- May 1, 2018
- 229
Hello 
Like in the title of thread, Do we really need AV on Android? What is your opinion about that?
Like in the title of thread, Do we really need AV on Android? What is your opinion about that?
Do we really need AV on Android?
- Thread starter KonradPL
- Start date
Please provide comments and solutions that are helpful to the author of this topic.
- Oct 14, 2014
- 497
Honestly, I really don't think so. I just don't see the benefit. As long as you don't sideload sketchy cracked apps/visit sketchy websites promising you a mail order bride from Russia in exchange for one of your kidneys, I think most people don't need an AV on Android
No.
Android isolate Apps and also AVs doesn't have enough rights to realy protect you. They only increase the attack surface.
To stay safe, use the following:
# Don't install Apps outside of Google Store & F-Droid while F-Droid is more secure and trustworthy
# Keep all your Apps & Android itself always up2date. Use automatic Updates if possible
# Check manually all Apps permission and keep a eye on that
# Use Apps which need less as possible permissions & don't need network - if possible , instead of Apps full of permission
# (If GAPPS/ Google Services are installed) check your device regularly with PlayProtect under "my Apps" in Playstore
# don't root your system as ROOT destroy a lot of important security features like Verfied Boot
# don't use Custom ROMs with need unlocked Bootloader (GrapheenOS works with re-locked!)
Android isolate Apps and also AVs doesn't have enough rights to realy protect you. They only increase the attack surface.
To stay safe, use the following:
# Don't install Apps outside of Google Store & F-Droid while F-Droid is more secure and trustworthy
# Keep all your Apps & Android itself always up2date. Use automatic Updates if possible
# Check manually all Apps permission and keep a eye on that
# Use Apps which need less as possible permissions & don't need network - if possible , instead of Apps full of permission
# (If GAPPS/ Google Services are installed) check your device regularly with PlayProtect under "my Apps" in Playstore
# don't root your system as ROOT destroy a lot of important security features like Verfied Boot
# don't use Custom ROMs with need unlocked Bootloader (GrapheenOS works with re-locked!)
- Mar 29, 2018
- 7,613
Do you do heavy surfing? Dangerous surfing? I don't because it's not convenient, so I only use built-in Play Protect or Bitdefender Free (no web protection, scan only). If you answer yes to question #2 then you might want a full AV. I bet a lot of members here use built-in.Hello
Like in the title of thread, Do we really need AV on Android? What is your opinion about that?
- Sep 5, 2017
- 1,173
- May 29, 2018
- 2,728
Not really, only thing i have installed on family members is family link to allow installing of applications or deny them and set-up an firefox with ublock origin + trafficlight ,never ran into any issues
Well youtube kids sometimes has some spooky videos but not an av will help me in that case
Yes common sense is the way to go, only people that will run into issues are people rooting and not knowing what they are even doing....if youre unsure about if you need an antivirus on your mobile phone theres handfull of them to pick from
Well youtube kids sometimes has some spooky videos but not an av will help me in that case
Yes common sense is the way to go, only people that will run into issues are people rooting and not knowing what they are even doing....if youre unsure about if you need an antivirus on your mobile phone theres handfull of them to pick from
- Jan 28, 2018
- 2,464
When renewing the license of emisi, the price difference was small, so I purchased a mobile version license.
I've been using it for about two months, but to be honest, I don't feel much need.
"Security is important! We protect you for free!"
There are a lot of security software from unknown vendors that appeal like this. Watching this trend, I feel that it is more dangerous to install such software easily.
I've been using it for about two months, but to be honest, I don't feel much need.
"Security is important! We protect you for free!"
There are a lot of security software from unknown vendors that appeal like this. Watching this trend, I feel that it is more dangerous to install such software easily.
- Nov 8, 2016
- 574
Recently i installed Sophos on an old Android 7 because it lacks android security updates. I felt i needed to keep some apps untouched
Would you consider Blokada and DNS66 on that "list"?
Why?
The problem is with my old smartphones... some of them are already without update cover.
- May 26, 2014
- 1,130
I had Kaspersky then Norton,but my battery life noticeably was drained ,so took both off,no virus on so far ever!,before ,when I had, or after
Real-time AV? No.
On-demand one? Most big brands offers one by default.
There is no need to install one, unless you are a insta-holic and like to test dozen of unknown fancy apps a day.
On-demand one? Most big brands offers one by default.
There is no need to install one, unless you are a insta-holic and like to test dozen of unknown fancy apps a day.
i think lots of install monsters here
- Nov 3, 2019
- 413
common sense and safe surfing is the remedy IMHO
I personally don't use an antivirus on my phone. I rely on Google Play Protect (built-in to Android) to filter the apps that I have installed. Stick with reputable developers and always pay attention to the developer name when installing an app to differentiate between the actual app and clones of it.
Another thing to do is make sure to turn off installation of apps from outside Google Play.
Like @security123 mentioned, it's important to pay attention to the permissions that an app requires.
I used to use Bouncer to help automate and manage temporary permissions to apps.
malwaretips.com
Besides that, common sense will keep you in the clear.
Another thing to do is make sure to turn off installation of apps from outside Google Play.
Like @security123 mentioned, it's important to pay attention to the permissions that an app requires.
I used to use Bouncer to help automate and manage temporary permissions to apps.
Bouncer - Temporary App Permissions
Just wanted to share a nifty app that I've been using that helps make managing permissions easier. Instead of having to go back into settings each time and toggle the permissions for an app on/off, Bouncer will automate this. It is a paid app ($1) but I payed for it using my balance from Google...
malwaretips.com
I'm using
Zemana Mobile Antivirus
Malwarebytes Security Premium
IntelliAV
Zemana Mobile Antivirus
Malwarebytes Security Premium
IntelliAV
- Mar 12, 2018
- 76
popular OS will always be a target, so you probably need one.
- May 29, 2018
- 2,728
Yandex is also decent, wich allows you to play with chrome flags + install extensions, personally im using firefox preview nightly for now ( has ublock origin as built in extension) and moving into firefox preview stable when the ublock origin support is out. You can also play with about:config in current nightly, to set up it as you likeBromite with integrated Adblocker
- May 7, 2016
- 1,307
No Av.
Just use ad blockers like adguard & VPN (turbo) and disable unknown source app installation.
Just use ad blockers like adguard & VPN (turbo) and disable unknown source app installation.
- You do not need a fully comprehensive Antivirus for Android.
- Content blockers are useful.
- Where possible, strongly recommended to use the latest version of Android.
- Aug 4, 2016
- 1,465
I don't have an Android phone/pad/tablet or my other half (iPhones/iPads) but do have a Sony Android TV, with few apps on - I have the free ESET scanner, but a couple of months ago obtained a Gryphon router & that keeps an eye on things with ESET - Not totally sure what my other IOT devices run on but assume some are Android based - Visitors bring an assortment of phones to my network - So I do get a little concerned about unknown devices being connected (Jail-broken etc)
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