Virus/malware

[nhobbit]

Does N7 need virus/malware protection?

[Babyfacemagee]

Fortunately, one of the nice things about Android is that there isn't a virus/malware problem as of yet so I doubt it will be necessary to have an app or software protecting against that on your Nexus 7.   What the future holds...we'll see...

[halibaitor]

Interesting question.

I'm wondering how a virus could get into the Droid OP.  Seems it would have to be introduced in a ROM update, and even then, how would it propagate itself into another tablet?

Infected apps are another matter.

http://www.zeropaid.com/news/95247/top-5-anti-virus-apps-for-android/

[frank]

There are risks now and they'll likely grow. 
http://www.zdnet.com/trend-micro-warns-of-android-malware-pandemic-by-q4-2012-7000000274/

With my current 7" tablet I avoid banking or other financial things as much as possible.

[Babyfacemagee]

I stand corrected!  I haven't had any virus/malware issues in Android but apparently there is 'some' risk so we'll just keep an eye on it.   Something for us to further discuss once we get our Nexus 7s in our hands!

[halibaitor]

Well, there is this.  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.antispycell.free

Maybe that will make a few people feel better about the threat.  It seems to be built for phones, but might work for the N⁷ as well.

Data mining seems to be the real threat.

[Drew]

Also in the protection arena is the app, 'Anti Spy Mobile', which will detect and remove any spyware on your tab.

[nhobbit]

Thanks to all!

[stinkyjak]

I don't see how any device that connects to any other device or network could not be at risk.

I wish I could find a tool that would show and log what processes are accessing what data on my device and what processes are communicating with what host... how often and how much.

[frank]

Droidwall can do that.  There are other apps too, but can't think of the names.

[stinkyjak]

Droidwall can do that.  There are other apps too, but can't think of the names.

Not so much. Very limited info from Droidwall. I use it to black/white list apps, but I still have no log or way to monitor what I am looking for.

[samalex]

The biggest problem I've seen are ad networks and code embedded in some apps sending your personal data across the net without you knowing it.  NPR did a great story on this today:
http://www.npr.org/2012/07/12/156651950/mobile-ad-networks-accused-of-invasive-apps

I generally don't download apps willy nilly, but it would be nice if Google or even a third party could verify apps and given them a 'crap free' seal of approval that they do only what's advertised.

[halibaitor]

Here's some more interesting info.

http://blog.trendmicro.com/trend-micro-fix-tool-for-malicious-library-file-found-on-48-utility-apps/

[stinkyjak]

Not BotPanda on my device. 

So, would recommend Trend-micro over Avast!