Android Virus/Spyware

testacon · #1 (**permalink**) 02-28-2011, 04:53 PM

So I guess we all heard that Spyware/Viruses are starting to show more and more for the Android operating system, if not here's a link...

Android Spyware Distributed By Third Party Online Marketplaces -- InformationWeek

My question for you all is, how does one know if a vendor is reputable with it's software? I'm not one for installing anything on day one of a release anyway, but is there an approved vendor list out there that one can trust?

The article I linked to specifically mentioned 3rd party vendors/sideloading of apps but can't you get them as well from Google's marketplace? I'm all for being open but does Google actually verify if the app submitted does exactly and only what the app is advertised to do?

Just wondering how the rest of you handle this and what (if any) precautions you take?

Thanks!

**darren.wlsn1** · #2 (**permalink**) 02-28-2011, 05:08 PM

best imo, lots of options and free.
https://www.mylookout.com/

**GirlGoneGeek** · #3 (**permalink**) 02-28-2011, 11:13 PM

With the amount of applications out there that do have viruses or are nothing but junk, I would guess Google isn't doing enough investigating before approving an app. Just my observation

testacon · #4 (**permalink**) 03-01-2011, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darren.wlsn1

best imo, lots of options and free.
https://www.mylookout.com/

Does this app need root access to fully integrate into the OS? The website is a bit vague with installation instructions...

notinkeys · #5 (**permalink**) 03-01-2011, 01:22 PM

Lookout doesn't need root, but it will noticeably slow your device down. I had to remove it because it was such a drag. I loved the product otherwise.

**GirlGoneGeek** · #6 (**permalink**) 03-01-2011, 05:36 PM

I don't use anything for protection but on the other hand only download straight from the market, apps that are 3+ stars. I haven't had any problems so far so I'll stick to my routine.

testacon · #7 (**permalink**) 03-03-2011, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Courtney1985

I don't use anything for protection but on the other hand only download straight from the market, apps that are 3+ stars. I haven't had any problems so far so I'll stick to my routine.

Maybe you should now...Besides you don't want any Android babies running around, or do you? I wonder how many of these had a 3 star rating or higher?? The publisher of the apps is called Myournet, but I'm sure that'll name will change now.

Google Pulls 21 Malware Apps Posing as Bogus Versions of Real Apps | Android Phone Fans

Google shouldn't have to be told to remove apps by end users, kinda sad if you ask me. Open is one thing, checking to see if an app works as expected is another. Hopefully this might wake up Google to actually monitor the app store more closely...

**Thundaar2000** · #8 (**permalink**) 03-03-2011, 11:09 AM

Is there any kind of a list that we can check against to see if a infected app is installed?
The article just said 50 apps removed but didnt say the author or even the app name!

**Thundaar2000** · #9 (**permalink**) 03-03-2011, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by notinkeys

Lookout doesn't need root, but it will noticeably slow your device down. I had to remove it because it was such a drag. I loved the product otherwise.

I use lookout. Havent noticed any slow downs at all.
I dont use backup.
I just use it to check programs as they get installed to see if they are OK.

So far... knock on wood.... so good!

**darren.wlsn1** · #10 (**permalink**) 03-03-2011, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thundaar2000

I use lookout. Havent noticed any slow downs at all.
I dont use backup.
I just use it to check programs as they get installed to see if they are OK.

So far... knock on wood.... so good!

same here, no slowdowns on "new" froyo or stock.