Smart phone virus/web security

RJH

RJH

RJH

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Joined
1 Jan 2005
Posts
148
Location
Kent
Hi.
Im an considering a smartphone (Android) about which I know little. I am concerned with regard to data security, viruses etc and have found few sources of information to help. At work and home I sit behind a firewall with virus protection etc running in the background but can find little information for what is required or recommended with smartphones.
Any advice appreciated.
Thanks
 
There is nothing wrong with Android security wise, but it has had a couple of recently publicised vulnerabilities. Other mobile OS's are just as open to attacks.

If you follow these android rules you will be ok.

- Don't install custom applications that arn't digitally signed / from the market place. Google do a fairly good job of removing dogi apps quickly. This is the most important factor, if you install a malicious application it's game over. So stick with market place and generic/popular applications and you should be ok. Also read the comments on apps before installing.

- Using wifi on the phone - stick to the same rules as you would on a PC. i.e don't do sensitive stuff on public/open wifi networks.

- Keep it patched - install any and all updates for software. Google push out OTA updates occasionally, but mostly market place will keep you notified when updates are available for your apps.

If you are concerned about data security if the device is lost, then you can encrypt it. A good Android app for this is APG - free from market place.

Viruses - again you won't get one if you stick the rules of installing trusted applications.


As a general purpose tool Lookout Mobile Security is a good application to have if you're concerned.

The recent fake Angry Birds app that exposed a vulnerability was promptly fixed with Google's "Remote Kill Switch", i.e they removed the app from peoples phones remotely. So measures are in place to mitigate risks, not really much to worry about if you follow common sense + good practice.
 
Last edited:
englishpremier said:
Doesn't the fact that this remote kill exists make you wonder what else google can do to your phone or data without you knowing?

If there any protection against that?
Click to expand...

Depends how you look at it, Apple do the same thing. It can be both very helpful in situations akin to this one, or used for bad. Ultimately it comes down to trusting the almighty powers of Google :)

And you can't turn it off no, at least no ones devised a way to yet anyway.
 
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