do i need antivirus on an android phone?

~Yorkshire_Belle~

Tried to search for this, sure someone has asked it before.
Basically am considering an android phone, not had anything other than a basic mobile before. Is it safe and/or advisable to use full range of apps or do I need to ensure I am protected ( and if so by what?).
Are there things I should avoid doing - eg accessing bank site or am I being overly cautious?
Thanks in advance

tom_petty

Never heard of it. Android OS suppose to be virus proof anyway.

Hammyman

tom_petty wrote: »

Never heard of it. Android OS suppose to be virus proof anyway.

ROFL - no OS is and you're an idiot if you think that any OS is virus and malware proof.

Scarely timely...

First SMS Trojan for Android...
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/08/10/android_sms_trojan/

Backdoor exploit hole...
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/08/13/smartphone_security_bug/

markray007

Yes you do need anti virus software on your android phone. I own an HTC Desire (BTW, its awesome!!!!) and have installed "antivirus" from the Market.

I find it does the job.

:beer:

Basil1234

lol saw a news article the other day on click on bbc, basically they where saying the apps are where the issue is espically on the cracked app phones (brain not fully working yet at 6 in the morning) as the apps some of them have buried data miners to try to get personal info such as bank etc etc you get the idea and sends it back thru the data stream to where ever.
simple thing is nothing is truly safe so best thing is never do anything on the phone envolving money details but not sure if any antivirus as such even exists yet but but hey it will come as has too much income potential for the houses.

withabix

markray007 wrote: »

I find it does the job.

:beer:

You think it does the job!

mod81

If you only ever plan on installing apps from the official android market place then id say you don't need any AV software as google check all the software available on the Android market place before its published for viruses or trojans.
if your going to root your phone and install apps from less reputable sources then get some AV software to be on the safe side

~Yorkshire_Belle~

Thanks to everyone for their replies. Seems like this is something new and there are a few different viewpoints. Just got to make final decision on the phone now!
Thanks again