We get asked that issue a lot and for good reason. In part because of Apple-led smear campaign in order to discredit Android as virus malware infested marshes and partly. because we are regularly treated with high-profile Android security threats.. Android certainly has a tarnished reputation when it comes to security and viruses. But this reputation is based on facts? Antivirus applications for Android are really needed ?
Not as the head of security of Android, Adrian Ludwig. Just before the developer conference / O Google I earlier this year, Ludwig told reporters: “Do I think that the average user of Android needs to install [antivirus applications] Absolutely not, I do not think 99 percent more users get ?. advantage of [anti-virus applications]. “Ludwig also said that the threat of Android malware was” exaggerated “.
So where are we? If the Android chief security engineer said that it is not a problem, suggesting antivirus vendors are just trying to sell their product so should we worry? May be. You know security undertakings and developers of antivirus applications would respond by saying simply Google seeks to minimize flaws in its own Play Store. But let’s back up a step…
What are Android virus?
A virus is a type of malware software (malware), whose tastes were infecting our PCs for decades. As the Android platform developed and became more widely used, as the number of potential threats to the system. The virus does not infect Android. because they do not happen again, but the term gets used nonethteless.
Safety reports – usually antivirus and security companies – tell us regularly that threats are on the rise. Believe it or reports, as Ludwig, think they are just trying to scare you into installing an application, it is a good idea to learn all you can about the virus and Android where they come from.
Where does Android malware come from?
The Google Play Store offers the widest target for this type of malware and scams. because it is the delivery system for the outline of the content on your phone. The volume of downloaded applications (and uploaded) per day, combined with the absence of the blanket policy, makes an easy target.
But there are many other delivery mechanisms for viruses and malware. Emails with attachments – much like the ones you get on your PC – or MMS that downloads automatically hacks on popular apps like WhatsApp, phishing scams, false applications, APKs you manually installed (outside the Play Store ) or suspect clicking the download links. 
What is the risk of malware & viruses ?
The security threat of malware represents for your device varies. In some cases, it will simply send ads to your smartphone, which is annoying but not exactly dangerous. At other times, rogue software can mimic sites or applications that you trust normally, prompting you to give up your passwords or credit card number.
“Do I think the average user on Android needs to install (antivirus apps)? Absolutely not” – Adrian Ludwig, Android Security Engineer.
One of the most common security risks is in the Play Store applications. that pose known applications like – you know the ones: they usually have the same name and correct that true icon.
Once installed, these summary scam applications reveal their true purpose and either send text messages to premium phone numbers, attempt to open the rear doors to hackers or make you and your phone more vulnerable by nefarious means.
How do I know if I have been affected by malware ?
Often you will not be able to tell if your smartphone is under threat, or if you’re about to download a potentially dangerous thing. What is worse is that, once you are concerned, you often will not even know, unless a credit card bill comes or phone starts acting strangely. The most stupid thing a hacker can do is let you know you’ve been hacked, after all.
Besides the installation of an app Android antiviirus and scanner, there’s not much more you can do without a master’s degree in computer science. The best defense is a good offense, though, so the best approach is to have good habits first. Fortunately, when a malware scandal is large enough, the patch is generally widely known and applied.
However, you are probably more at risk of losing your phone without adequate protection (safety lock screen or a remote wipe option) that you are having your phone negatively affected by a virus or malware .
What are antivirus apps?
Antivirus apps are a method of identifying threats to your handset. There are hundreds of anti-virus applications available for free on the Google Play Store, and demanding who the best is difficult (AV-Test, an independent security institute, will establish a league table every few months the best antivirus apps Android, should you be interested).
Antivirus Apps for Android works in a manner similar to antivirus software that you find on your PC. Once installed, you can use them to scan files on your phone for sneaky software that you may have inadvertently downloaded and the antivirus application will highlight the problems.
Unlike Windows or antivirus software on the Mac, though, antivirus Android Apps does not automatically remove harmful software for you – you must manually do so once they have been identified. Not all virus definitions are up to date and not all antivirus apps have the same characteristics. The good news is that they often provide a lot of additional features that can be really useful, such as backup solutions and remote wipe features.
How much do cost on antivirus apps ?
That varies. There are often free and paid for versions of the same applications, but in most cases, vital feature is available for the free version.
Paid or pro versions have the same basic features, but add some additional functionality useful as I mentioned above, such as remote lock and wipe, backup options, ad blocking and more.
Should I install a free security apps ?
Good, some people (including me) are wondering whether antivirus aps offer no discernible benefit to your device. These security applications can not protect against a lack of common sense. In fact, most of the protection they offer only takes effect once you have been a victim of malware.
Most antivirus protection applications offer is only effective once you’ve been a victim of malware
The vast majority of malware is gleaned from the Google Play Store, but most simple security risks can be avoided simply by being sensitive (you may already be aware of this if you read my article about application permissions) .
Also, do not install APKs untested outside of Google Play, be wary of attachments from email addresses you do not trust, do not click randomly download links and so on.
If you choose to install an antivirus application, be aware that they generally consume a lot of battery, taking up disk space, annoy you with notifications and reducing processing speed. Naturally, how they affect your system depends on how you use them, but the vast majority of Android users will never meet any security threats or see any need to block their system with antivirus applications 😉
So, what does all this mean?
The simple truth is, thieves, pirates, bandits and thugs will try to exploit anything; it is inevitable that a platform with more than a billion active users will become a target. Are scams, viruses and trojan al avoided by judicious use of your smartphone? In most cases, yes. Does this mean that we should not antivirus software? That’s really up to you.
As long as you are careful in the Play Store, download applications or data sources from known and reputable, you should stay protected on Android. But why risk it? Threats for Android devices are becoming more common. I suggest you download the software, even just to run a scan every once in a while and then remove it again.
Regardless of whether antivirus applications are ineffective or Google is just trying to sweep a growing problem under the carpet. I recommend you to take all precautions you deem necessary to stay safe. The disadvantage of installing an antivirus application is negligible. They consume system resources, but they are probably more good than harm. If they make you feel safer, which is worth something.
Do you have antivirus applications on your Android? Have you been affected by malicious software? Share your experiences in the comments.