.free-av.de/
It is really fast, does not slow down your system so much, and the detection rate is very good.
However, for spyware you need to buy the full version or use another tool lile Spybot Search&Destroy.
Only annoying thing is the popup window when its downloading updates
Been using AVG Free for years: http://free.avg.com/
On one of my PCs, AVG clashed with one of my programs, so went with Avast instead: http://www.avast.com
Both seem to be as good as each other. The only problem with Avast is that you need to register every year to get a new code (but they don't block mailinator emails) and you need to remember to turn sounds off for each user on the PC or else you get annoying "Virus databse has been updated!"
Alongside either you need to run spybot for spyware: http://www.spybot.info
Wont say too much as you will see my choice in the 8 step cleaning guide http://internetsecurityandmaintenance.blogspot.com/
Avira Free Version
been using for 2-3 years now
never had a virus with this.....unlike avg....thats software sucks!
well AVG 7 was something but AVG8 just SUCKS! takes up too much memory, been running Avast for about a year now and love it
(plus it gives a warning sound which freaks small kids sitting besides my pc )
Hello,
I am using BitDefender for 5 years and till today I did not found any virus killing my pc, if found the BitDefender will delete it safely. From 1 week I am using eset for testing and looks good but the only problem is with autoupdate and there is no option to disable.
Best Regards
I've been using AVG for a few years now, along side with Windows Defender. Like Ather said, 8 really sucks, damn ads! I'm very skeptical when it comes to free software, even from CNET. But seems I have some new ones to check out!
I'd recommend Norton, but it's not cheap, subscription needs to be renewed, and interferes with too much. Although, it did have a nice feat of shutting my computer up about the user account control settings.
+3 Avira
I'll give more kudos to avira... you can add a patch that "subdues" the popup ads when updating. So far, it's the most lightweight and powerful free antivirus I've ever tried. I recommend it to my friends and family all the time.
I will admit though, as of lately, I've been using NOD32 and have almost forgot it's there... =) It isn't free though...
I use avast it's ok free
and handled itself very well in
both the secure tests
and not using that much system res when running tests
I think you can try downloading Avira...
I'm using Norton before but it slow down my computer. I decide to switch to AVG. I also install Spybot.
For surfing the net, I always use Firefox with WOT add on or Chrome. Using IE these days, can give you viruses just by opening a website.
WOT-addon and Spybot are awesome on rating sites, specially when you search in Google. It will warn you on dangerous sites.
Cheers.
Good old Antivir. Now called Avira. This free antivirus is among the best (see av-comparatives.org). Heck, read its fair wikipedia entry.
The only thing that most users would find to be an annoyance is the daily (daily for me because my updates are set to daily) popup that advertises their EXCELLENT paid version. There is a simple OK button at the bottom; click it and you're good, it's gone.
AVG had a better product a few years ago but recently they haven't been able to keep up. Avast is also a good, good-rated product.
There's no BEST antivirus software. But I've been using McAfee for two years now. It's simply a good program. Worth the money to buy. You have to buy to get something good, like buying a good theft protection alarm for your car.
i think there is no one good for now(for me)
Kevbodian said:
Good old Antivir. Now called Avira. This free antivirus is among the best (see av-comparatives.org). Heck, read its fair wikipedia entry.
The only thing that most users would find to be an annoyance is the daily (daily for me because my updates are set to daily) popup that advertises their EXCELLENT paid version. There is a simple OK button at the bottom; click it and you're good, it's gone.
AVG had a better product a few years ago but recently they haven't been able to keep up. Avast is also a good, good-rated product.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i think for now there are no antivirus that can resolved my problem,,AVG=too sensitive,,he deleted my *.doc(were infected) also..so it was not safe..
avira=sensitive just for macro viruses(not for local)and also other antivirus..there were no good enough..
Just curious.. If you get a virus what are the chance of getting that bad boy out without reformatting? I haven't got a virus for about 3 years now but just curious can these anti-virus programs actually work in removing? Or are they there just to detect?
flexilis
If you go to flexilis.com ,get invited, you canget flexilis which is a free anti-virus & back up from microsoft. I use it on my 800's & they report to you every week. You set the time you want the activity, manual or daily. I like it. Even if you forget to reload after a HRS they'll let you now you're not activated. I figure Micro. still has to make things to stay alive 'ya Know?
First off, good chose going for free ones and not the paid ones. Why pay when we get the same power for free . Here is a list of the best available ones
skipser.toolsbysk.com/p/2/p/best-free-antivirus-softwares.html
Personally, I would also recomment AVG for it's better interface and silent operation. Have been using it for 2 years now.
Microsoft Security Essentials. Not only free but better than the paid for alternatives!

Couple noobish questions.

I'm a recent emigre from the land of iphone and i'm loving all my newfound freedom. After surfing around the market, I have a couple quick questions I thought the xda crowd might have good answers to.
1.I saw an antivirus app. Is this just developer fear-mongering marketing or are there any android viruses floating around out there?
2.Along the same lines, I saw an application that would give a notification when the phone was fully charged to prevent overcharging. Is this an issue with Nexus One phones? I usually charge my phone overnight. Is that a bad idea?
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
Both of these are not necessary, its complete hype. Don't even think twice about it
RogerPodacter said:
Both of these are not necessary, its complete hype. Don't even think twice about it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 i never got a virus -_- nor did my phone overcharge
Ya...it kinda seemed like it.
I know how I can make some money... I'll invent an imaginary problem and create a fix for it... Step 3: Profit!
I have 'lookout' on my phone, the antivirus. I have no idea how effective it would be in the event of a real virus. But it is free, and doesn't put up ads. So i may as well use it. it has some other features.
My N1 was always on the charger whenever I got home. Haven't had a problem.
As for the anti-virus thing, I can see how it may become a problem on Android eventually, but I think the best prevention is to download/install reputable apps from the market.

Lookout security mobile

I have been using this app as long as I had this phone. But I realized that it made my phone really slow while installing things because it had to scan it. I'm thinking about uninstalling it....
Is this app necessary? Are there any alternatives?
Sent from my phone
There is another alternative.
AVG owns DroidSecurity and then Lookouts version.
Necessary? Maybe maybe not. If your phone isn't rooted it is probably not an issue, and if it's rooted it might not be if you keep track of what apps have root access.
Root kits are out there in the mobile world.
AVG owns DroidSecurity and then Lookouts version.
I meant,
AVG own DroidSecurity which has some of the same features as Lookouts version.
I read way too much on here and have yet to see a thread "help I think I have a virus"
Yeah, I have yet to see a post about a possible virus. Lookout provides a few other options which makes it handy, and one that makes it dangerous. The tracking feature (which has been repeated in a few other apps that may or may not need root access) is something that can be used for bad or good.
The biggest problem is apps outside of the normal app store and ones needing root access. Android (and linux/unix/mac) have security issues exploits and whatnot but they are not prevalent like they are in Windows. Windows Mobile has root kits, and there are groups that have warned of security holes and exploits in Android and I remember there being a few on jailbroken IOS devices.
Do you guys use any security app?
I deleted it for now and it seemed to have increase my phone's speed a lot.
Sent from my phone
At this point the biggest risk is from a lost or stolen phone. I don't use any application for security though.
I use lookout, but the only thing I use it for is the "Find Me" feature, you're right, having it scan all apps on install is super painful, esp if you're restoring after a flash...
I use it. I might not need it with how picky I am about apps but knowing that mobile phones are a big security hole I want something.
Searched the market place and noticed that Macafee and Norton are releasing their own now.
Phones (the type XDA users have) are more like computers every week and not treating them as such could be dangerous in the near future.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Well the find me feature doesn't work on my phone cause my GPS is horrible even though I tried everything.. anyway I'm looking for other security apps that only scans when I want it to. Is the ES security good?
Sent from my phone
Not sure about the other ones. Stick to the big name ones such as Lookout, AVG, Norton, Macaffee since they have a lot riding on making quality products.
I would add games to the do not scan list so that my game playing wouldn't get slow, also adding them to the whitelist for watchdog helps avoid the performance hit you get from the constant scanning of accessed files and monitoring of the processes.
Which one should I get. Avg security or antivirus.? What's the difference?
Sent from my phone
I had lookout for a little while. I think my phone runs better now that i got rid of it. I also dont download random things i see or go to off websites.
While I haven' seen posts about viruses here, before I got my android there was a news story about all the phones infected by files from the market.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Until KAV, Panda, or Avira make one for the phones, stick with AVG or Lookout, I prefer Lookout because of the features (but the Norton and MacAffee I think provide the same stuff)
If you do a search for pwn2own you'll find that everything has exploits and holes(except for chrome so far).
Finding good security software is hard.
Lookout and AVG may or may not work, but what other choices are there?
Im really asking too BTW.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

one more thread: Does android require anti virus??

do u guys use anti virus?? if yes, which one?
if no, why no?
Is it virus free coz its based on linux?
I see absolutely no point in using antivirus on Android. I've sideloaded ton's of apk's from various websites and never ran into any problems. Pointless IMO.
Used it for about but also see no point of a anti virus on phones its those pesky advert that pop up in the status bar I want to completely stop
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
If you're not viewing dodgy sites and not downloading dodgy apps, there is no need. It is a waste of battery and resources imo
As the average new virus and the average 0-day is able to keep hidden for up to a year I see no point for anti virus at all! Heuristics almost never work correctly, and the number of possible security holes on a computer is so vast that it's unlikely they ever will :-\
Oh, and that time span is not my personal opinion, it stems from a study made by an employee from Norton Security (IIRC).
I've only installed avast for the anti-theft module.
+1
Its not as though you have Terabytes of data to protect. At the most I imagine you would want to protect photos, sms/mms, music and perhaps app settings and highscores.
All of these can easily be backed up to a pc or cloud storage and its a good habit to get into because in my opinion flashing roms, radios ,kernels, hboots, etc has a much higher probability for data loss than a virus threat.
Ran lookout for a few weeks earlier in the year but have since binned it off. Ive never ran into any probems
Sent from my Xoom
Opinions differ. Tbh most antivirus use such a small amount of resources that I always think it's better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it. I use Dr Web Light. Works for me.

Antivirus for the phone

So I know as long as I use trusted sources and don't really side load any apps I should be pretty safe. I am also aware that many people don't believe that Antivirus does anything other than use resources. With that said I do wish to be secure and with my classes I am taking in college (cyber security) have become a bit paranoid. So I would like people's opinion on four available products
Lookout
Already pre-installed with T-Mobile
Seems to do an ok job
Bitdefender
AV-TESTS ranked #1
Works with my Moto360 watch
Kaspersky
I use this on my personal PC and has updates frequently
Has a ton of features
ESET (Nod32)
Most Android features
Supposedly very light on system resources
Given this list has anyone had experience with any on the list and would recommend one over the other?
I've used Bitdefender.
I liked it.
I have a good friend who works as a programmer for lookout it's a good program. But in reality if you are flashing ROMS regularly you wipe out most viruses and Spyware on your own.
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
ShrekOpher said:
I have a good friend who works as a programmer for lookout it's a good program. But in reality if you are flashing ROMS regularly you wipe out most viruses and Spyware on your own.
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Problem is I just have finally gotten my ROM the perfect way I like it. Until Lollipop comes out I don't think I will be flashing anymore.
DarqAnshin said:
Given this list has anyone had experience with any on the list and would recommend one over the other?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use Kaspersky on all of my PCs, laptop, two tablets, and two phones. It does have great features and I don't notice a performance hit. You should look for the "Kaspersky Internet Security - Multi-Device" version. The five license pack allows you to install it on any mix of five computers and/or mobile devices and gives you a year of updates. Also, something unique about Kaspersky, as long as you have a valid license, product updates are free (including major updates like v2014 to v2015).
If you keep an eye on the technology deal sites, you'll often see the five license pack on sale for free after rebate. I can tell you from my experience, the rebates take forever but they do come. I've redeemed several.
SJMarty said:
I use Kaspersky on all of my PCs, laptop, two tablets, and two phones. It does have great features and I don't notice a performance hit. You should look for the "Kaspersky Internet Security - Multi-Device" version. The five license pack allows you to install it on any mix of five computers and/or mobile devices and gives you a year of updates. Also, something unique about Kaspersky, as long as you have a valid license, product updates are free (including major updates like v2014 to v2015).
If you keep an eye on the technology deal sites, you'll often see the five license pack on sale for free after rebate. I can tell you from my experience, the rebates take forever but they do come. I've redeemed several.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Marty, Thanks. I currently use Kaspersky, and it will be expiring soon. However I do find that on my Galaxy Note 10.1 it slows down the system to a crawl. I am currently going to wipe the table to Hyperdrive, but still, the app seems to be a bit "bloated" for me compared to the Lookout that I am using. I was looking for something that is a bit lightweight but yet effective.
Still thank you for everything.
Update
For anyone curious or doing a search on what the results are. I was able to find this on the XDA forums today.
Thanks go to @Utini for making this http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6/general/guide-little-guide-to-security-privacy-t3042460
Please remember to thank him for his work on that thread.

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