Android is currently the most popular mobile operating system. Outside of iOS phones, the vast majority run on Android. With this popularity, there has been some increase in the malware being directed at Google’s popular OS. If you are having, or have had issues with malware then it is worthwhile looking in to a powerful antivirus for Android.
Aside from anti-virus apps or software, a bit of common sense can help you avoid viruses and malware. Download your apps and software from Google Play. This is the official way to get an app, and it will be screened if it is coming from this source.
AVL
This is an award winning mobile protection app. It features an anti-virus data base and a scanner which can detect hidden executable files that try and make their way on to your phone.
AVL also has a call blocker, so you can block dodgy phone scammers and spammers. It also has an anti-phishing feature to stop dodgy websites and pop-ups loading. This is a top feature.
AVL have worked hard to make the app light on resources, meaning it won’t zap battery life or performance. At the same time they have also created a powerful antivirus for android that will keep your phone safe.
Bitfender Antivirus Free
This is a well recognized name in technology security. Bitfender’s antivirus program is also exceptionally lightweight and easy on your phone’s performance and battery life.
Bitfender won’t run in the background like many other similar security apps. However, one downside of this is that it needs to run scheduled scans or manual ones in order to be effective.
You will find that Bitfender is a fast and hassle free install, and there is no troublesome configuration required.
A very powerful antivirus for android indeed.
Avast Antivirus and Security
Another big name in tech security, Avast has put a good deal of effort in to their security app for Android.
As well as including a scanner, this powerful antivirus for android has a slew of excellent additional features that make it worth downloading. With this you’ve also got an inbuilt call blocker, a firewall and an anti-theft function. The anti-theft measure allows you to wipe the data from your phone from a remote location if it goes missing. It will also completely lock the phone to unauthorized users.
At one time Avast was charging for this app, but now they offer it for free. The payoff is that you have to endure adverts. But, as with many apps, a small payment each month will remove these. Essentially the usual freemium model.
Lastly, one really cool feature of Avast is that it has “in-app locking”. You can set this up so that your phone asks for a PIN before it will open selected apps. This stops malware from launching your internet banking or other sensitive apps.
Kaspersky
This trusted name also has made a powerful antivirus for android. They have an incredible 99.9% detection rate as measured by AV-Test trials. Kapersky also blocks malicious links and pop-ups, saving you from interacting with anything dodgy in the first place.
The app gives you access to a 30 day free trial. You can judge it from this, and then afterwards it costs $14.95 per year. The premium version comes with call and text filtering.
The debate - Do you really need a powerful anti-virus for android?
According to the Android chief of security Adrian Ludwig, most users shouldn’t bother. At a conference he told reporters “Do I think the average user on Android needs to install [antivirus apps]? Absolutely not. I don’t think 99 percent plus of users get a benefit from [anti-virus apps]”. He has also said that the risk to Android phones from Malware is “overstated”.
Critics would say however, that Mr Ludwig is inclined to downplay any risk to Android.
Where do the threats to Android security come from?
Surprisingly, Google Play Store can be a source of malware. The volume of apps that are uploaded to it, means that it cannot be adequately policed. Other main threats to watch out for are email attachments, MMSs and hacks on WhatsApp.
What can happen if I get Malware or viruses?
Some malware or adware will simply send annoying adverts to your phone. This can slow performance, drain battery life and be very irritating. This is not particularly dangerous however.
On the other hand more dangerous rogue software may imitate websites or apps that you trust. You can end up giving these personal details and card details. Watch out for apps in the Play Store that try to imitate legitimate apps. Some of these may send messages to premium numbers, or open a backdoor to allow hackers to compromise your device.
If my device is infected - how would I know?
Often it can be hard to tell if an Android device has picked up malware or a virus. Aside from running anti-virus scans there is not much more you could do. The best approach really is to have good habits with respect to what not to download. For most large malware or security breaches, Google will release a patch - so make sure to update your phone regularly.
Verdict
Android is fairly secure, if you use is right. That said, with over 1 billion active users of the Android OS, hackers and thieves are certainly focusing on ways to exploit it.
So do you need an anti-virus?
I’m going to give a compromise answer. What I recommend is downloading antivirus software every so often. Run a scan on it, and then remove it. That way, you can be sure your phone is virus and malware free, but not compromise on performance or battery life.
Out of the 4 powerful antivirus for android I’ve listed above, I would most recommend AVL and Bitfinder for having a low impact on phone performance and battery life.
Kaspersky might offer the most comprehensive coverage.
Avast is my least favorite as they have included advertisements in their free version, and in essence have produced a kind of adware of their own.
I hope you guys found today’s post useful. Stay safe! Until next time.
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