removing malware from mobile phones

[khoshtipi]

Hi all,

I have a Windows 7 32-bit machine with an always updated Kaspersky Internet security 2013 AV installed on it.
Can I scan my mobile phone (while it's attached to the PC), whether its OS be symbian, android, or ios, and be hopeful that my AV can find and remove the malware on it just like it does it for my computer?

Thanks.

 

[aritra2116]

It might is possible to scan your mobile folder with your antivirus on computer with your phone connected, but that won't work. Malware on phones cannot be detected by your computer antivirus scan because phone malware cannot work on computers. I recommend that you download/buy a mobile antivirus app for scanning phones for malware.

 

[khoshtipi]

You sure?

 

[aritra2116]

I think so...

 

[khoshtipi]

aritra: Thanks a lot.

 

[khoshtipi]

any other idea?

 

[cottonball]

khoshtipi,

What comes to mind...

Consider asking your question at a Linux forum.

Linux is a widely used operating system. It runs on a diverse range of computer architectures and in devices such as mobile phones.

 

[mohavepc]

Most smart phones including iPhone's and tablets will not let your pc see the files and structure on the phone itself without being rooted / jailbroken (sp) lol. I scan my android with my Linux laptop using Clam AV but it is rooted. If you look at the app stores on android and mac there are free av apps as well some good paid versions.
The only exception is the files on your media flash card IF (and I do mean IF) you haven't "Moved" Apps to the card. If so you can destroy those apps if their files get modified.

If it is NOT a smart phone the only way to see the files is through the program designed by the manufacturer.

****Not a paid advertiser for Linux**** ..... Yet

 

[khoshtipi]

@mohavepc:

In your point of view:

If I have a jailbroken mobile or can see it's files and folders other way, so can I scan it by my PC's AV?

 

[cottonball]

khoshtipi,

mohavepc: I scan my android with my Linux laptop

****Not an paid advertiser for Linux**** Ditto!!

 

[khoshtipi]

Thank you. I try to ignore this problem. thanks again.

 

[mohavepc]

@mohavepc:

In your point of view:

If I have a jailbroken mobile or can see it's files and folders other way, so can I scan it by my PC's AV?

Opinion? um yes I suppose so. Experience? again yes. The deal is you need to be able to see the files on the internal flash drive of the phone. the SYSTEM files to be specific. and not all AV programs know what Linux or unix files are and can lead to a broken phone. Clam av does a great job as does the AVG Linux android app. Would I recommend Jailbreaking / rooting a Phone to scan it for Viri? Absolutely NOT. There are healthier ways to spend your time. But You asked could it be done. The answer is yes *Don't try this at home kids.... We're what you call...... Professionals* to steal a line from Jamie and Adam.

 

[mohavepc]

khoshtipi,


****Not an paid advertiser for Linux**** Ditto!!

 

[khoshtipi]

mohavepc:

I wasn't talking about Linux or UNIX at all -although I have some knowledge about them. You have concentrated your comments on the UNIX/Linux and the calm AV while my machine is Windows (as I said) and my AV is Kasper. So again I declare the issue clearly. Can I use my machine's AV for removing the mobile's malware (if I access into mobile)?
sorry!

 

[mohavepc]

Please allow me to clarify.
1) On a rooted or jailbroken phone? The answer is yes.
2) Would I use kasperski from a "Windows" OS? The answer is No (do to differences in the file system architecture)
3) I realize that You were Not talking about Linux and that I was. (More than likely do to communication differences)
4) My post About Linux and not being a Paid advertiser is for lack of better explanation a joke meant to make a few penguins on here laugh.

I am sorry if I was not clear. I would not recommend What you are asking about doing as you can ruin the phone from Windows. You asked if it could be done and the answer is yes but a better question is why would anyone Want to when there are Apps that run from the phones that are better suited?

One more note on this then I am out of here. Windows AV software Does and Will see rooting software used to root an android phone as a Virus even though it is not meant that way. With that said there is a risk of damage using ANY windows based AV to scan a phone regardless of it's OS.

 

[aritra2116]

With linux I think that can be the case because android is itself based on linux.

 

[mohavepc]

With linux I think that can be the case because android is itself based on linux.

Arita I use Linux for many things including data rescue from Windows and MAC machines, Android phones, iPhones, and many others. I also surf with it if I am looking for info on questionable software, simply because you can run into nasty infected sights websites if your not careful. So Linux Is a logical choice.

 

[Vlad64]

On Android, you can use a mobile Anti-Virus like Avast. I don't know what to say about Symbian, i heard that there's an app which scans your phone for viruses.