Battle Malwarebytes vs Avast (Android)

AriDfoix

Level 3
Verified
Sep 2, 2018
125
A suite with more features, ESET, Kaspersky, probably also Malwarebytes...

Something relying on VirusTotal, https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.funnycat.virustotal

Something relying on a models based on MachineLearning, https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.intelliav
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=it.mscalas.rpackdroid
Currently I do this way:

I am testing Zemana AntiMalware for Android, so I mainly use that for realtime protection; it doesn't have any unnecessary jiggles, and I appreciate the new introduced cloud-scan, as a second opinion, I use IntelliAV; monthly or so I launch the funnycat app to get a comprehensive report of the apps I have.

-A little OT-

And these more or less my security view for strictly AV suites for Android, I think the less, the best; Android security model is many time broken by users choices, root, xposed framework, permissions...

I audit every app dns traffic through PiHole, and if I have a doubt about one app, I ask services like NVISO ApkScan - Scan Android applications for malware for a static analysis.

During the last year, I replaced almost 70% of the apps I was using, with OpenSource FDroid alternatives; lately, for every app I do the following:

A little inspection through this app: https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.oF2pks.applicationsinfo/

and I check against ClassyShark3xodus | F-Droid - Free and Open Source Android App Repository this for known trackers, in alternative also Exodus Privacy is quite ok...

Regards,
 

vtqhtr413

Level 26
Verified
Top Poster
Well-known
Aug 17, 2017
1,449
A suite with more features, ESET, Kaspersky, probably also Malwarebytes...

Something relying on VirusTotal, https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.funnycat.virustotal

Something relying on a models based on MachineLearning, https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.intelliav
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=it.mscalas.rpackdroid
Currently I do this way:

I am testing Zemana AntiMalware for Android, so I mainly use that for realtime protection; it doesn't have any unnecessary jiggles, and I appreciate the new introduced cloud-scan, as a second opinion, I use IntelliAV; monthly or so I launch the funnycat app to get a comprehensive report of the apps I have.

-A little OT-

And these more or less my security view for strictly AV suites for Android, I think the less, the best; Android security model is many time broken by users choices, root, xposed framework, permissions...

I audit every app dns traffic through PiHole, and if I have a doubt about one app, I ask services like NVISO ApkScan - Scan Android applications for malware for a static analysis.

During the last year, I replaced almost 70% of the apps I was using, with OpenSource FDroid alternatives; lately, for every app I do the following:

A little inspection through this app: apps_Packages Info | F-Droid - Free and Open Source Android App Repository

and I check against ClassyShark3xodus | F-Droid - Free and Open Source Android App Repository this for known trackers, in alternative also Exodus Privacy is quite ok...

Regards,
Very thorough post (y)
 

roger_m

Level 41
Verified
Top Poster
Content Creator
Dec 4, 2014
3,014
I have a Huawei, with Avast build-in protection, but i think it's not real time,you can only scan on demand to see if you are infected.So consider this,if it is the same in Xiaomi maybe you are not protected.
Most Android antiviruses (including the Xiaomi's security app), just scan apps when you install or update them. For example, apps don't get scanned when you open them.
 

Nestor

Level 9
Verified
Well-known
Apr 21, 2018
397
Most Android antiviruses (including the Xiaomi's security app), just scan apps when you install or update them. For example, apps don't get scanned when you open them.
In my case, Avast(built in) doesn't scan them at all, at install or in update.It's working only on demand, scanning files, doing just a static scan.I have Bitdefender, paid edition,to have real time protection,working on downloading apps,update them and as a web protection in browser.
 
Last edited:

spaceoctopus

Level 16
Verified
Top Poster
Content Creator
Well-known
Jul 13, 2014
766
Between the two i prefer Malwarebytes. If you use Avast Free prepare to be bombarded with advertising.And this will slow down your phone not the antivirus itself.

Malwarebytes on the other side is agressive.And on some Chinese smartphones it may not like some on the apps installed.As long as you whitelist them it should be fine, but not everyone will like that.

If you want a nice free antivirus, with very light protection and an excellent web protection, have a look at McAfee. It has very very few adds but you still have a good experience with it.
 

HarborFront

Level 71
Verified
Top Poster
Content Creator
Oct 9, 2016
6,014
FI, Exodus Privacy only analyze those app downloaded from Google Play Store

Whilst ClassyShark3xodus can analyze both apps downloaded from Google and Non-Google play stores

Another thing is even if ClassyShark3xodus shows zero tracker for an app it does NOT mean the app don't connect back to Google eg. Kiwi and Bromite browsers. Otherwise such browsers would announced themselves as un-Googled browsers
 
Last edited:

About us

  • MalwareTips is a community-driven platform providing the latest information and resources on malware and cyber threats. Our team of experienced professionals and passionate volunteers work to keep the internet safe and secure. We provide accurate, up-to-date information and strive to build a strong and supportive community dedicated to cybersecurity.

User Menu

Follow us

Follow us on Facebook or Twitter to know first about the latest cybersecurity incidents and malware threats.

Top