Nokia E71- Do I need antivirus?

Hi,

OK I like computers but up to now have always had cheap phones. However I have just got myself an Nokia E71 with unlimited internet access. Its brill but the question I need to ask is do I really need AV software with it?

I have set my bluetooth setting to 'hidden', I am viewing my emails on the devise but not clicking on attachments?

What do you guys think and recomend for me?

Many Thanks

Jlo

 

I think it will depend on how much browsing you will do. You can always accidentally end up on an infected web site. If you are not opening attachments in emails and not really browsing the internet then you may remain fairly safe. If you have an unlimited internet plan then not using your phone to occasionally look up scores or anything else on the web seems like a waste. There is malware written specifically for mobile devices, but it is usually for Windows mobile OS. Nokia uses Symbian OS which has been targeted less then Microsoft, but there still exists some malware for Symbian OS. I included a link to a site which will give you some suggestions for software and you can also do your own research. Hope it helps a little.

http://www.nokiasymbianthemes.com/f...e-symbian-anti-virus-collections-applications

 

No, you don't need an antivirus, if you have common sense. There aren't any drive-by download exploits for Symbian that I know of, so you can't easily get infected just by browsing some website with the phone. There is very little Symbian malware anyway, and what little there is tends to be of the impotent kind: spreading via Bluetooth, multimedia messages or SMS, and relying you to click yes to install the malware when prompted. So, if you ever get a sudden prompt to "Do you want to install X?" or a message that has a link to some website which tosses up an install prompt, just say no, and you'll be safe. Only install software from absolutely trusted sources, and even then use your head. As an example, Nokia would be a trusted source. Your best friend would not be.

Antiviruses for mobile phones are an excellent way for the user to slow his phone down and steal valuable and limited resources, and for the security vendors to make a lot of money by generating fear.

 

Thanks for the replies.

I think I will leave it for now and just be careful. I do have unlimited internet on it however just using really for email and skype and only opening emails I know. I am leaving emails with attachments for the desktop.

Thanks again.

BW

Jlo