virus protection for the droid

C

CiscoInside

Gawd
Joined
Mar 26, 2010
Messages
546
I was wondering if anyone has any good recommendations on antivirus and maybe spyware protection for this phone its motorola droid 2.
 
You don't need any due to the way sandboxing and permissions are used in Android. Keep in mind that an antivirus would need root permissions to do any good.

however, if you really want one you can find it on the market but it will kill your battery life.
 
Lookout Mobile is the only security app that I know of. Can find it on the market.
 
They're malicious and do more harm than good. Like others have said, they're pointless on Android so don't even bother.
 
Blown 89 said:
They're malicious and do more harm than good. Like others have said, they're pointless on Android so don't even bother.
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So all AV/malware apps are scams? Including the one I mentioned? Just curious.
 
WarriorX said:
So all AV/malware apps are scams? Including the one I mentioned? Just curious.
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They're selling a product based on FUD that people don't really need so yes, the one you mentioned is a scam in that regard.
 
Vermillion said:
Keep in mind that an antivirus would need root permissions to do any good.
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So when I download an app, and I grant it permission to, say, modify my contacts...it couldn't delete all my contacts and call itself a virus w/o requiring root access?
 
Jmtyra said:
So when I download an app, and I grant it permission to, say, modify my contacts...it couldn't delete all my contacts and call itself a virus w/o requiring root access?
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The sandboxing prevents it from doing something like deleting contacts regardless because of the way the permissions work.

However, by installing it you gave it permission to effectively data mine your contact list. They could then in turn send advertisement text messages or phone calls to family/friends or use that information to target ads to you.
 
Jmtyra said:
So when I download an app, and I grant it permission to, say, modify my contacts...it couldn't delete all my contacts and call itself a virus w/o requiring root access?
Click to expand...

If you allow an app to modify your contacts then yes, it could delete them. But no other apps can stop that app from deleting your contacts. Applications can only interact with each other in very limited and specific ways. A virus scanner is impossible on Android unless it requires root because apps can't inspect each other.

For example, you've got 2 apps: AppVirus and AppAV. AppAV, without root, can't even look at AppVirus's files much less stop it from running.

Now, there ARE legitimate security apps, but they are things that allow you to track your phone if it is physically stolen or to remote wipe it, NOT for "virus" protection.

tl;dr: Don't install shit asking for odd permissions unless you trust it. If an app claiming to be a collection of wallpapers requires access to the internet and your contacts, chances are you shouldn't install it.
 
kllrnohj said:
If you allow an app to modify your contacts then yes, it could delete them. But no other apps can stop that app from deleting your contacts. Applications can only interact with each other in very limited and specific ways. A virus scanner is impossible on Android unless it requires root because apps can't inspect each other.

For example, you've got 2 apps: AppVirus and AppAV. AppAV, without root, can't even look at AppVirus's files much less stop it from running.

Now, there ARE legitimate security apps, but they are things that allow you to track your phone if it is physically stolen or to remote wipe it, NOT for "virus" protection.

tl;dr: Don't install shit asking for odd permissions unless you trust it. If an app claiming to be a collection of wallpapers requires access to the internet and your contacts, chances are you shouldn't install it.
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o_O

I've never seen any apps that actually have write access to contacts or is it just poor wording on Google's part?
 
Vermillion said:
o_O

I've never seen any apps that actually have write access to contacts or is it just poor wording on Google's part?
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There is a WRITE_CONTACTS permission. Allowing apps to modify your contacts isn't unreasonable, there are legitimate uses (such as allowing apps to sync your contacts with an external source or something). I assume WRITE permissions includes deleting. There is also a READ_CONTACTS permission that allows read-only access, which I suspect is the one spyware style apps use.

FYI, here is a list of permissions apps can ask for: http://developer.android.com/reference/android/Manifest.permission.html
 
Vermillion said:
However, by installing it you gave it permission to effectively data mine your contact list. They could then in turn send advertisement text messages or phone calls to family/friends or use that information to target ads to you.
Click to expand...
kllrnohj said:
If you allow an app to modify your contacts then yes, it could delete them. But no other apps can stop that app from deleting your contacts. Applications can only interact with each other in very limited and specific ways. A virus scanner is impossible on Android unless it requires root because apps can't inspect each other.
Click to expand...
Ugh -- now I have to go through and double-check what permissions I allowed my apps. Should have paid more attention. :(

Good info guys, I didn't know that's how they had the OS setup. Thx! :D
 
WarriorX said:
So all AV/malware apps are scams? Including the one I mentioned? Just curious.
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Lookout Mobile is not really an AV or malware app. It is a phone tracking and security app. Its primary draw is the ability to track and locate your phone if it were to be stolen.

The most dangerous virus you need protection from with your phone is the viruses that live on the outside that could give you the sniffles. I recommend washing your filthy hands and calling it a day.
 
Erasmus354 said:
Lookout Mobile is not really an AV or malware app. It is a phone tracking and security app. Its primary draw is the ability to track and locate your phone if it were to be stolen.

The most dangerous virus you need protection from with your phone is the viruses that live on the outside that could give you the sniffles. I recommend washing your filthy hands and calling it a day.
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Lookout isn't only for location. It does AV, location, lock/wipe, data backup.

I recommend it highly.

-bZj
 
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