Personally, I installed the AVG mobile app on Acer Iconia a500 and wasn't impressed with the app at all. It runs in the background (even though I didn't notice a hit to the performance); I couldn't tell that it was actually doing a proactive job at protecting me anymore than if I were to use a good square head and some common sense.
So, in the spirit of making informed choices based on common sense, here is a short list of things you can do to help make your Android experience a little safer for you and others.
1- Only download from trusted sources.
There are a lot of apps in the Android Market. And pretty much anyone can make an Android App and get it listed. Google filters out some of the junk apps over time, but they definitely don't catch everything. When browsing the Android Market I try to look for apps that are developed by individuals or companies who I am familiar with. I would rather purchase a game from a company like GamEvil or Gameloft as opposed to John Doe from Kentucky. If it looks funny or questionable, it probably is. If the app listing doesn't have pictures or video of the app in action, I pass it up. No question. If they can't show it off, I shouldn't waste my time on it. Simple as that. Every app has a list of permissions it needs when being ran. Keep an eye on these, they will help you sniff out whether or not a specific app should be trusted.
2- Leave 'Download from Untrusted Sources' disabled.
If you may be tempted to try an app you found on somebodies website where you download the individual .apk file; you probably need to leave the option to download/install from these sources alone. By default it is disabled by most devices. It is easy to get a hold of a bad .apk using this means of installation.
3- Use only trusted App Markets.
There are several Marketplaces out there, beside Google's Android Market. Aside from the included Google Android Market, I also have Amazon's App Store installed. For those who aren't familiar with Amazon's offering, their prices are competitive with Google's Android Market. However, Amazon gives away a paid app for free everyday. Sometimes the apps are rather simple or dull. And sometimes they are top notch mobile games.
The only catch to Amazon's App Store, is any app you have installed using the Amazon App Store requires the Amazon App Store to be on the device to launch the app. Otherwise, it's great.
4- Secure your device.
This can be done by setting a lock screen password or gesture on most Android devices. After all, security threats don't just linger online. It can come from you leaving your phone plugged up in the break room at work. Or if your device gets lost or stolen, there are even apps that allow you to remotely wipe or locate your device.
5- Beware of who you share information with online.
It's true, we are as mobile as we ever were. And we all still require the same amount of data retention on the go as we do sitting on our couches playing with smartphones. But this same concept can be used in basic, everyday computing as well. Always remember what services you use on your device, and make sure that they will never send an email asking for your account credentials If you receive a request via email or live chat asking for any personal information, it's a good idea to contact the host of those services directly (by physically visiting their site, sending an email yourself to their support, or calling them) to verify the situation. In most cases, you can even forward the email to the host and let them record the email as spam.
Using these 5 simple concepts will make not only your mobile experience a much safer one, but your everyday computer use will benefit too. It is true that mobile malware is becoming more of a threat to your Android device, but keep in mind that this malware has to be run by you (the user). So the front line defense for any device should be the user (you) keeping a clear head on what you are running.
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