newbie

[newinfinity]

Bloody predictive text that was supposed to say about.

[Ads]

[eejit]

Bloody predictive text that was supposed to say about.

...as a Canuck, I get a boot when that happens.

[Frederuco]

...as a Canuck, I get a boot when that happens.

Right on, eh

[LogMan]

Right on, eh

and as a Canuck it's a cold boot at this time of the year

Oh, I use Avast...

[janner43]

your android device does not require an antivirus software but android itself has some built-in antivirus features so you dont really need one

I have removed the original poster's name from this quote as I am not commenting on them individually, and that poster should not take any offence as the view expressed is a pretty common one, but sadly it is mistaken. As one other poster has outlined above, the best defence here is understanding & knowledge, but most of us don't have either the time or inclination to become experts, so we rely on the services of others - hence security apps.

I have often said that I know enough to realise that I don't know enough not to take simple precautions such as running one of the highly recommended security apps from the Play Store.

For the facts about malware, viruses, OS security etc etc on Android, please read through the malware FAQ which is linked from my signature.

In brief though, Android is nothing like as susceptible to malware as Windows is. However, malware is around for Android & has sometimes even been found on the Play Store which is why Google now run something called "Bouncer" on their Play Store to add an additional layer of protection.

Whilst Android has some sand boxing, it is nothing like complete & neither does it prevent malware infection. It is very possible to get malware on an Android device - but it is extremely unlikely if you exercise due diligence - which includes running a security app.

I am not going to repeat what is contained in the FAQ, but in short, you do need to run something for full peace of mind & I personally recommend Lookout.