Hello @MattPat
uninstall + restart + reinstall + allow permission requests = refreshed install
@peterweb reported:
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Just confirming Norton 360 Service On + Unrestricted battery access.
Thanks
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AI Mode
Norton 360 for mobile requires several permissions to provide full functionality, primarily on Android devices. These permissions allow the app to monitor system activities, scan for threats, and manage security features effectively.
The key permissions required on Android include:
- Accessibility: This is crucial for enhanced monitoring of web activities (Safe Web) and displaying warnings over other apps, to prevent access to dangerous sites or block inappropriate apps.
- Device Administrator: This permission helps prevent unauthorized uninstallation of the Norton app, which is important for continued protection, especially in a family setting with parental controls.
- Draw over other apps (Display pop-ups): This allows Norton to display critical security alerts or blocking screens over other applications as needed.
- App Usage Access: Required for features like App Security and Internet Security to monitor app usage and block apps containing potential risks.
- Location: Enables features like tracking the device’s location (if using family features) and enhancing Wi-Fi Security features.
- Run in the background: Ensures the app can continuously monitor for threats in real-time and provide protection without being closed by the operating system.
- Send and view SMS messages: This might be needed for features related to message security or account verification, depending on the specific Norton services used.
- All files access: For scanning the device’s storage for junk files, malware, and other risks.
Important Considerations
- Trust: Granting these permissions gives Norton significant control over your device. You have to decide if you trust the app developer and the security benefits outweigh the access granted.
- Operating System Variations: The exact permissions and setup instructions may vary slightly depending on your device manufacturer and Android operating system version.
For detailed instructions on managing permissions, you can refer to the Norton support document.
AI Mode may make mistakes
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AI Mode
Norton 360 for mobile (specifically on Android) requires “unrestricted battery” access so that the operating system does not interfere with the app’s ability to run continuously in the background.
This is critical for a security application because it must provide real-time, 24/7 protection against various threats:
- Continuous Monitoring: To detect and block malware, viruses, and other cyber threats the moment they appear, the app needs constant access to system resources.
- Real-time Scans: The app performs real-time scans of new apps and files. If the OS restricts its background activity, these vital security checks could be delayed.
- Internet Security (Safe Web): The Safe Web feature monitors all internet traffic and warns you about dangerous websites before you visit them. This requires the app to constantly touch every network packet, a process that consumes power and would likely be restricted by battery optimization.
- VPN Functionality: If you use the secure VPN feature, all incoming and outgoing data must be encrypted and decrypted. This process uses additional CPU cycles and thus more battery power, requiring the “unrestricted” setting to function without interruption.
If battery optimization is applied, the Android system might “put the app to sleep” to save power, which would degrade its performance and potentially leave the device unprotected.
AI Mode may make mistakes
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Accessibility Service: Essential for Safe Web (monitoring web activity to block dangerous sites), App Advisor (scanning apps for risks before/after installation), and preventing unauthorized uninstallation.
Run in background: Ensures that real-time protection, scanning, and monitoring run continuously without being interrupted by the Android OS’s battery optimization settings (this relates unrestricted battery access).
Notifications: Allows the app to send timely alerts regarding security risks, app updates, and configuration changes.
