Protection Apps for Smartphones?

[Lalakai]

did a search and didn't find viable current info, so i'll throw the questions out for everyone.

What are the security apps that seem to be working the best? Looking at virus/malware protection, and "lost phone" situation apps.

I have a pretty good file protection app, and with the Note 2 also have the option for encrypting the entire phone.

Currently have the Note 2 on VZ, not rooted. Suggestions or questions are appreciated (besides telling me to loose VZ and ditch the cell phone altogether 🙂 )

 

[NightFox]

There's avast for anti theft and anti virus. Cerebus is very good to have if you lose your phone. I use seekdroid as it was free on amazon app store.

 

[hanoverphist]

trend micro is starting a mobile service as well

http://www.trendmicro.com/us/home/products/mobile-solutions/index.html

havent tried them yet tho.

 

[Oyeve]

I use Lookout and Cerebus. Thats all I need.

 

[TuxDave]

Theft I get. But for those installing virus and malware protection, what's the primary motivation? Are you side loading a lot of programs and putting yourself in additional risk? Or do you think that the existing security features are not sufficient?

 

[s44]

Cerberus for loss/theft.

Nothing for malware. I don't pirate apps or install gambling/porn stuff, so...

 

[Lalakai]

Theft I get. But for those installing virus and malware protection, what's the primary motivation? Are you side loading a lot of programs and putting yourself in additional risk? Or do you think that the existing security features are not sufficient?

lol my normal data usage is less then 1 gb per month, so my dl'g and surfing are bare bones minimum. The apps i do dl are pretty restricted and 90% of them i turn away from are the ones I see the absurd permissions they are asking.

but I keep a fair amount of data on my phone and want to take a proactive view on virus protection. I don't do any banking from my phone; don't use Mint or related apps, haven't even made PP transaction from the phone, so perhaps i'm going overboard, but if I can find a decent package that gives me what I need, I'll happily pay the purchase price. Protecting myself in the case of a lost or stolen phone is a higher priority, but many of those apps have permission requests that I can't justify/stomach (yet).

 

[Lalakai]

but it does look like Cerberus has some confidence behind it, so I'll research it. Thanks

 

[zerogear]

Cerberus is awesome. I flash it as a system app so even if people get into my phone and wipe the data through factory reset, it'll remain.

 

[vshah]

cerberus is great. can use it on multiple devices with a single purchase as well.

 

[QueBert]

Theft I get. But for those installing virus and malware protection, what's the primary motivation? Are you side loading a lot of programs and putting yourself in additional risk? Or do you think that the existing security features are not sufficient?

My roommate installed some sort of Android game directly from the store that poped up random buy this/buy messages in his notification bar like 10 times an hour. I'm sure when he installed it one of the permissions said something, but I doubt it said "this app will annoy the shit out of you with notification spams" He removed the app, still got the notifications, he ended up having me wipe the phone for him.

 

[s44]

My roommate installed some sort of Android game directly from the store that pops up random buy this/buy messages in his notification bar.

I hope he remembered to rate it down with an AirPush warning before uninstalling.

 

[TuxDave]

My roommate installed some sort of Android game directly from the store that poped up random buy this/buy messages in his notification bar like 10 times an hour. I'm sure when he installed it one of the permissions said something, but I doubt it said "this app will annoy the shit out of you with notification spams" He removed the app, still got the notifications, he ended up having me wipe the phone for him.

Wow, he removed the apps and STILL got notifications after that? It's insane that it could even happen. Ouch.

 

[Lalakai]

Cerberus is awesome. I flash it as a system app so even if people get into my phone and wipe the data through factory reset, it'll remain.

...."flash as system app"....sounds useful. How is that done? My skills in those areas are not what they should be :-(

 

[Lalakai]

My roommate installed some sort of Android game directly from the store that poped up random buy this/buy messages in his notification bar like 10 times an hour. I'm sure when he installed it one of the permissions said something, but I doubt it said "this app will annoy the shit out of you with notification spams" He removed the app, still got the notifications, he ended up having me wipe the phone for him.

I came across an app like that, regarding a dog whistle trainer. The permissions pretty much let the app take complete control of your phone and made it nearly impossible to remove it once it had been installed. sorry but I live by the axiom "no matter how paranoid you are....you aren't paranoid enough". Some of the stuff i've seen my kids dl to their phones, makes me think they only have 2 functioning brain cells, with one cell lost and the other one looking for it