There are a lot of rumors on the net about the insecurity of the operating room. Android systems. It is not uncommon to find news about a new virus, and the horrific statistics that say that millions of users a day are infected with malware and trojans.
Because of this, myths arise that every Android user definitely needs an antivirus. But let's put everything on the shelves.
As you can see, news and scary statistics are usually published by the antivirus companies themselves, referring to themselves. You probably have acquaintances and friends with Android smartphones, how often have you heard complaints about viruses from them?
Is it really necessary to have an antivirus on Android?
Open operating systems such as Android are indeed more prone to security issues than closed operating systems such as iOS. But there is more of a problem with its huge popularity. Probably 95% of the viruses that infect users are due to their own fault, and not because of “holes” in the system or some super actions of hackers. 95% malware fall due to the installation of applications from unreliable sources.
Shutdown unknown sources significantly reduces the risk of catching the virus.
Often people do not want to pay 1-5 dollars for their favorite toy, and here the “stingy pays twice” rule works. The user himself downloads the APK file (usually a paid game on dubious free cutout resources), and installs it. But this turns out to be the so-called FakeInstaller or “dummy”, the purpose of which is to first send an SMS to a short number, and then, possibly, give access to the desired content.
A typical example of FakeInstaller. Access to SMS and calls is requested, the name is AndroidTuner.
Even though during installation, the system warns in red that this application or the game will get access to SMS and calls, inexperienced smartphone owners still click on the “Install” button.
As a result, a certain amount of money, usually almost the entire balance, disappears from the account.
Android OS, starting from version 4.3, is quite well protected by standard means. If the application side wants to send an SMS to a short number, you will be informed about it. Also, all installed applications are checked for malicious code. Google Play can monitor them remotely. That is, if some kind of malicious game or program gets into the official store, after it is detected, it will be automatically removed from your device without your participation.
So do you need an antivirus for Android? - Standard funds the system is more than enough, and there is probably no point in an additional antivirus. Is that you have old version Android.
If you have installed malicious application despite the warnings, no antivirus will help you. Follow the basic rules information security, and all will be well. remember, that best antivirus- this is sanity and attentiveness!
Here are a few simple tips to help you improve the security of your Android smartphones and tablets:
If you still feel more comfortable with an antivirus, you should not buy paid options, something like Kaspersky. This is a waste of money. There are good free options like this
Are antivirus programs for smartphones? Do I need an antivirus for an Android smartphone and should I install it on an iPhone? We also talk about where viruses on smartphones come from and what not to do in order to protect the device.
To get started, answer two simple questions:
- Do you have an antivirus installed on your phone?
- If “Yes”, then what exactly did you decide to protect yourself from?
The fact is that many users put anti-virus software on their smartphones out of habit - simply because they were recommended to do the same on a PC. But mobile platforms are built differently, and protection for them works according to different principles, so installing antivirus software and living happily ever after is not always an effective solution.
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Let's explain where malware comes from so that you once and for all forget to download content from no-name developers from no-name sites. Aptly noted in the comments under one of the thematic posts: “ The best protection for a smartphone - a culture of use”.
What are smartphone malware?
- Trojans are a classic of the genre. Trojans are the most. Such malware steals personal data - address book numbers, chat history, and even logins/passwords from your accounts. Why would anyone need contacts, say, your grandmother from Belaya Tserkov? Not for espionage purposes. Simply put: these numbers will most often end up on the spam mailing list after theft. Not fatal, but not the most pleasant consequences.
- Malware that gains administrator (root) rights without your consent. There are fewer of them than Trojans, but they are more aggressive. Malware can send mailings on your behalf, some can even make phone calls, change smartphone settings as they please, install third-party programs without permission.
- SMS malware. Such malware can squeeze all the money out of your mobile account by sending several messages to short numbers(clearly behind your back).
- Extortionists. Having caught such a virus, access to certain files on the smartphone will most likely be blocked, or the device will be completely blocked. And in order to resume control over the smartphone, it was proposed to pay a ransom for unlocking.
- Banners. Block part or all of the display by covering it with an advertising poster with or without a link to a third-party site.
Are you scared already? In fact, there is nothing wrong with malware for smartphones, if you follow simple security rules. Because,
Rules for the safe use of a smartphone
Do not download apps from unofficial app stores. Remember: malware will not leak onto a smartphone by itself - for this it needs your confirmation about downloading/installing/running a file or accessing any categories of personal data. Therefore, carefully choose the sources for installing programs, make sure that the program asks you and everything will be as good as possible.
For example, for Android smartphones, the official app store is Google Play market, for iOS devices - App Store. No application enters the store data directory without passing security checks. Programs are first tested, and only then, after making sure that they do not harm, they are uploaded to the catalog.
Yes, many well-known companies can place proprietary software not in the same Google Play, but on their website. And there are alternative stores (for example, Amazon Appstore for Android), which have programs that are not available in the official market. What to do in this case?
Amazon also has its own security system - this is one thing, and secondly, look at the number of downloads (a normal indicator for a program is over 50 thousand installations), read reviews and look for information about the company that posted this program.
Plus, programs downloaded this way will still be checked for malware: let Google scan your device for suspicious activity and you won't have to worry about anything.
Android smartphones have several more built-in options that support device security:
“Verifying Apps”
Settings - Google Settings- Security - App check.
We put two “checkmarks” in front of the items “Check for security problems” and “Fight against malware”. In the first case, Google will monitor the work installed applications and if it detects non-compliance with security standards, it will disable and even remove a potentially unsafe program. In the second, suspicious apps you use will be sent to Google for analysis.
"Unknown sources"
Settings - Security - Device administration - Unknown sources.
If you doubt that you are able to distinguish a certified source for downloading programs on an Android smartphone from an unreliable one, limit the right to download applications from third-party resources - let it be only the Google Play Market.
Checking programs with data access
The new Android firmware is good because it allows you to control the access of applications to any type of requested information and modules of the smartphone itself.
Have you noticed that, for example, when you download Viber, you will be asked to allow access to the Camera, Contacts, Location, Microphone, Phone, Device memory, SMS and a whole cohort of options? Well, for a popular multifunctional messenger, which can also be customized by removing half of the permissions without harming the program, this is quite normal.
And here is the Flashlight program with access to your address book- this is already a hint that something is not clean here.
You can check the permissions of applications in your Android smartphone here:
Settings - Applications - Application settings - Application permissions.
Many items are edited painlessly for applications - revoking the permission will not affect functionality in any way. For example, you can remove the “Location” item from camera applications if you are not interested in geotargeting or you don’t know what it is at all, and therefore don’t use it 🙂
Stock Android VS custom firmware
You probably know that stock Android is found on Nexus devices, other manufacturers, whether Samsung or Xiaomi , custom firmware is installed on Android smartphones.
If Google catches a virus or other malware in the system that has taken advantage of a hole in the browser or the OS itself, the corporation quickly releases an update for Android devices that blocks the malware from doing harm.
And on Nexus smartphones / tablets, such updates come within a week, but on smartphones with custom firmware, updates can take up to six months.
This does not mean at all that for security reasons it is better not to buy anything other than Nexus devices 🙂 And it is not so often that there is a need to release a total system update in the fight against malware (the last high-profile case of delaying an important update seems to have been recorded back in 2012).
Just keep in mind.
Conclusions about antiviruses and Android
So do you need an antivirus on an Android smartphone? Answer: No, it is not needed if you stick to it. simple rules safe use:
- Download applications only from the Google Play Market and other certified sources.
- Do not click on suspicious links sent in the text of letters from individuals unknown to you or contained in text messages of a regular messenger.
- When installing a program, always check the permissions and accesses that you grant it.
- Allow Google to check installed applications (as described above).
- For the sake of prevention: do not connect to dubious open WiFi networks and put restrictions on synchronization via Bluetooth.
Thus, if you lead a decent lifestyle as an Android user, do not surf the Internet in search of free versions. paid programs for your smartphone and know for sure that your Flashlight-apk does not read information about your location, passwords and logins - NO, you do not need an antivirus.
Yes, and in other cases too. In our editorial office, 9 out of 10 employees have an Android device, and no one has ever picked up anything malicious in 4 years.
Do I need to install an antivirus on my smartphone if you have an iPhone?
Whether it is necessary to install an antivirus on an Android smartphone seems to have figured out. What about iOS?
On the iPhone, you are also unlikely to need an antivirus program, because:
- iOS, unlike Android, is a closed system, and it is almost impossible to harm such devices;
- iOS, compared to Android, has a hundred times fewer users - it is less common and fewer viruses are written for it;
- Apple quietly removed antivirus programs from the App Store in March 2015, and even useful antivirus programs that filter data coming to devices from cloud storage, fell under distribution.
Yes, by purchasing the device formuch moneyyou certainly want to protect it from intruders. But it's Apple! The option “install the application from third-party sources” does not work here - programs on the iPhone will only get through the App Store, and there everything is strict with the security policy.
“Antivirus” software for the iPhone is a great platform to cash in on a stupid user: applications take up disk space, mercilessly eat up RAM, and - most importantly - do not have access to file system iPhone, so they cannot scan it for threats.
Therefore, in the case of the iPhone, the answer is the same: “No, you don’t need an antivirus!”.
Is it worth it to install an antivirus on a smartphone at all? For most users of mobile devices, this question remains open today. Someone is committed to maximum security and does not want to expose their device to even the slightest threat of infection. Other users have never experienced anything like this, so they do not see the point in installing extra applications. In this article, we will try to shed light on the situation and find out whether they are just a PR action by the developers or are they really necessary.
It would seem that answering such an ambiguous question is not so simple, but it is not. The determining factor here is the very behavior of the owner of the tablet or smartphone, which, incidentally, is also relevant for other systems: PCs, laptops, etc. If you don't click on suspicious links, don't read spam, don't click on advertisements on the Internet, there is usually no chance for viruses to get into the system. For example, your obedient servant does not use antivirus not on a personal computer, not on a phone. After all, for advanced user it will not be difficult to determine where the really useful and necessary information, and which links are dangerous or pointless to follow due to the uselessness of the content contained there.
But another point of view also has a right to exist. After all, it provides additional protection, since modern viruses have a rich arsenal of ways to penetrate devices. Even experienced hacking professionals and programmers do not have 100% protection, because viruses are constantly evolving and modifying. To avoid unpleasant situations, you should not be careless, and antivirus is an important component of strengthening the protection of any system.
But let's pay attention specifically to Android gadgets. The OS from Google initially has built-in protection that works with Google Play services. It should be noted that this function copes with the tasks assigned to it no worse than any third-party antivirus software. Thus, special meaning in installing applications, Norton, etc. No, but there are some nuances. Not every device received this Google protection. After all, for example, or use other app stores. Owners of such devices are advised to enlist the support of additional security programs. The same is true for those who frequently install content from suspicious sources.
But why shouldn't everyone install an antivirus and forget about protection? In fact, such applications are very gluttonous to the resources of the gadget, since they take up at least 50 MB of RAM, cause slowdowns in the interface and other applications, etc. Thus, owners of smartphones and tablets with up to 1 GB of memory should consider whether they really need an antivirus so much.
How to treat antivirus on a smartphone and is it needed at all? The question remains open, while adherents of maximum security are afraid to expose their device to even a minimal threat, and people who have never encountered such a problem do not see the point in overloading their smartphone with unnecessary applications.
Let's figure out why the issue of antivirus on a smartphone is still being raised, and how not to make a mistake with the choice.
Pre-installed antivirus from Google
It's worth starting with the fact that Google makes every effort to protect its customers from dangerous programs. By default, all applications that get on Google Play are scanned for viruses, and there is also an antivirus preinstalled on devices on Android based, which copes with its duties no worse than external software. It suggests three methods of dealing with potentially malicious programs:
- Show a notification when trying to install a dangerous application;
- Analyze installed applications and offer to remove them;
- Monitor the overall health of the system and check if there has been a hack.
So, if you are careful and rarely download dubious and unfamiliar programs, basic protection will be enough for you, and you can refuse the antivirus.
Advantages of antivirus on Android
The arguments in favor are obvious: the antivirus provides additional protection against constantly mutating and improving viruses. To avoid unpleasant moments, it is worth showing forethought and strengthening security lines in advance. A high-quality antivirus application will ensure the safety of both your smartphone and the data that is in it. You can safely download applications from any source: the antivirus will detect the problem during the installation process and fix it.
Many security applications contain a whole package of related services, for example, the function of cleaning your smartphone from information garbage, for example, files left after deleting applications, temporary files, cache, and many other files that take up your megabytes in vain. Often the real benefit installation package goes far beyond malware protection
– Head of product and service development department at Fly Ukraine Sergey Korogod
Cons of antivirus on Android
If such a wonderful prospect looms, then why not just install an antivirus and forget about protection? The whole point is that similar programs very gluttonous, and drag over at least 50 MB random access memory, causing slowdown in the interface and other applications. So owners of gadgets with less than 1 GB of RAM should carefully consider whether they really need an antivirus. In addition, antiviruses from time to time announce a false alarm, which is a great distraction from work.
Summing up, we can say that installing antiviruses on modern powerful gadgets is justified in most cases, but if you decide to give up additional security in order to reduce the load on the processor and RAM, approach the selection and installation of applications as carefully as possible.
Surely every user of a smartphone or tablet running on operating system from Google, I wondered: do you need an antivirus for Android? Is the system vulnerable to such attacks in the same way as Windows? If there is a threat, what steps should you take to secure your personal data and finances? Which antivirus is the best?
Do you need antiviruses for Android?
In fact, there are two completely opposite opinions about whether you need to install an antivirus on Android. Supporters of the first, which most often include the developers of such programs themselves, believe that they cannot be dispensed with. Others, on the contrary, tend to think that antiviruses are of no use, and only enough from dubious sources. However, part of the truth is present in both opinions, and she herself, as always, is in the middle. Separately, one may wonder if an antivirus is needed on an Android tablet. After all, most of them do not have the ability to connect a SIM card, respectively, money from the account and contact information cannot be stolen. But do not forget about the possible harm by stealing account passwords or banking data.
Reasons to Install Antivirus Programs
Google itself tried to solve the security problem, and it turned out pretty well. Starting with version 4.2, Android has a feature to check applications during installation, which tracks well internal threats. However, this does not protect against external threats, such as malware from personal computer, from the network or masquerading as an application. As you can see, the question of whether an antivirus is needed for "Android 4.2" and higher, or only for earlier versions, is quite relevant. Note that the need to install the appropriate software exists for everyone who wants to protect their device. There are several good reasons for this:
1. Availability huge amount malware on various sites and even in the "App Store".
2. Reliable data backup and storage.
3. Protection of the gadget in case of loss or theft.
4. Scanning external and internal memory devices for viruses from outside.
5. Lots of sites visited from mobile devices is unsafe.
In a word, it is quite appropriate if you want to protect your gadget from threats. So do you need an antivirus on an Android smartphone? Let's take a look at the most popular applications designed to provide protection and figure it out.
Avast Mobile Security & Antivirus
The application has a wide range of security features. Here, in addition to the antivirus itself, the possibilities of remotely blocking the device, searching for it on the map, spying on the thief using front camera, barring voice calls and text messaging. There is also an application lock with the ability to restrict access to mobile networks and WiFi.
The anti-virus part itself works mediocrely, skipping some infected applications and phishing text messages. However, the application has decent functionality, which can also be expanded for an additional fee.
Kaspersky Internet Security
Do you need an antivirus for Android? Kaspersky Lab answers this question in the affirmative. It released a single application for smartphones and tablets based on the Android OS, combining all the main antivirus functions in it. The program vigilantly monitors all attempts of malicious content to break into your device, but to expand the functionality you will have to fork out, because protecting the Internet browser and checking files are not included in the basic functionality.
The application has all the main features: determining the location of the device on connected networks, secretly photographing the thief, the ability to leave instructions on the lock screen for those who want to return the lost gadget. Pin-code protection for certain contacts and blocking of communication functions will also become in demand.
Norton Mobile Security
Norton is known to many users for its security software. Mobile app well monitors the attempts of viruses to break through the browser, offers extensive anti-theft and other functions. A feature is the scanning of content installed from the "App Store".
However, call blocking is not very convenient to use and not effective enough, and the factory reset function only clears some personal files and contacts. The advantage is that all the functionality is available absolutely free.
Dr.Web Security Space
The anti-virus solution from Doctor Web contains all the features that users can expect from a quality application. Firewall, anti-spam, anti-theft, check device for presence malicious code- all this is present in the development of the most famous company and works excellently. The advantages include a constantly updated anti-virus database and a very fast system scan.
The anti-theft function has wide functionality at the application level from Avast. Here you can even set a list of trusted persons to whom messages will be sent if the SIM card is replaced. We can conclude that this antivirus for Android offers good protective capabilities. Do you need a nice bonus - a handy widget on your desktop? If yes, then feel free to install the application.
Avira Antivirus Security
Antivirus "Avira" can be installed on a device running "Android" for a long time. It boasts a wide audience not only on computers, but also on mobile gadgets. The features offered by the application are in no way inferior to those of its main competitors. The antivirus copes well with its main tasks thanks to the constant updating of databases. Scanning is fast, and after it is completed, it is possible to view a detailed report. This will allow you to understand if you need an antivirus on your Android smartphone.
Fans of frequent installation of applications will certainly like the feature of restricting access to personal data without a corresponding request. The disadvantages of "Avira" include the low accuracy of determining the current location of the device, the lack of Russian localization and paid premium features.
AVG Mobile Antivirus
Among the programs for antivirus protection, AVG deservedly occupies a leading position. There is a scan of all files on the device, a firewall, blocking sites containing suspicious and dangerous content, geolocation of a lost gadget and loud sound signal to search for it. For a fee, you can unlock premium features: photographing a thief, blocking when trying to remove a SIM card, complete shutdown installation possibilities third party applications and data backup.
The disadvantages include the presence of useless elements, such as fake optimization of energy saving and performance. As you can see, the possibilities free version meager compared to competitors, but the application provides basic protection against viruses at a high level.
Other antiviruses
Also noteworthy antivirus solutions from McAfee, which offers good basic functionality. Trend Micro Mobile Security & Antivirus can please you with the absence of built-in ads and the presence of good security features. ESET Mobile Security & Antivirus boasts a convenient and pleasant interface, but the application does not offer the highest level of virus protection.
Whether it is necessary to install an antivirus on Android, everyone decides for himself. Herself mobile platform with a billion users is a tidbit for hackers and just hooligans, and they will always find a way to get into the device. However, the rational use of the gadget can practically nullify all these attempts, even in the absence of a security program. On the other hand, is it worth the risk? Moreover, there are a sufficient number of solutions on the market, from which everyone can choose the right one for themselves. You may want to install free antivirus to Android. Whether you need paid functionality, decide for yourself.
