Android phone security, Any advice ?

rufydoofyM

Just got my first smart phone and although I shall be using it for browsing etc I don't intend downloading apps. I'm so confused and concerned that all the apps want access to my personal data etc stored on the phone. It feels like my privacy is being invaded by the security apps that are supposed to be protecting me.
If anyone has any advice I'd be grateful

wouldbeqaulitymoneysaver

AV specially for Mobiles. I use Lookout. It's worth the money as it is in effect a mini computer with the same vulnerabilities as it's bigger brothers.
As for APPS access and privacy, i haven't worked out that one. But maybe studying the Privacy Advocacy sites would be a place to start.

rufydoofyM

I have checked avast privacy policy and it seems very short and ambiguous. It gives me no confidence that my personal details, contacts, messages or movements will remain private. I find this all rather disturbing. I just want to feel safe when browsing. Its my phone and my life, I don't understand why these companies need access to so much.

thegoodman

The android phones are well known for malware some even call them malware phones.
Search the google for malware android and channel 4 android
Many websites have hints and tips to protect your phone.
However if you use the phone carefully than it should be ok.
Never install an app unless you know what you are doing.
Some take your name, address and tel number without your knowledge. If you watch the c4 news even google app store is not all safe.

grumbler

thegoodman wrote: »

The android phones are well known for malware some even call them malware phones.
Search the google for malware android and channel 4 android
Many websites have hints and tips to protect your phone.
However if you use the phone carefully than it should be ok.
Never install an app unless you know what you are doing.
Some take your name, address and tel number without your knowledge. If you watch the c4 news even google app store is not all safe.

Do you ever read the posts? Was the malware you keep scaremongering about not allegedly related to some apps available on the market, not preinstalled in the phones?

rufydoofyM wrote: »

...I shall be using it for browsing etc I don't intend downloading apps. ...

In terms of browsing I don't think that androids are any worse than your beloved iPhone.

thegoodman

rufydoofyM wrote: »

I'm so confused and concerned that all the apps want access to my personal data etc stored on the phone. It feels like my privacy is being invaded by the security apps that are supposed to be protecting me.
If anyone has any advice I'd be grateful

This shows that apps are being downloaded.
Now you need to read before going on about android v iphone

grumbler

This shows nothing except that you have serious problems with the basic logic. For any apps, including the pre-installed ones, you can check what permissions they require.
And definitely it doesn't show that apps are being downloaded as the information on permissions for every app is available online without downloading.

I admit that the OP was a bit contradictory, but it was clear that the OP was concerned only about some 'security' apps. Also, it was clear that the OP was not going to install any random and obscure security apps. Now it's time for you to give us yet another lecture about the malware that well known and established security apps spread.

rufydoofyM

thegoodman wrote: »

This shows that apps are being downloaded.
Now you need to read before going on about android v iphone

I havn't downloaded anything and I don't have an iphone or know anything about them.
I have been researching on the laptop and looked at permissions and become concerned. I am not very good with technology but wanted to stay safe online. I was merely hoping for some understanding and advice.

thegoodman

The post below have some very good info, you will need to avoid some posts by android fanboys who try to remove the post.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3793239

indesisiv

Just make sure that you read the permissions carefully before you install.
If your not happy about a permission then email them and ask why they need a certain permission.
At the end of the day if they can't explain why they need a permission then don't use it.

For example avast uses receive sms and mms messages as a permission - why? - because it needs to be able to receive messages to activate tracking etc.

scottishperson2

Install droidwall, http://code.google.com/p/droidwall/ it stops apps you don't want to "phoning" home.

Apps need access to info on your phone, for example, if you send a text message the app is going to look at your contacts and also be able to send the message. This is chikka permissions

Your personal information
read contact data

Network communication
full Internet access, view network state

Hardware controls
control vibrator

Without that how is it going to send the text?

Too much scaremongering on here by people with too little knowledge.