The avast! Mobile Security thread

FWIW- the $99/$149 HP Tablets are going on sale again this weekend on HP ebay store, although these will be refurbished. It may be the last time that sale happens.

 

Thanks acr1965!

 

For people with android phones, Replies #3 and #5 in the thread are interesting about HOW the anti-theft thing might fool a thief.
http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=90039.0

 

Not that I plan to do this, but I'm sure it will be asked: can a person install Avast, set up the anti-theft, remove avast leaving anti-theft installed. Will anti-theft continue to operate properly? Or after some time will anti-theft become inoperable?

What is the procedure for completely removing avast (including anti-theft)? Will there be a tool for this later?

 

Yes, that's the whole point. Even if someone removes the parent product (avast! Mobile Security), the anti-theft component stays fully functional.

When installed in stealth mode (especially on rooted phones), you need to follow a special procedure for that. There will be a step-by-step documentation on how to do that (and you will have to know the PIN to do it, of course).

Thanks
Vlk

 

Nice work VLK! You guys always think ahead.

 

Now updated to version 1.0.1069.

Changelog:
- Multiple bug fixes (especially various Force Close conditions)
- Added a new option to hide the notification icon
- Experimental support for Android 4.x (feedback welcome)
- Added new "About" screen with version info and a feedback button
- Other cosmetic changes

Thanks
Vlk

 

New beta build released. Use Android Market to update.

 

Does the anti-theft component apply to Wi-Fi only tablets?

 

Not for now, as there's no web-based interface atm. This should come in February.

 

Thanks. No problem. I just didn't know whether to install that section or not.

One more question - is there a guide someplace, a pdf or whatever? It's working great here (v 1.0.1006), but a guide might be useful.

 

I used the "check for updates now" button and it said I had the latest update. Under 'current version' in Avast my version shows 111210-01.

The Market shows latest version -
UPDATED:
December 6, 2011
CURRENT VERSION:
1.0.1069

Anyway, assuming I have the latest version, I just tried to report my false positives and still get a "fail" message.

 

Are you running version 1069? Do you e.g. have the checkbox for hiding of the notification icon in the Settings?

 

The "check for updates now" and "current version" at avast! Settings screen show/check only VPS (virus definitions file) of the "avast! Mobile Security BETA"

You can check you version directly from avast! Click "Application Management", then "avast! Mobile Security BETA", you should see v1.0.1069. Or update from Google Market...

 

My version shows 1.0.1006. The automatic updates is check marked and shows from 6 hours ago. When I press the "check for updates now" I get a message that I have the latest update. Under settings I don't see any place to hide notification icons. Anyway, I went to the Market on my phone and downloaded an update anyway. And apparently there was an update available which I noticed after the download. The updated version is 1.0.1069 which I am showing now. So apparently the update checking mechanism of the last version had some sort of bug.

Also, tried to send the false positives again after updating and again got a failed message.

 

I have the latest update with the option to not display the icon. When you uncheck the option though AMS warns "the notification icon helps Avast protect your device better". I've read that having an icon protects an app from being killed and restarted by the OS. Is that the reason for the warning?

 

I hate the fact that some features requires your phone to be rooted

 

The documentation says root is only necessary for the firewall to work. From my experience with Theft Aware the anti-theft module in Avast should work well without root. It just has greater self-protection with root. These issues are related to the OS and the fact that the carriers lock the phones, not Avast specifically. You may be interested to know that most Android anti-theft software is completely visible and easily uninstalled. That's not the case with Avast (based on Theft Aware).

 

That's right. I extracted these 2 quotes from the release description about when rooted device is needed

I think the reason for root in the Firewall section is the needed change to application permissions (to deny connections). Permissions can only be done when rooted. I also found that the changes aren't applied until one reboots. May not be 100% true, but it's my experience so far on v 1.0.1006 (not yet updated).
Let's hope VLK comments on this one.

Edit: Aha, I just googled out that when permissions are modified on android, a reboot is required. Ouch.

 

It could be that the update line on GUI applies to definitions only. And the market icon notifies that the application updates are available. At least that's what I see on the tablet. 1069 is in the list to do.

 

I was reading the other thread where Theft Aware was mentioned as top of its class. Avast bought Theft Aware and has integrated it into their Android Mobile AV....sweet!

How does this work on WiFi only Tablets where SMS isnt in the cards.

 

Post #60 says it doesn't, yet.

 

Thanks! Missed it.

 

Anyone have a guess about once the final release is out will we need to uninstall the beta or just update? I don't want to set up the anti-theft now if I have to redo it all in a few weeks.

 

Android apps work in a different way than any other. They also don't dig themself so deep in the system. So no, you'll be able to update it through Android Market easily.