More malware hits the Android market!

[Jake Storm]

Scary stuff...

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44232800/ns/technology_and_science-security/#

Unfortunately is seems to just be getting worse.
But what do you expect from an OS designed for hackers?

[Stuntman]

It's also a very popular phone OS. It's not like this is unexpected. I expect every popular OS to have malware apps.

[inferno7799]

I agree with stuntman, and personally, I believe Android is becoming and will be for phones what Windows is for computers. Sure it's going to be the target for attacks since it has/will have the largest customer base but it HAS the largest customer base for a reason. Same goes for development, although the iOS app store is where developers go to make money, on Android developers choose Android because it is open source and is a great testing ground; Android is more about community and unfortunately not everyone likes communities or are just skilled programmers with a grude, hence malware.

[biictorr]

How useful are antivirus apps like AVG or Lookout Security in protecting us from malware? Is it enough to just install these apps, and of course be wary of what apps you're downloading? Or do we need to take further precautions to protect our phones and information?

[MrCrowley]

How useful are antivirus apps like AVG or Lookout Security in protecting us from malware? Is it enough to just install these apps, and of course be wary of what apps you're downloading? Or do we need to take further precautions to protect our phones and information?

I am using Lookout premium on the 14 day trial. Can locate the phone if lost (via website), protect it against crap, back up data etc, all on the fee trial. The price seems a little steep but I have read good reviews, before I buy I will try others just compare. My phone hasn't slowed down since I installed Lookout, battery doesn't seem to be affected. Of course I watch what apps and widgets I install. For me I look for a) high review rating and b) high amount of downloads and so far I have stayed away from the crap out there.

[Stuntman]

How useful are antivirus apps like AVG or Lookout Security in protecting us from malware?

I'm not convinced that these apps really help improve the security of your phone. The reason is that I have yet to find any independent source that verified that a phone running any of these security apps actually prevented malware from getting onto the phone. I have been looking for a report where some researcher tried to get malware onto a phone and some security software prevented it and/or removed it. I am rather highly suspicious of various security software. Some of the user comments I have seen seem to indicate that some such software do not work. I would be wary of installing software that asks for practically full permissions to your phone or SD card that may not be effective.

Is it enough to just install these apps, and of course be wary of what apps you're downloading? Or do we need to take further precautions to protect our phones and information?

I would not recommend installing these apps at this time. All of the articles I have read about malware just warns that malware is on the rise. None that I have seen say that security software prevented a verified malware attack or removed it. I would just be wary of what apps you install.

I recommend reading the user comments as well and read them carefully. I was checking out some comments on an app once and felt that a number of those comments seemed to be suspicious. Some apps have an unusual number of comments compared to the number of downloads. Some comments seem generic like I've read them before.

I somewhat rely on crowdsourcing to identify malware. That seems to be how Google and their products and services work. That pretty much means that someone has to get infected and notice it and then report it and a number of people have to agree that this is the case. Google seems to take action on malware and remove those apps that have been identified as malware from their market.

[biictorr]

The reason is that I have yet to find any independent source that verified that a phone running any of these security apps actually prevented malware from getting onto the phone.

That's a really good point. I have always found it strange that these antivirus softwares scan the apps after they have already been installed. Doesn't seem like the most effective way to protect your phone.

So I guess all these apps are good for are the lost/stolen related features like remote lock/wipe/tracking.

Maybe after I get a new phone I'll wipe my old one and test to see if the antivirus works. That won't be for a while though. I just passed the halfway mark of my contract. Thanks Stuntman and MrCrowley for your input

[stalemate]

...Unfortunately is seems to just be getting worse.
But what do you expect from an OS designed for hackers?

Please post some justification for that comment, if you can. I'm curious to see where that idea would be explained.

By that comment, close to 45% of smartphone users worldwide are using Android and, therefore, hackers? ;)

The reasons why Android as an OS outsells iOS almost 2.5 to 1 have already been expounded so I won't repeat them, but that is indeed the nature of the beast: systems that are more flexible are also more prone to security risks.

Nothing any moderately informed user can't cope with, but there you have it: it seems most users will prefer to use a more open-ended device despite the security risks, than to bow to the alternative of closed systems.

[AndroidBunny]

That's pretty scary. I swore I got some odd virus one time.. my phone used to call people without even touching anything, and it didn't even show on my screen that I was calling anyone. A few other things happened but I can't really remember anymore. I hope to god I never get anything like that on my phone.

Always make sure to check the permissions before you download your app.