3 replies to this topic

[Unchange]

Is it worth having something like Eset Security installed on Android? I have no idea of the security vulnerabilities of the OS...

[t0mm13b]

This is an often asked question.

Here's my take on this. Basically do not allow yourself to be preyed on by these so called "Antivirus" apps.

The principle is the same as on Windows - practice common sense! Do not install unknown APKs - check the reputation and feedback of APKs on the market place. Do not install from so called warez sites as they could easily have malware code embedded which could snoop in a lot on your handset and transmit them - not to be fear-mongering but unfortunately due to the way APKs are created - one could easily reverse engineer it and implant code and rebuild it again - its the knowledge of knowing that will arm your common sense.

Grab DroidWall from the market, by Rodriguez, version 1.5.4 is the latest and install that. Selectively, again, using common sense here, apply which apps are allowed to transmit over the network. If you accidentally download a crappy app that has some wonderful spiel on the market place, block it, or even better, use Titanium Backup (get the donate version and donate to the dev or buy the pro version) and nuke the crappy app from your handset.

All in all, its really common sense, and such companies are fear-mongering in saying "Grab the latest Antivirus" for malware. To be blunt - they are about as useful as an ashtray on a motorbike going at 100Km/hr, not alone that, they'll eat up into your resources and potentially slow down the handset continually scanning ... at the end of the day, be responsible, practice safe hex and use common sense.

[Lew247]

A logical and good reply

However I prefer to be safe than sorry, Apps DO get into the genuine market with virus's in them and although they do get removed and remotely deleted while they are undetected they can do whatever they like

I use Lookout security, its free and as well as being a very good antivirus, it also has the facility to tell you where your phone is (and more) should it be stolen

It also has a brilliant feature where if you lose your phone somewhere but your sure its nearby you can log onto the website and make your phone emit a siren sound that is very loud and easy to find where its hiding (usually down the side of a sofa in my partners case)

Well worth looking at, especially as they are the company who discovered the last virus in apps and notified Google who then deleted the apps from the market

[Unchange]

Thanks for the info guys. Really helpful. Definitely noticed a reduction in battery life with eset, so glad to be getting rid of it.