I was reading a post in this forum about a guy who's browser kept redirecting him to spam sites & it made me wonder if it's safe to download stuff from Google play?

I even read that some angry birds games were infected & I thought that was a massive title & would be safe but evidently not.

If you have anti virus/malware software on your Android phone, please could you list what you use & if it's ever flagged up an infection.

Doesn't Google check apps for malware?

I use the Sophos app, it automatically scans apps after download, not just for viruses but if the app has permissions it might deem as dodgy. (a game that wants to send texts etc).
Here is a good article from the Sophos team. http://nakedsecurity.sophos.com/2013...ndroid-armour/

It wasn't a virus or malware though. My sisters ipad was doing it as well.

What you read was Angry birds downloaded from an outside source and NOT from google play.

I've been using smartphones for 5/6 years and I've never felt the need to get an antivirus. Phones don't need them

Although I'd agree at the moment they don't but I can see a time when they will do.

Just look at the reputation and recent comments of apps and also look at the permissions they want before installing them.

On Android, Google will tell you all the permissions the app is entitled to, along with an option to scan the package before installation. Installation from sources other than the Play Store are blocked by default, so if you have unchecked that and downloading apps freely from anywhere on the internet then you are accepting the risk as with anything.

It's best just to stick to the Play Store as unless you are downloading those dodgy looking apps, it's pretty safe and gives you a lot of information before installation.

Amazon App Store would be fine as well

I get stuff from there, because they have a daily free app that costs stuff on the main play store.

I just wish Android had a temporary setting for installing from unknown sources!!!!!!

Yeah, that would be good - and that's why I have it on my phone to get the freebies!

I didn't realise that that's where the infected Angry Birds was, I only ever download from the play store as well.

Thanks for your answers I won't bother with AV.