Does mobile anti-virus work?

PLAfiller · Jul 8, 2015

Sup, all. Yesterday I had to make a fresh install on my Android phone. Last thing I have to install is my anti-virus. But I am not sure mobile anti-virus matters? Is there something to be stopped? Have you had an experience where it made a difference or it's just a resource hog and a placebo effect ? Also is the Free version that far away from the paid version? I am using Bitdefender Mobile Free on my phone. And it looks really good. I like it. I've been using it for 2 years in a row now.

Mussels · Jul 8, 2015

I use it if a phone is misbehaving, then uninstall it.

I've never had, nor found malware on a phone despite repairing and reselling android phones for a few years now. The closest would be shitty third party app stores that display ads, which is hardly dangerous.

PLAfiller · Jul 8, 2015

Mussels said:
I've never had, nor found malware on a phone despite repairing and reselling android phones for a few years now.

That's some serious credentials. And your clients were all sorts I guess, even using torrent trackers and erotic sites as well? You haven't encountered any trouble? What about hackers and real-time protection? After you opinion I am inclined to do the same. Just scan and uninstall and follow phone's behaviour.

Mussels · Jul 8, 2015

lZKoce said:
That's some serious credentials. And your clients were all sorts I guess, even using torrent trackers and erotic sites as well? You haven't encountered any trouble? What about hackers and real-time protection? After you opinion I am inclined to do the same. Just scan and uninstall and follow phone's behaviour.

these were totally random phones, like a phone with a smashed screen i was repairing or recovering photos off. I think 'malware' as we know it on PC's doesnt exist in the android world, all you really get is dodgy apps that do misleading things.

micropage7 · Jul 9, 2015

i use CM Security Antivirus AppLock before it i use avast, but since it tagged my app false positive i switch to CM

especially all apps that installed is from user, theres no auto run installation

but for safe you may install antivirus as 2nd defense line

P4-630 · Jul 9, 2015

I have used norton, it was free for a year but I never had any problems with my phone and no problems now I don't use it anymore either.
Though there was a function to lock my phone with sending a text message in case it got stolen.

RCoon · Jul 9, 2015

Mobile anti-virus is like a condom in a retirement home.

It works when you need it, but that event is rather rare, and it just fills up space in an otherwise good wallet.

EDITED for additional humour points.

MustSeeMelons · Jul 9, 2015

You should add an option that no such thing is used. Have tried a few, haven't found anything harmful, uninstalled and have been living happily ever after

Just remembered this: http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/apr/10/fake-android-antivirus-app-developer-virus-shield

PLAfiller · Jul 9, 2015

MustSeeMelons said:
You should add an option that no such thing is used. Have tried a few, haven't found anything harmful, uninstalled and have been living happily ever after
Just remembered this: http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/apr/10/fake-android-antivirus-app-developer-virus-shield

I wanted to, but pressing the button "add more choices" didn't add another one to the poll. It could be my browser, I don't know. I couldn't fix it.

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Does mobile anti-virus work?

Which mobile anti-virus you are running?

AVG

Avira

Avast

Bitdefender

Some other developer/company's anti-virus (if you wish point in the comments)

Kaspersky

Norton

MacAfee

ESET

Malware Bytes Mobile

PLAfiller

Mussels

Freshwater Moderator

PLAfiller

Mussels

Freshwater Moderator

micropage7

P4-630

RCoon

MustSeeMelons

PLAfiller

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