Is an antivirus really needed on Android?

[Icy]

I already use app ops to disable unwanted app permissions, but is a real-time antivirus protection needed?

 

[Ink]

It's debatable, but it's the next mobile-XP.

 

[Koroke San]

Until u don't download applications from unknown sites, don't download useless & crappy applications coz most of them are included with PUP/ Crappy Ads, don't put any infected files/games/videos from other mobile devices/PC via bluetooth sharing, don't use any public wifi connection & if u up to date your software & android version then i think it's not necessary to use a AV but u can use light AV like comodo , Avast, MBAM etc which are freeware to ensure your protection. Like My ESET AV find some PUP in my free softwares which i downloaded from Google Play Store ,so having AV sometimes are useful for Android.

 

[Jack]

I already use app ops to disable unwanted app permissions, but is a real-time antivirus protection needed?

The key thing to remember about malware on Android is that you have to actually install it. The majority of infections arise from the installation of ‘cracked’ applications from 3rd party market places which are often bundled with malicious software.

If you only install apps from Google Play, make it a habit to read the comments as well as the rating of the app that you are going to download and always read through the permissions to make sure they make sense and correspond to what the app actually does (an alarm app does not require a permission to access your text messages or send premium rate text messages), then you should be safe.

And as a final note, I do have Avast Free Antivirus installed on my Smartphone, as I really like the Anti-Theft feature.

 

[Exterminator]

I agree with Jack.There are some good free ones that offer other features besides just malware protection.They have call blocking,ant-theft protection and a few other features.If it gives you piece of mind and you like some of the other features then it wont hurt. Is it absolutely necessary I dont think so as long as you are careful.

 

[Icy]

Thanks everyone!
But If I happened to need an antivirus for my handset, which one would you recommend?
I heard those are good in terms of protection and battery-impact:
360 security
Cm security
Avast
Drweb

 

[Exterminator]

I used Comodo Mobile Security and thought it was excellent.Had all the features of a paid app.

 

[trainbus120]

I already use app ops to disable unwanted app permissions, but is a real-time antivirus protection needed?

Yes, it is highly recommended that you have one to avoid the ever increasing threat .

 

[nastavnikhe]

I use Ikarus Mobile Security but I think it is not really necessary

 

[Moose]

> CM Security!
> With Clean Master!
> Cerberus
> LookOut
> IDrive Online
> Gas Guru
> Smart App Protector

 

[xxtoss23]

i use cm security on my
Tablet its have high detection rate cmcm.com/product/cm-behavior-cloud.html

 

[WinAndLinuxTutorials]

I used to worry about it when I first got an Android phone, but then I realized that common sense does a great job.

 

[Nico@FMA]

Personally i would say that a complete protection suit for a Android phone is not a far fetched idea.
Even with proper APP habits where you only get them from legit sources like Google store or Samsung store, fact is that Androids are being targeted by malware, and exploits.
There is a flourishing malware industry laying waist on Tablet and Phone users, specially now banks and governmental institutions offer options to access VERY private data just by using your phone, so besides the fact that you need to watch for rogue APPs one has more to fear from public Wifi and from their very own home network as malware creators and hackers start coding their malware to spread trough the home network to any connected device.
So yes i personally think that while its still manageable to skip the security app i advise my clients to get it anyway.
Better save then having a bad day.

 

[juhful]

Better safe than sorry, I'm using Comodo on my phone and I like it!

 

[zeusc4]

AV useless for android,
but if you going to install cracked apks & unnecessary apps then you need to install anti virus app.

also anti theft good addition for smart phones.

 

[Nico@FMA]

AV useless for android,
but if you going to install cracked apks & unnecessary apps then you need to install anti virus app.

also anti theft good addition for smart phones.

I do not agree, in fact i strongly DIS-agree, specially with the new generation of malware this idea of yours can turn your nice and sunny day into a very very bad day.

 

[Raul90]

I have AVG Pro from an earlier Yandex promo(also have BD mobile license) but I tend to agree with Jack/exterminator20 on this. You'd have to be careful enough(proper common sense) and only download from legit sites like GooglePlay. The freeware one are good enough

 

[Icy]

Hmm so i guess ill get a security solution on my phone, but which one do you recommend? I have a note 2

 

[Icy]

I decided to use malwarebytes. I'm not sure if the protection it offers is comparable to other av vendors but ill try testing it on blue stacks if it was possible.

 

[WalterWolf]

No need for AV on android because android is based on Linux.