I went to turn on web protection and samsung warns me that it would be granting bitdefender total control over my phone. Why is this needed? Is this safe?
It’s needed to scan websites accessed to scan them for malware.
it’s needed to run in the background and access system files/executables that aren’t normally allowed within the security permissions of a normal app.
it’s ultimately up to you. security wise, there’s little benefit, as long as your phone is updated (browser included), safe search settings are on, and arent downloading shady apps. Samsung has very robust security as well.
privacy wise, it’s a not a good choice. theoretically, Bitdefender can collect an absorbent amount of data, more so than any other app bc of its admin privileges.
edit: just wanted to specify that Bitdefender is reputable. it’s just an issue of redundancy bc of android security & “theoretical” privacy concerns.
The app is literally Spyware. Don’t use it.
Any risk to giving it admin control? Thanks for the feedback…
Ok thank you. Something I’ll need to consider. I always like to go a little overboard with security - but then to run the risk of privacy concerns if bitdefender turns out to be collecting info on the sly? Need to think about it… Thanks…
LOL that is such a good joke
Not really, you give antivirus on Windows full admin control so it’s no different on android.
privacy and security can be at odds more times than not nowadays.i would trust Bitdefender, especially since they are out of Romania, which is amongst the best countries for privacy protections.
if you’re using an S series device (I believe S10 and on), it’s locked down with Samsung Knox. it runs at the kernel level, so it checks for malware, etc, upon boot; Bitdefender does not. most of the Android malware we see are usually older devices running outdated firmware. newer Samsungs are incredibly hard to crack.
Good info - thank you!