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Can I ask how many of you checked out the reviews or user comments of the apps you've downloaded? It's what mags are recommending you do these days just to be on the safe side, but do you assume that they're OK because they're in the App Store?

Tomo wrote:Can I ask how many of you checked out the reviews or user comments of the apps you've downloaded? It's what mags are recommending you do these days just to be on the safe side, but do you assume that they're OK because they're in the App Store?

I only download apps that I "need" so will often read the reviews to see if it meets my requirements. With games, I often look at recommended or very popular apps.

I do check reviews etc, but not for safety. If I did see a negative review about security I wouldn't download it. I've yet to see one though.

What has brought all this on Tomo? Anything us 'normal people' should be aware of?

My guess is that he is writing about the topic...

Madelon Hoedt wrote:My guess is that he is writing about the topic...

well, I have been writing about mobile security, but in doing so I've become aware that 59% of smartphones are less than one year old, 22% of users download apps at least once a month, and that there's been a massive explosion in mobile malware in the same period.

We wouldn't dream of going online with our PCs without antivirus software, but people are doing so with smartphones and tablets. For hackers, it's the "happy time" of the 1990s all over again. The problem is, we know better, and because of that it's very unclear whether banks and telcos will reimburse people for any losses they incur from mobile infections and rip-offs. Hence the government's Get Safe Online campaign which had a huge amount of publicity earlier this week.

Tons of apps. All but one from Android Market.
I do read reviews but (with the possible exception of security matters, not that I've seen any) I pay little heed as they are too often complains which should have been directed at the dev and al too often complains about their phone or a conflict and not the app.

The non-market one was direct from the dev but I had no impression of malice (social engineering 101, I know) and other users of the app seemed happy (also SE 101, I know).

For apps that do something, Twitter, Facebook, Red Laser, XE Currency etc. I search the app store and then usually download the highest star rated app that fits the bill. Sometimes I read the reviews, but not always.

For games, when I fancy something new to play, I usually go by the top 25 free chart in the app store.

I only ever download free apps, I don't install anything that's paid (tight ar*e!).

Not even the app store is safe.

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/11/08 ... ie_miller/" target="_blank

Tomo wrote:

DJBenz wrote:Not a ton, but a fair few.

Now, difficult question time: did they all come from legitimate sources? I'm not trying to catch you out, just trying to assess the general level of smartphone security awareness.

I just have FB, twitter, Get glue, etc all from Blackberry App World

Angry Birds!

Mancunian Lee wrote:Not even the app store is safe.

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/11/08 ... ie_miller/" target="_blank" target="_blank

I find it amazing that he expected anything other than kicking out of the iOS Dev program.
I didn't realise people still talk about doing stnts like that in terms of doing the company a favour too... tell them and give a deadline before exposure if you must... but to install, expose and THEN tell is just daft.

Not sure if this would apply to all Smartphones but my HTC can be connected to the PC as a Disc Drive and then scanned using the PC anti-virus program which gets updated daily.

Mandrake wrote:Not sure if this would apply to all Smartphones but my HTC can be connected to the PC as a Disc Drive and then scanned using the PC anti-virus program which gets updated daily.

That'd be OK if the antivirus software on the PC is specifically looking for HTC-based threats. It could simply be treating it as data.

Interesting, probably data only as it classes the HTC as a data storage device I'll see if the anti-virus program bods can confirm if their software checks for all threats including HTC/Android type stuff.....

So, is there recommended and reliable anti virus software for Smartphones?

It constantly amazes me how many people use those smart phones. I had a Nokia phone that could take pictures and go on the internet, but it was big and bulky and useless. I now have a cheap phone that takes calls and sends texts. Nothing more.

I would never purchase an Apple product. Under Steve Jobs they became a greedy cash-cow. I particularly object to the fact that if you use an Apple phone they keep track of where you are - they even upload your location on facebook. So in answer to your initial quesiton, no, I don't use a smart phone. And if my kids ever get one, they will have to leave them at their mother's house when I have them.