Re: [Dorset] Nexus 7 virus software, any problems?

[Peter Merchant]

On 02/01/13 18:36, Terry Coles wrote:

On Tuesday 01 Jan 2013 19:29:51 Andrew R Paterson wrote:

you state "Certainly, on desktop Linux, there are far more virus signatures
in the  virus database than there are known viruses that attack Linux."
Thats an interesting "fact", pray where did you get it from? particularily
the "known viruses that attack" linux bit.

Andrew, I think you are being a little pedantic.  When most people refer to
viruses, they include Trojans, socially engineered malware and anything else
that can generally break your machine.  Similarly, virus scanners on Windows
don't just scan for viruses; they look for all known malware and that is what
the 'virus scanners on Android would appear to do.


Google has its PLay Store just as Apple has its app store - there is no
reason for one to be more "vulnerable" than the other.

Natalie et al have already answered this one.


I remember the days of "Nobody got fired for buying IBM" the hayday of FUD.
Now it seems the AV producers are doing the same thing.
You don't have to be a genius to realise that there would be no market for
AV developers without "viruses".

True, but that doesn't stop the malware authors.


I am still waiting for someone to detail a genuine UNIX (or LInux) virus as
opposed to just being stupid and dowloading and running a script "rm -rf /".

I don't believe that the few genuine Linux/Unix 'viruses' (or malware items if
you prefer) are that simple.  In my original post, I did say that the only
attack vector on Linux is probably social engineering, but since the average
Android user is not a top-notch software engineer, they are likely to fall for
this every time.  I would hope that I wouldn't, but since I am also not a top-
notch software engineer, I prefer to play it safe.  Everyone gets fooled now
and again.


I agree about android running things as a single user, but there is a
difference with malware and viruses. AV software can find viruses but
malware is up to the user.

See above.


Interesting that I should get this in my reading today:

http://www.darkreading.com/blog/240145399/advisory-as-new-year-approaches-android-malware-detection-growing.html?cid=nl_DR_weekly_2013-01-03_html&elq=84c796594e3e4528b96c2cc2ec4a96f5

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Re: [Dorset] Nexus 7 virus software, any problems?

[Terry Coles]

On Wednesday 02 Jan 2013 22:38:53 Andrew R Paterson wrote:
> as I give up preaching to the unconvertible, 

As do I.

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Re: [Dorset] Nexus 7 virus software, any problems?

[cam]

Quoting Martin Hepworth :



Yes the apps for android arent as tighly scanned as for apple and a few
malware baring apps grt through. Do the av scanners spot them.. Not seen
any independant tests either way

Have a look at the Galaxy tab 2 7.0 8gb mid with a 32gb sdcard extra in it.
The display is better imho and adding in the sd card still works out
cheaper than the nexus.


Martin


I have a Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 8gb with 32gb SD card and will bring it to  
the meeting on 8th if anyone want to see one and try it.


I installed free AV software on to detect/prevent vitus/malware in my  
machine and to prevent any being passing on by me.


Charles Miller


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Re: [Dorset] Nexus 7 virus software, any problems?

[Andrew R Paterson]

Terry,
as I give up preaching to the unconvertible, consider my last parting shot 
carefully...
This medium is supposed to be a LUG,
The difference between virusen and malware is no more "pedantic" than whether I 
achieve my computing aims using Linux or Windows or ios.
This difference is what steve jobs recognised and trapped his user base into 
limiting the spread of malware very successfully.
Google with its Play Store is commendably attempting the same thing.
Regards
Andy

On Wednesday 02 January 2013 18:36:58 Terry Coles wrote:
> On Tuesday 01 Jan 2013 19:29:51 Andrew R Paterson wrote:
> > you state "Certainly, on desktop Linux, there are far more virus
> > signatures
> > in the  virus database than there are known viruses that attack Linux."
> > 
> > Thats an interesting "fact", pray where did you get it from? particularily
> > the "known viruses that attack" linux bit.
> 
> Andrew, I think you are being a little pedantic.  When most people refer to
> viruses, they include Trojans, socially engineered malware and anything else
> that can generally break your machine.  Similarly, virus scanners on
> Windows don't just scan for viruses; they look for all known malware and
> that is what the 'virus scanners on Android would appear to do.
> 
> > Google has its PLay Store just as Apple has its app store - there is no
> > reason for one to be more "vulnerable" than the other.
> 
> Natalie et al have already answered this one.
> 
> > I remember the days of "Nobody got fired for buying IBM" the hayday of
> > FUD.
> > Now it seems the AV producers are doing the same thing.
> > You don't have to be a genius to realise that there would be no market for
> > AV developers without "viruses".
> 
> True, but that doesn't stop the malware authors.
> 
> > I am still waiting for someone to detail a genuine UNIX (or LInux) virus
> > as
> > opposed to just being stupid and dowloading and running a script "rm -rf
> > /".
> I don't believe that the few genuine Linux/Unix 'viruses' (or malware items
> if you prefer) are that simple.  In my original post, I did say that the
> only attack vector on Linux is probably social engineering, but since the
> average Android user is not a top-notch software engineer, they are likely
> to fall for this every time.  I would hope that I wouldn't, but since I am
> also not a top- notch software engineer, I prefer to play it safe. 
> Everyone gets fooled now and again.
> 
> > I agree about android running things as a single user, but there is a
> > difference with malware and viruses. AV software can find viruses but
> > malware is up to the user.
> 
> See above.

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Re: [Dorset] Nexus 7 virus software, any problems?

[Peter Merchant]

On 02/01/13 18:36, Terry Coles wrote:

On Tuesday 01 Jan 2013 19:29:51 Andrew R Paterson wrote:

you state "Certainly, on desktop Linux, there are far more virus signatures
in the  virus database than there are known viruses that attack Linux."
Thats an interesting "fact", pray where did you get it from? particularily
the "known viruses that attack" linux bit.

Andrew, I think you are being a little pedantic.  When most people refer to
viruses, they include Trojans, socially engineered malware and anything else
that can generally break your machine.  Similarly, virus scanners on Windows
don't just scan for viruses; they look for all known malware and that is what
the 'virus scanners on Android would appear to do.


Google has its PLay Store just as Apple has its app store - there is no
reason for one to be more "vulnerable" than the other.

Natalie et al have already answered this one.


I remember the days of "Nobody got fired for buying IBM" the hayday of FUD.
Now it seems the AV producers are doing the same thing.
You don't have to be a genius to realise that there would be no market for
AV developers without "viruses".

True, but that doesn't stop the malware authors.


I am still waiting for someone to detail a genuine UNIX (or LInux) virus as
opposed to just being stupid and dowloading and running a script "rm -rf /".

I don't believe that the few genuine Linux/Unix 'viruses' (or malware items if
you prefer) are that simple.  In my original post, I did say that the only
attack vector on Linux is probably social engineering, but since the average
Android user is not a top-notch software engineer, they are likely to fall for
this every time.  I would hope that I wouldn't, but since I am also not a top-
notch software engineer, I prefer to play it safe.  Everyone gets fooled now
and again.


I agree about android running things as a single user, but there is a
difference with malware and viruses. AV software can find viruses but
malware is up to the user.

See above.

I didn't get a chance when my kids and consorts came back for New Year 
to find out which ones Android phone was responsible for the smurf 
attacks in my network. It is 4 x android, 0 x iphone and I know that 
three of them connect to my wireless network, not sure about the fourth.


Looking after the grandchildren didn't allow me time to look at the 
router logs.


Cheers, Peter


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Re: [Dorset] Nexus 7 virus software, any problems?

[Terry Coles]

On Tuesday 01 Jan 2013 19:29:51 Andrew R Paterson wrote:
> you state "Certainly, on desktop Linux, there are far more virus signatures
> in the  virus database than there are known viruses that attack Linux."

> Thats an interesting "fact", pray where did you get it from? particularily
> the "known viruses that attack" linux bit.

Andrew, I think you are being a little pedantic.  When most people refer to 
viruses, they include Trojans, socially engineered malware and anything else 
that can generally break your machine.  Similarly, virus scanners on Windows 
don't just scan for viruses; they look for all known malware and that is what 
the 'virus scanners on Android would appear to do.

> Google has its PLay Store just as Apple has its app store - there is no
> reason for one to be more "vulnerable" than the other.

Natalie et al have already answered this one.

> I remember the days of "Nobody got fired for buying IBM" the hayday of FUD.
> Now it seems the AV producers are doing the same thing.
> You don't have to be a genius to realise that there would be no market for
> AV developers without "viruses".

True, but that doesn't stop the malware authors.

> I am still waiting for someone to detail a genuine UNIX (or LInux) virus as
> opposed to just being stupid and dowloading and running a script "rm -rf /".

I don't believe that the few genuine Linux/Unix 'viruses' (or malware items if 
you prefer) are that simple.  In my original post, I did say that the only 
attack vector on Linux is probably social engineering, but since the average 
Android user is not a top-notch software engineer, they are likely to fall for 
this every time.  I would hope that I wouldn't, but since I am also not a top-
notch software engineer, I prefer to play it safe.  Everyone gets fooled now 
and again.

> I agree about android running things as a single user, but there is a
> difference with malware and viruses. AV software can find viruses but
> malware is up to the user.

See above.

-- 
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64 bit computing with Kubuntu Linux

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Re: [Dorset] Nexus 7 virus software, any problems?

[Andrew R Paterson]

You illustrate my point completely here
Apple don't "scan" the apps - they TEST them

On Tuesday 01 January 2013 20:09:27 Martin Hepworth wrote:
> Not to mention the numerous andriod apps the get pulled after several
> months due them being malware ridden..
> 
> Very few of these rports on iOS because Apple more stringent scanning
> before they get published
> 
> On Tuesday, 1 January 2013, Tim wrote:
> > On 01/01/13 09:24, Terry Coles wrote:
> >> On Monday 31 Dec 2012 21:04:59 Clive A Wills wrote:
> >>> Now I know some of you have the Nexus 7 and would like to know if there
> >>> are any problems with virus' and if a virus programme is required. Also
> >>> how pleased/good is it; reviews have all been good.  (£199 in PC World
> >>> and £189 in Argos)
> >> 
> >> PC World staff get a commission if they sell 'add-ons' with any computer.
> >> 
> >>  I
> >> 
> >> have no idea how much PC World charge for Norton for Android, but the
> >> online
> >> price is £29.99, which makes a big difference when the device itself is
> >> less
> >> than £200.
> >> 
> >> I don't have a Nexus 7, but I do own an Android phone; there isn't really
> >> any
> >> difference as you point out.  Android *is* vulnerable to viruses (as is
> >> Linux
> >> if they are targeted to it).  It is also a single user OS, where the
> >> owner has
> >> root privileges, so, as with Windows, any viruses don't have to overcome
> >> basic
> >> security to get installed.
> >> 
> >> Unlike Linux, (or rather the Linux we are all familiar with, since
> >> Android is
> >> a Linux distribution), it has a very large user base which is growing
> >> every
> >> day.  This means that there is much more incentive to attack it than
> >> Linux, so
> >> it doesn't hurt to take some precautions.  As you say, you still have to
> >> agree
> >> to install the software, so there are no 'drive by' vulnerabilities.  I
> >> would
> >> be surprised if the virus count for Android ever got to be anything like
> >> Windows.
> >> 
> >> What you don't need to do is pay through the nose for Norton Antivirus.
> >> 
> >>  There
> >> 
> >> are several free ones and some have a paid-for Premium version.  I use
> >> Lookout: https://www.lookout.com/.  The Premium version offers some
> >> useful
> >> additional features for $29.99 per year, but if all you need is
> >> anti-virus,
> >> the free version works fine.  My wife uses the Avast offering:
> >> http://www.avast.com/en-gb/**free-mobile-security >> -gb/free-mobile-security>.>> 
> >>  We have used Avast on our
> >> 
> >> Windows machines for around 10 years now and the only time we got a virus
> >> was
> >> when my son turned it off.  Both Apps are available from the Google Play
> >> Store
> >> once you have your device.
> >> 
> >> The chances are, if the user is careful about what he or she installs,
> >> then
> >> they will never get a virus on Android.  So the story is nowhere near as
> >> bad
> >> as on Windows, which is almost guaranteed a virus if you don't run a
> >> scanner.
> >> I mainly installed Lookout for the peace of mind and the location
> >> service,
> >> which will allow me to locate the phone if it is lost or stolen.
> >> 
> >> In the end, it's up to the user whether they bother.  There aren't many
> >> viruses reported for Android, so the chances are there will never be a
> >> problem.
> >> 
> >>  Details of a recently found virus for Andriod phones
> > 
> > http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/**technology-20768996 > technology-20768996>
> > 
> > --
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Re: [Dorset] Nexus 7 virus software, any problems?

[Sean Gibbins]

On 01/01/13 21:31, Natalie Masse Hooper wrote:


==> if you apply common sense, you are safe, but yes, if you don't and 
believe that you can get a paid game for free, it is quite likely you 
are downloading a malware app and not the genuine app.


If it looks to good to be true, it probably is.

Sean

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Re: [Dorset] Nexus 7 virus software, any problems?

[Natalie Masse Hooper]

On 01/01/13 20:03, Tim wrote:

Details of a recently found virus for Andriod phones

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-20768996 


This is exactly what I explained in my previous email

From BBC article
" The first stage of the campaign to recruit phones to act as spam 
relays. It involved sending out thousands of messages supposedly 
offering people free versions of popular Android games,"


==> if you apply common sense, you are safe, but yes, if you don't and 
believe that you can get a paid game for free, it is quite likely you 
are downloading a malware app and not the genuine app.

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Re: [Dorset] Nexus 7 virus software, any problems?

[Martin Hepworth]

Not to mention the numerous andriod apps the get pulled after several
months due them being malware ridden..

Very few of these rports on iOS because Apple more stringent scanning
before they get published



On Tuesday, 1 January 2013, Tim wrote:

> On 01/01/13 09:24, Terry Coles wrote:
>
>> On Monday 31 Dec 2012 21:04:59 Clive A Wills wrote:
>>
>>> Now I know some of you have the Nexus 7 and would like to know if there
>>> are any problems with virus' and if a virus programme is required. Also
>>> how pleased/good is it; reviews have all been good.  (£199 in PC World
>>> and £189 in Argos)
>>>
>> PC World staff get a commission if they sell 'add-ons' with any computer.
>>  I
>> have no idea how much PC World charge for Norton for Android, but the
>> online
>> price is £29.99, which makes a big difference when the device itself is
>> less
>> than £200.
>>
>> I don't have a Nexus 7, but I do own an Android phone; there isn't really
>> any
>> difference as you point out.  Android *is* vulnerable to viruses (as is
>> Linux
>> if they are targeted to it).  It is also a single user OS, where the
>> owner has
>> root privileges, so, as with Windows, any viruses don't have to overcome
>> basic
>> security to get installed.
>>
>> Unlike Linux, (or rather the Linux we are all familiar with, since
>> Android is
>> a Linux distribution), it has a very large user base which is growing
>> every
>> day.  This means that there is much more incentive to attack it than
>> Linux, so
>> it doesn't hurt to take some precautions.  As you say, you still have to
>> agree
>> to install the software, so there are no 'drive by' vulnerabilities.  I
>> would
>> be surprised if the virus count for Android ever got to be anything like
>> Windows.
>>
>> What you don't need to do is pay through the nose for Norton Antivirus.
>>  There
>> are several free ones and some have a paid-for Premium version.  I use
>> Lookout: https://www.lookout.com/.  The Premium version offers some
>> useful
>> additional features for $29.99 per year, but if all you need is
>> anti-virus,
>> the free version works fine.  My wife uses the Avast offering:
>> http://www.avast.com/en-gb/**free-mobile-security.
>>  We have used Avast on our
>> Windows machines for around 10 years now and the only time we got a virus
>> was
>> when my son turned it off.  Both Apps are available from the Google Play
>> Store
>> once you have your device.
>>
>> The chances are, if the user is careful about what he or she installs,
>> then
>> they will never get a virus on Android.  So the story is nowhere near as
>> bad
>> as on Windows, which is almost guaranteed a virus if you don't run a
>> scanner.
>> I mainly installed Lookout for the peace of mind and the location service,
>> which will allow me to locate the phone if it is lost or stolen.
>>
>> In the end, it's up to the user whether they bother.  There aren't many
>> viruses reported for Android, so the chances are there will never be a
>> problem.
>>
>>  Details of a recently found virus for Andriod phones
>
> http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/**technology-20768996
>
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Re: [Dorset] Nexus 7 virus software, any problems?

[Tim]

On 01/01/13 09:24, Terry Coles wrote:

On Monday 31 Dec 2012 21:04:59 Clive A Wills wrote:

Now I know some of you have the Nexus 7 and would like to know if there
are any problems with virus' and if a virus programme is required. Also
how pleased/good is it; reviews have all been good.  (£199 in PC World
and £189 in Argos)

PC World staff get a commission if they sell 'add-ons' with any computer.  I
have no idea how much PC World charge for Norton for Android, but the online
price is £29.99, which makes a big difference when the device itself is less
than £200.

I don't have a Nexus 7, but I do own an Android phone; there isn't really any
difference as you point out.  Android *is* vulnerable to viruses (as is Linux
if they are targeted to it).  It is also a single user OS, where the owner has
root privileges, so, as with Windows, any viruses don't have to overcome basic
security to get installed.

Unlike Linux, (or rather the Linux we are all familiar with, since Android is
a Linux distribution), it has a very large user base which is growing every
day.  This means that there is much more incentive to attack it than Linux, so
it doesn't hurt to take some precautions.  As you say, you still have to agree
to install the software, so there are no 'drive by' vulnerabilities.  I would
be surprised if the virus count for Android ever got to be anything like
Windows.

What you don't need to do is pay through the nose for Norton Antivirus.  There
are several free ones and some have a paid-for Premium version.  I use
Lookout: https://www.lookout.com/.  The Premium version offers some useful
additional features for $29.99 per year, but if all you need is anti-virus,
the free version works fine.  My wife uses the Avast offering:
http://www.avast.com/en-gb/free-mobile-security.  We have used Avast on our
Windows machines for around 10 years now and the only time we got a virus was
when my son turned it off.  Both Apps are available from the Google Play Store
once you have your device.

The chances are, if the user is careful about what he or she installs, then
they will never get a virus on Android.  So the story is nowhere near as bad
as on Windows, which is almost guaranteed a virus if you don't run a scanner.
I mainly installed Lookout for the peace of mind and the location service,
which will allow me to locate the phone if it is lost or stolen.

In the end, it's up to the user whether they bother.  There aren't many
viruses reported for Android, so the chances are there will never be a
problem.


Details of a recently found virus for Andriod phones

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-20768996

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Re: [Dorset] Nexus 7 virus software, any problems?

[Andrew R Paterson]

Terry,
you state "Certainly, on desktop Linux, there are far more virus signatures in 
the  virus database than there are known viruses that attack Linux."
Thats an interesting "fact", pray where did you get it from? particularily the 
"known viruses that attack" linux bit.
Google has its PLay Store just as Apple has its app store - there is no reason 
for one to be more "vulnerable" than the other.
I remember the days of "Nobody got fired for buying IBM" the hayday of FUD.
Now it seems the AV producers are doing the same thing.
You don't have to be a genius to realise that there would be no market for AV 
developers without "viruses".
I am still waiting for someone to detail a genuine UNIX (or LInux) virus as 
opposed to just being stupid and dowloading and running a script "rm -rf /".
I agree about android running things as a single user, but there is a 
difference with malware and viruses. AV software can find viruses but malware 
is 
up to the user.
Andy

On Tuesday 01 January 2013 13:59:40 Terry Coles wrote:
> On Tuesday 01 Jan 2013 13:38:43 Andrew R Paterson wrote:
> > I strongly believe (feel free to correct me please!) that most (if not
> > all)
> > the AV software you get for Linux (and android?) is just using the same
> > signature databases as the main windows versions and thus all you are
> > doing
> > is ensuring you don't download any windows viruses.
> 
> Certainly, on desktop Linux, there are far more virus signatures in the
> virus database than there are known viruses that attack Linux.  I would
> agree that the main reason for running a virus scanner on a 'pure' Linux
> machine is to avoid inadvertently passing on Windows viruses to Windows
> users that I communicate with.
> 
> > As I say, please prove me wrong :)
> 
> AFAIK, there are viruses that attack Android (ref Natalie's earlier post). 
> It may be that the virus databases also include Windows viruses for the
> same reason as above, but I'm not aware of this.
> 
> You must acknowledge that even a pure Linux machine is not invulnerable,
> although social engineering seems to be the only successful attack vector.
> Android is slightly more vulnerable than a pure Linux machine since the
> users generally have full root privileges, plus it is a more attractive
> target, so I would be very surprised to hear that there are no Android
> viruses.
> > I also use Avast (on my windows boxes) and am indeed happy with it - but
> > AV
> > s/w for Linux and android - show me some proof that they actually do
> > something (and don't tell me they are root-checkers please!).
> 
> I can't show proof, so until someone does, I'll continue to use the tools
> available.

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Re: [Dorset] Nexus 7 virus software, any problems?

[p.lane]

On 01/01/2013 15:00, Terry Coles wrote:

On Tuesday 01 Jan 2013 14:44:43 Sean Gibbins wrote:

However, this Christmas my son was able to purchase a decent new branded
graphics card from PC World for the same price that it was available
ebuyer and Amazon - that was a first!

My Samsung Chromebook was the same price at PC World as everywhere else, so I
bought it there for convenience.  For once the salesperson was not totally
clueless (he claimed to have a Chromebook himself), but that was pretty
irrelevant because I knew what I wanted.

I do buy from them when it makes sense, but I wouldn't rely on their advice.
I remember taking my mother there to get her a Dell Mini 10 Netbook when they
were available with Ubuntu.  However, PC World didn't do the Ubuntu version
and the sales guy was busy telling my mother that Linux was too difficult when
she mentioned that she'd  been using a Linux Netbook for two years and found
it much simpler than Windows!

I'm still not sure if he believed her.

I have always used Comodo IS (firewalls and AV) for my Win pc's and have 
found it excellent. It is much less mem intensive than Norton, McAfee or 
Kaspersky and friendlier to use and has found threats that the paid for 
products didn't. There is a Linux version available, but not yet Android.
As an aside, I also use Kaspersky TDS killer ( a standalone) and 
ComboFix. Be careful with the latter.


--
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CEO Lectrics Ltd
Poole
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Re: [Dorset] Nexus 7 virus software, any problems?

[Terry Coles]

On Tuesday 01 Jan 2013 14:44:43 Sean Gibbins wrote:
> However, this Christmas my son was able to purchase a decent new branded
> graphics card from PC World for the same price that it was available
> ebuyer and Amazon - that was a first!

My Samsung Chromebook was the same price at PC World as everywhere else, so I 
bought it there for convenience.  For once the salesperson was not totally 
clueless (he claimed to have a Chromebook himself), but that was pretty 
irrelevant because I knew what I wanted.

I do buy from them when it makes sense, but I wouldn't rely on their advice.  
I remember taking my mother there to get her a Dell Mini 10 Netbook when they 
were available with Ubuntu.  However, PC World didn't do the Ubuntu version 
and the sales guy was busy telling my mother that Linux was too difficult when 
she mentioned that she'd  been using a Linux Netbook for two years and found 
it much simpler than Windows!

I'm still not sure if he believed her.

-- 
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Re: [Dorset] Nexus 7 virus software, any problems?

[Sean Gibbins]

On 01/01/13 14:34, Martin Hepworth wrote:

Personally i never buy anything from pcworld and always recommend others
not to either.


Same here: I normally come out of PC World shaking my fist in rage and 
frustration at the ridiculous prices!


Also, once or twice I have been tempted to intervene having overheard 
sales people talking utter bollocks, but have always managed to bite my lip.


However, this Christmas my son was able to purchase a decent new branded 
graphics card from PC World for the same price that it was available 
ebuyer and Amazon - that was a first!


Sean

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Re: [Dorset] Nexus 7 virus software, any problems?

[Martin Hepworth]

Personally i never buy anything from pcworld and always recommend others
not to either. Its all sell sell sell just like from dixons - heck dixons
are now currys cos they have just horrible service

Yes the apps for android arent as tighly scanned as for apple and a few
malware baring apps grt through. Do the av scanners spot them.. Not seen
any independant tests either way

Have a look at the Galaxy tab 2 7.0 8gb mid with a 32gb sdcard extra in it.
The display is better imho and adding in the sd card still works out
cheaper than the nexus.


Martin

On Tuesday, 1 January 2013, Terry Coles wrote:

> On Tuesday 01 Jan 2013 13:38:43 Andrew R Paterson wrote:
> > I strongly believe (feel free to correct me please!) that most (if not
> all)
> > the AV software you get for Linux (and android?) is just using the same
> > signature databases as the main windows versions and thus all you are
> doing
> > is ensuring you don't download any windows viruses.
>
> Certainly, on desktop Linux, there are far more virus signatures in the
> virus
> database than there are known viruses that attack Linux.  I would agree
> that
> the main reason for running a virus scanner on a 'pure' Linux machine is to
> avoid inadvertently passing on Windows viruses to Windows users that I
> communicate with.
>
> > As I say, please prove me wrong :)
>
> AFAIK, there are viruses that attack Android (ref Natalie's earlier post).
>  It
> may be that the virus databases also include Windows viruses for the same
> reason as above, but I'm not aware of this.
>
> You must acknowledge that even a pure Linux machine is not invulnerable,
> although social engineering seems to be the only successful attack vector.
> Android is slightly more vulnerable than a pure Linux machine since the
> users
> generally have full root privileges, plus it is a more attractive target,
> so I
> would be very surprised to hear that there are no Android viruses.
>
> > I also use Avast (on my windows boxes) and am indeed happy with it - but
> AV
> > s/w for Linux and android - show me some proof that they actually do
> > something (and don't tell me they are root-checkers please!).
>
> I can't show proof, so until someone does, I'll continue to use the tools
> available.
>
> --
> Terry Coles
> 64 bit computing with Kubuntu Linux
>
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Re: [Dorset] Nexus 7 virus software, any problems?

[Terry Coles]

On Tuesday 01 Jan 2013 13:38:43 Andrew R Paterson wrote:
> I strongly believe (feel free to correct me please!) that most (if not all)
> the AV software you get for Linux (and android?) is just using the same
> signature databases as the main windows versions and thus all you are doing
> is ensuring you don't download any windows viruses.

Certainly, on desktop Linux, there are far more virus signatures in the virus 
database than there are known viruses that attack Linux.  I would agree that 
the main reason for running a virus scanner on a 'pure' Linux machine is to 
avoid inadvertently passing on Windows viruses to Windows users that I 
communicate with.

> As I say, please prove me wrong :)

AFAIK, there are viruses that attack Android (ref Natalie's earlier post).  It 
may be that the virus databases also include Windows viruses for the same 
reason as above, but I'm not aware of this.

You must acknowledge that even a pure Linux machine is not invulnerable, 
although social engineering seems to be the only successful attack vector.  
Android is slightly more vulnerable than a pure Linux machine since the users 
generally have full root privileges, plus it is a more attractive target, so I 
would be very surprised to hear that there are no Android viruses.

> I also use Avast (on my windows boxes) and am indeed happy with it - but AV
> s/w for Linux and android - show me some proof that they actually do
> something (and don't tell me they are root-checkers please!).

I can't show proof, so until someone does, I'll continue to use the tools 
available.

-- 
Terry Coles
64 bit computing with Kubuntu Linux

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Re: [Dorset] Nexus 7 virus software, any problems?

[Andrew R Paterson]

I strongly believe (feel free to correct me please!) that most (if not all) 
the AV software you get for Linux (and android?) is just using the same 
signature databases as the main windows versions and thus all you are doing is 
ensuring you don't download any windows viruses.
As I say, please prove me wrong :)
I also use Avast (on my windows boxes) and am indeed happy with it - but AV 
s/w for Linux and android - show me some proof that they actually do something 
(and don't tell me they are root-checkers please!).
Andy


On Tuesday 01 January 2013 09:24:48 Terry Coles wrote:
> On Monday 31 Dec 2012 21:04:59 Clive A Wills wrote:
> > Now I know some of you have the Nexus 7 and would like to know if there
> > are any problems with virus' and if a virus programme is required. Also
> > how pleased/good is it; reviews have all been good.  (£199 in PC World
> > and £189 in Argos)
> 
> PC World staff get a commission if they sell 'add-ons' with any computer.  I
> have no idea how much PC World charge for Norton for Android, but the
> online price is £29.99, which makes a big difference when the device itself
> is less than £200.
> 
> I don't have a Nexus 7, but I do own an Android phone; there isn't really
> any difference as you point out.  Android *is* vulnerable to viruses (as is
> Linux if they are targeted to it).  It is also a single user OS, where the
> owner has root privileges, so, as with Windows, any viruses don't have to
> overcome basic security to get installed.
> 
> Unlike Linux, (or rather the Linux we are all familiar with, since Android
> is a Linux distribution), it has a very large user base which is growing
> every day.  This means that there is much more incentive to attack it than
> Linux, so it doesn't hurt to take some precautions.  As you say, you still
> have to agree to install the software, so there are no 'drive by'
> vulnerabilities.  I would be surprised if the virus count for Android ever
> got to be anything like Windows.
> 
> What you don't need to do is pay through the nose for Norton Antivirus. 
> There are several free ones and some have a paid-for Premium version.  I--
calendar
> use Lookout: https://www.lookout.com/.  The Premium version offers some
> useful additional features for $29.99 per year, but if all you need is
> anti-virus, the free version works fine.  My wife uses the Avast offering:
> http://www.avast.com/en-gb/free-mobile-security.  We have used Avast on our
> Windows machines for around 10 years now and the only time we got a virus
> was when my son turned it off.  Both Apps are available from the Google
> Play Store once you have your device.
> 
> The chances are, if the user is careful about what he or she installs, then
> they will never get a virus on Android.  So the story is nowhere near as bad
> as on Windows, which is almost guaranteed a virus if you don't run a
> scanner. I mainly installed Lookout for the peace of mind and the location
> service, which will allow me to locate the phone if it is lost or stolen.
> 
> In the end, it's up to the user whether they bother.  There aren't many
> viruses reported for Android, so the chances are there will never be a
> problem.

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Re: [Dorset] Nexus 7 virus software, any problems?

[Natalie Masse Hooper]

On Monday 31 Dec 2012 21:04:59 Clive A Wills wrote:

Now I know some of you have the Nexus 7 and would like to know if there
are any problems with virus' and if a virus programme is required. Also
how pleased/good is it; reviews have all been good.  (£199 in PC World
and £189 in Argos)


I have the Nexus 7 and it's a great machine. You can't beat its quality 
in that price range. I bought it when it came out (July) and in 6 months 
of heavy use, I have not had any issue with viruses (and I have 
installed a lot of apps). I do not have an anti-virus app.


Only issue I have had with it is once, the battery ran out while the 
device was on and the tablet seemed unresponsive when I charged it. It 
actually got charged and then booted, but the led indicating it was 
charging didn't come on so I wasn't actually sure it was charging properly.


Re: viruses on Android in general, those are spreads via fake free apps, 
with offers such as "get X app for free" sent in an email or SMS, when 
said X app isn't free on Google Play and is a very popular one (very 
often, a game). With basic common sense, you can avoid viruses on Android.



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Re: [Dorset] Nexus 7 virus software, any problems?

[Terry Coles]

On Monday 31 Dec 2012 21:04:59 Clive A Wills wrote:
> Now I know some of you have the Nexus 7 and would like to know if there
> are any problems with virus' and if a virus programme is required. Also
> how pleased/good is it; reviews have all been good.  (£199 in PC World
> and £189 in Argos)

PC World staff get a commission if they sell 'add-ons' with any computer.  I 
have no idea how much PC World charge for Norton for Android, but the online 
price is £29.99, which makes a big difference when the device itself is less 
than £200.

I don't have a Nexus 7, but I do own an Android phone; there isn't really any 
difference as you point out.  Android *is* vulnerable to viruses (as is Linux 
if they are targeted to it).  It is also a single user OS, where the owner has 
root privileges, so, as with Windows, any viruses don't have to overcome basic 
security to get installed.

Unlike Linux, (or rather the Linux we are all familiar with, since Android is 
a Linux distribution), it has a very large user base which is growing every 
day.  This means that there is much more incentive to attack it than Linux, so 
it doesn't hurt to take some precautions.  As you say, you still have to agree 
to install the software, so there are no 'drive by' vulnerabilities.  I would 
be surprised if the virus count for Android ever got to be anything like 
Windows.

What you don't need to do is pay through the nose for Norton Antivirus.  There 
are several free ones and some have a paid-for Premium version.  I use 
Lookout: https://www.lookout.com/.  The Premium version offers some useful 
additional features for $29.99 per year, but if all you need is anti-virus, 
the free version works fine.  My wife uses the Avast offering: 
http://www.avast.com/en-gb/free-mobile-security.  We have used Avast on our 
Windows machines for around 10 years now and the only time we got a virus was 
when my son turned it off.  Both Apps are available from the Google Play Store 
once you have your device.

The chances are, if the user is careful about what he or she installs, then 
they will never get a virus on Android.  So the story is nowhere near as bad 
as on Windows, which is almost guaranteed a virus if you don't run a scanner.  
I mainly installed Lookout for the peace of mind and the location service, 
which will allow me to locate the phone if it is lost or stolen.

In the end, it's up to the user whether they bother.  There aren't many 
viruses reported for Android, so the chances are there will never be a 
problem.

-- 
Terry Coles
64 bit computing with Kubuntu Linux

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Re: [Dorset] Nexus 7 virus software, any problems?

[C A Wills]

Hi Andy

Thanks for the reply and confirmation and that you're pleased with it.
I do have ClamAV which I run occasionally in case I pass something on to 
M$ users, but never have had a virus yet! (tempting fate?)


*C A Wills*

/Powered by Linux & Open Source Software/


On 31/12/12 22:28, Andrew R Paterson wrote:

Hi Clive,
I have a Nexus 7 and have absolutely filled it with (mostly free) 
downloads
and except for accidentally "unrooting" it after initially rooting it - I have
(as expected) NOT been hit by any "Viruses".
You should have asked the assistant if that meant that all the Android based
mobile phones were "returned/damaged by virus attacks" too!
I am very pleased with my Nexus 7 and blame myself entirely for accidentally
"unrooting" it.
Unfortunately, if I root it again I suspect I would have to reload all the
apps I have downloaded. But to be honest rooting it didn't really give me any
real benefits anyway.
Its a well-made machine with which I make a fool of the rest of my family with
their expensive ipads.
SInce Android is basically linux/Java and you are conferring on a linux lug,
you surely don't run "antivirus software" on your linux box do you?
Regards
Andy
On Monday 31 December 2012 21:04:59 Clive A Wills wrote:

Hi All

First, can I wish you all a very Happy New Year.

Today we were in PC World looking at the Nexus 7, as my son-in-law is
thinking to get one; however the assistant stressed that it was very
important to get a good anti-virus software installed (Norton) as so
many tablets had been returned/damaged by virus attacks, and it is not
covered by warranty.
A very long discussion then took place about how vulnerable Android was
to attack, because it was 'open source' and the Apps were not
controlled, unlike Apple Apps.
Well; I gave up trying to say that it was not possible to get a virus
unless you accepted the request to run the programme. They were
obviously 'White Washed' against open software.

Now I know some of you have the Nexus 7 and would like to know if there
are any problems with virus' and if a virus programme is required. Also
how pleased/good is it; reviews have all been good.  (£199 in PC World
and £189 in Argos)

I don't think virus' are a problem but would like confirmation please,
to pass on to my son-in-law (he's a Mac and Apple Iphone/Ipad advocate).
Also any grips against it.




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Re: [Dorset] Nexus 7 virus software, any problems?

[Andrew R Paterson]

Hi Clive,
I have a Nexus 7 and have absolutely filled it with (mostly free) 
downloads 
and except for accidentally "unrooting" it after initially rooting it - I have 
(as expected) NOT been hit by any "Viruses".
You should have asked the assistant if that meant that all the Android based 
mobile phones were "returned/damaged by virus attacks" too!
I am very pleased with my Nexus 7 and blame myself entirely for accidentally 
"unrooting" it.
Unfortunately, if I root it again I suspect I would have to reload all the 
apps I have downloaded. But to be honest rooting it didn't really give me any 
real benefits anyway.
Its a well-made machine with which I make a fool of the rest of my family with 
their expensive ipads.
SInce Android is basically linux/Java and you are conferring on a linux lug, 
you surely don't run "antivirus software" on your linux box do you?
Regards
Andy
On Monday 31 December 2012 21:04:59 Clive A Wills wrote:
> Hi All
> 
> First, can I wish you all a very Happy New Year.
> 
> Today we were in PC World looking at the Nexus 7, as my son-in-law is
> thinking to get one; however the assistant stressed that it was very
> important to get a good anti-virus software installed (Norton) as so
> many tablets had been returned/damaged by virus attacks, and it is not
> covered by warranty.
> A very long discussion then took place about how vulnerable Android was
> to attack, because it was 'open source' and the Apps were not
> controlled, unlike Apple Apps.
> Well; I gave up trying to say that it was not possible to get a virus
> unless you accepted the request to run the programme. They were
> obviously 'White Washed' against open software.
> 
> Now I know some of you have the Nexus 7 and would like to know if there
> are any problems with virus' and if a virus programme is required. Also
> how pleased/good is it; reviews have all been good.  (£199 in PC World
> and £189 in Argos)
> 
> I don't think virus' are a problem but would like confirmation please,
> to pass on to my son-in-law (he's a Mac and Apple Iphone/Ipad advocate).
> Also any grips against it.

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