Should we be concerned about viruses on our smartphones?

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Really?

by Charleseye Feb 15, 2011 7:56AM PST

Microsoft doesn't approve every piece of software I install on my computer, all Windows does is ask if I'm sure I want to install. Last I read, Windows is still on something like 90% of computers in the world. This tells me that the average computer user is used to taking responsibility for their own actions. If I started a forum post saying that it's Microsoft's fault I installed malicious software, I'd be laughed out of the forum and most likely black listed from every tech sight for such blatantly rediculous statements. Now, considering the most popular computer OS in the world has been treating adults like, well, adults for years, I don't really expect anything less of Google with their PHONE OS. It's my computer, it's my phone, it's my personal data so it's MY RESPONSIBILITY!

Bottom line: If you feel you need your apps prescreened before they get to the app store, get an iPhone. If you want a device more like your pc that gives you more freedom INCLUDING the freedom to install one of many virus scanners in the Market, get an Android and take responsibility for your own actions.

P.S. Apple also screens apps to make sure nobody's putting out low quality or vulgar/pornographic apps. Thus far they've done so well at this screening that you can currently download the Playboy and the iFart apps among others. I truly hope they're doing better at screening for malicious content than they are for vulgar/pornographic content, especially given the fact that everyone with an iPhone seems to think Apple doesn't make mistakes.

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by dlinux Mar 24, 2011 10:58AM PDT

sorry it took so long (forgot to check this), but here's my reply:

Maybe if MS did a once over of all the software that would run on their OS, Windows wouldn't be the most virus ridden operating system in the world. Yes, I know there are other factors and all that, but it is a thought. Maybe a completely ridiculous one (there's only, what, a billion programs for WIndows?), but it is a consideration.

Just because Windows runs on 90% of the world's computers doesn't mean it's the best. It was the best during it's prime, but sadly MS lost that status a good while ago (cough**vista**cough).

Yes, it is your responsibility to look out for your own stuff, but that doesn't mean companies cannot strive to provide better products. Apple's apps are scanned before they're allowed in. That's a plus for the consumer no matter what way you look at it. It's an extra line of defense, it insures that the app will work, and it insures quality. Google's apps are not scanned. That's a negative for the consumer any way you look at it. Um, well, assuming you don't want to download porno apps, that is ...

I agree with you on iFart. Apparently, Steve Jobs has a different sense of humor than me.

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Absolutely. The 'Right Now Times' Cell Phones...

by LucJPatenaude Feb 4, 2011 2:37PM PST

...are Nano and even Pico sized Personal Computers. These machines are made for communication purposes only(most of the time). And, will be infected by any means possible of a virus made and distributed wirelessly by good or even, bad intentions. Bad programming creates these unintentional viral infections. It happens a lot, these days. A good mobile antivirus is, quite necessary nowadays anyway.

Why do you think the mobile version of Windows 7 has been made and released in the same time as the desktop computer's version? Because, both need an O.S. for running them and, so, you can download a free version of the latest Antivirus' programs to run on such devices/machines.

Always remember this enlightning phrase that will remain forever true:"Without the creation of the Personal Computer and its inner High Tech parts, the Cellular Phone would have never come to reality since, it, the Cell Phone is, High Tech gadgetry."

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It's a jungle out there!

by eovti Feb 4, 2011 7:08PM PST

I'm a convert from Apple to Android. Many times I have been mad about App store's strict policies and censorship. But with hindsight, it was at least safe. I could even let my 8yo daughter go to App Store.

Then, when it was time to buy a tablet, the choice was between the iPad and the Galaxy Tab. I ended up with the latter, as it beats the iPad hands down.
But I was SHOCKED when I went to Android Market and discovered all the dangerous stuff available there. An innocent-looking game of Klondike can take control of my tablet & call an expensive phone number on the Seychelles. A screen saver can collect my personal data and send them to God knows where and for what purpose.
I would say about one fifth of the programs I've found on Android Market have had one or more of these "hidden features".

Apple's App Store is a strict dictatorship, but Android Market is the wild, wild West where you're totally on your own! The easiest way to spread a virus or other malware on the Android platform is to just make it available as an app, and the suckers will download it of their own free will.

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Hidden features

by billbourd Feb 5, 2011 12:09AM PST

Eovti -
You stated you have found 1 out of 5 apps have hidden dangerous features. Please advise how you found these so I can check the apps I downloaded.

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smartphone viruses

by jororich Feb 4, 2011 11:21PM PST

yes of course! smartphones are just as likely to get viruses on board.Give it the same care as your computer and be just as aware.I do have security on mine

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Various approaches.

by TreknologyNet Feb 4, 2011 11:22PM PST

Apple cornered virus control by "jailing" applications until they had passed security approval. People saw this as the same game of "proprietary" control as they had previously played with the Mac series of computers

I am no apple fan, but it seems to me that this vendor-control attempt to make the platform more open and guaranteed safe. If people wan't to instal "jail-broken" software, that's their own risks.

The Google Android platform by being completely open source, means that some smart-*** can get his own little scanning/approval site so that people can download purchased software through his site for scanning prior to installation.

People use their PCs in "sessions" and often have multiple anti-viral suites running simultaneously (maybe that's why the CRAY 2 runs at the same speed as a Sinclair SX-81).

People use cell phones in "mini-sessions", e.g., one task, and back in the pocket. Unbeknownst to many users (but knownst to us) many digital-smart phones are trading information 24 hours a day and a viral infection could slip through, which could totally erase your phone.

On the assumption that you back up your phone to a PC on a regular basis, then the chances that you will have a restorable image of your phone pre-virus will significantly reduce your chances of data-loss.

The only reason I have a "smart phone" is because my Nokia 9000 has breathed its last breath. In Oz, none of the email or web services were ever available, but having a real keyboard and decent screen made it indispensable as combined phone and PDA. It's replacement (a try-phone) chewed up $20.00 credit overnight when I had nothing active, so now all data services are deactivated and it has been reduced to a touch-secreen version of the Nokia 9000--a phone combined with a PDA.

I don't need to be connected to Internet whilst travelling on a bus or train. I can live without the internet while I walk up to the corner shop. In fact, at the time of writing, I haven't checked email in three days (probably has something to do with "delete button over-use syndrome).

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