Avast antivirus for android phone install#
Avast antivirus for android phone software#
Avast antivirus for android phone code#
Avast antivirus for android phone download#

ZDNet questioned BT on the subject and it backpedaled, saying that it no longer wishes to talk about the subject. The idea that malware-infected apps are proliferating in Google Play is popular, but is there any statistical evidence to back it? At NetEvents Americas back in 2012 a BT (British Telecom), security expert Jill Knesek suggested that up to a third of Android applications carried some form of malware (based on a test of 1,000 apps) and that most devices are compromised. We’ve seen increasingly sophisticated threats emerging – for the first time ever, we witnessed malware writers targeting the mobile Web via compromised or infected websites with the NotCompatible threat.” Is Google Play a hot bed of malware? “In the last 12 months, there has been an increase in for-profit malware across all OSs.

This lower barrier to development attracts more bad guys.”

Avast antivirus for android phone code#

No special hardware is required – code can be written on a standard PC – so unlike iOS which requires a Mac, Android code writing is readily accessible to a lot of people across the world. “It’s not actually a case of Android being particularly vulnerable – Google has taken some great steps toward protecting people and screens all apps entering Google Play – but the basic programming language is Java, and that’s what makes Android more of a target for the creators of malware. Android has exploded in popularity, attracting a lot of consumers in the last few years, so it’s only natural that it’s targeted.” No matter where you find a critical mass of people, there will always be some bad guys looking for ways to exploit them. “No OS is completely safe, and protection is a requirement across mobile platforms. In his eyes, Android users are far from safe. That point of view is echoed by Derek Halliday, Senior Product Manager at Lookout, who had some lengthy remarks on mobile security. Here at Avast we know how hard is to develop such a tool and how easy is to fool it from a bad guy’s perspective.” “Even after Google introduced its Bouncer (an automatic analysis tool to approve each application which is submitted to the Google Play Store) malicious applications still exist. “The Google Play store is a relatively open environment,” said Jan Gahura, Avast.

Avast antivirus for android phone software#

“The majority of problems arise from the installation of ‘cracked’ applications from 3rd party market places which are often bundled with malicious software.”Īs malware writers try to earn money for their bad deeds, they continually look for new ways to get their malicious software installed on your devices. The best recommendation is still to think twice before installing untrusted software or clicking on strange-looking links.

Avast antivirus for android phone install#

“If you only install software from trustworthy market places (like Google Play) and do not use your smartphone very often for web surfing or e-mailing, the OS is still pretty safe,” said Andreas Marx, AV-Test. Malware writers will use increasingly clever techniques to try and trick you into doing just that. So what about malware? Should we be worried? The key thing to remember about malware on Android is that you have to actually install it. With avast! Mobile Security, you are shielded from both threats.” Malware, fact or fiction? Of course someone can steal your private data using a fraudulent application, but that’s certainly the harder way. It’s even more dangerous than losing keys to your house.

To have a smartphone in your pocket without a remote wipe possibility is a dangerous thing. “That’s why we have focused on the best anti-theft solution currently available on the market. “I’d say that the biggest risk is that someone will get access to your device (either you lose your device or it’s stolen),” said Gahura.

Avast antivirus for android phone download#

When asked about the biggest risk to Android users, and the main incentive to download a security app, he also concurred that viruses aren’t the greatest threat. We also spoke to Jan Gahura, Director of Non-Windows products at Avast and he suggested that the real benefit of Avast! Mobile Security goes beyond the antivirus features. Such packages often include easy-to-use backup features for user’s data, remote wipe in case the phone gets lost, etc.” “So a stand-alone AV is not yet required at all times, but it is a good-to-have feature as part of a bigger package. “Antivirus is usually only one component of the offered Android protection packages,” said Marx.