Introduction
Mobile devices make it possible to solve many issues on the go, and this has made people's lives much easier. At the same time, confidential information, which is the main target of cybercriminals, is becoming increasingly vulnerable. Along with this, loss and theft of devices and data are possible.
The review will discuss the most popular programs for comprehensive protection of devices based on operating system Android. When selecting applications, the number of downloads and user ratings on Google Play were taken into account. Presented by brief description and compares the main features for each of ten solutions that provide protection for smartphones and tablets.
Comparison in tables
Table 1. Popular antivirus programs for Android by number of downloads on Google Play
| Program name | Developer | Version | Number of downloads | User rating | Free version available* |
| CM Security AntiVirus & AppLock | Cheetah Mobile | 2.6.4 | 100 million | 4,7 | + |
| Kaspersky Internet Security | Kaspersky Lab | 11.8.4.625 | 10 million | 4,6 | + |
| ESET NOD 32 Mobile Security | ESET | 3.0.1318.0 | 1 million | 4,6 | + |
| Avast Software | 4.0.7884 | 100 million | 4,5 | + | |
| 360 Security | Qihoo 360 | 3.2.6 | 100 million | 4,5 | + |
| Dr.Web v.9 Anti-virus | Doctor Web | 9.00.4 | 50 million | 4,5 | + |
| AVG Antivirus Free | AVG Mobile | 4.4 | 100 million | 4,4 | - |
| Avira Antivirus Security | Avira | 4.1 | 10 million | 4,4 | - |
| Norton Security & Antivirus | NortonMobile | 3.11.0.2511 | 10 million | 4,4 | - |
| McAfee (Intel Security) | 4.4.0.467 | 10 million | 4,3 | + |
* The possibility of permanent use of antivirus on free of charge without significant limitation.
Table 2. Comparison of functionality popular antivirus programs for Android
| Program name | Antivirus scanner/monitor | Restricting access to personal data | Anti-theft | Network connection control/traffic control | Link URL Filter | Blocking calls and SMS | Additional features |
| CM Security | +/+ | + | + | +/- | + | + | Backup; |
| Kaspersky Internet Security | +/+ | + | + | -/- | + | + | - |
| ESET NOD32 Mobile Security | +/+ | - | + | -/- | + | + | - |
| Avast Mobile Security & Antivirus | +/+ | + | + | +/+ | + | + | Backup |
| 360 Security | +/+ | + | + | -/- | + | + | - |
| Dr.Web v.9 Anti-virus | +/+ | - | + | +/+ | + | + | - |
| AVG Antivirus Free | +/+ | + | + | -/+ | + | + | Backup; Optimizing device performance |
| Avira Antivirus Security | +/+ | + | + | -/- | + | + | - |
| Norton Security & Antivirus | +/+ | - | + | -/- | + | + | Backup; Optimizing device performance |
| McAfee Security & Antivirus Free | +/+ | + | + | +/- | + | + | Backup; Optimizing device performance |
#1 CM Security (Cheetah Mobile)
Antivirus CM Security - developed by Cheetah Mobile. The application is completely free.
The program interface is concise and easy to use. There is a convenient navigation menu that allows you to quickly jump to the desired section.
The application is a multifunctional solution that includes not only protection components, but also device optimization functions:
- blocking URL links;
- anti-theft module;
- function of blocking access to applications (AppLock);
- functions for blocking unwanted contacts;
- network connection security.
After installation, it is recommended to scan your system for threats. Memory card scanning is supported. After the scanning process is completed, CM Security offers to fix the detected threats in the system - applications, updates, file system - and reports the need to optimize the system. Unfortunately, there is no choice of verification type.
It is important to note that the solution supports the function of blocking URL links to sites containing malicious content (Safe Internet).
Anti-theft
The anti-theft module supports remote device management via a web console findphone.cmcm.com: Request location (GPS data), sound alarm, and lock the device. You can also get a photo of the intruder.
Figure 3. Phone search (anti-theft) in CM Security
Blocking access to applications
The AppLock function allows you to block access to installed applications (for example, mail, correspondence in instant messengers, etc.), which allows you to hide confidential information from strangers. Access to applications is possible using a password.
The call and SMS blocking feature allows you to protect yourself from unwanted contacts.
Additional features
After installation, the user must register to access cloud storage, where a backup copy of the device’s content can be saved.
The device optimization function will help clean the device from temporary files, unnecessary applications, etc., which significantly improves system performance.
Conclusions
In general, the solution leaves a positive impression: the minimal load of the device is combined with good performance indicators. In addition, the application is completely free. However, as a minus, we can note the lack of anti-virus scanner settings and selection of scan type.
#2 Kaspersky Internet Security for Android
Kaspersky Internet Security for Android is available in two versions: free and paid.
The program interface is designed in a laconic style. Scanning and work are completed relatively quickly with minimum costs resources.
During the first 30 days, a trial version of the antivirus is provided with all available functions:
- antivirus scanner and monitor;
- web filter;
- anti-theft module;
- SMS checking and blocking access to personal contacts function;
- blocking unwanted contacts.
After the test period ends, access to some functions is limited and scanning is started manually.
Antivirus scanner and monitor
After installation, you are prompted to perform a full system scan. If desired, you can select one of the proposed types of checks: quick check (by installed programs), full scan (scanning the entire device), folder scan.
The anti-virus scanner settings are similar to the PC version: scanning frequency, scanning applications, downloading updates, etc. The scanner searches for threats in the file system, as well as applications that exploit system vulnerabilities; The monitor monitors the file system.
A web filter provides security when surfing the web by blocking access to resources that contain potentially dangerous content.
Anti-theft module
The anti-theft module supports the function of blocking the device in case of replacing the SIM card. If the device is lost, then after personal account (my.kaspersky.com,center.kaspersky.com , anti-theft.kaspersky.com) you can send a command to turn on a sound signal and receive GPS coordinates, delete data, block access to personal contacts, and block the device. The ability to send commands via SMS is supported.
Please note that in your personal account you can configure and manage not only the functions of the anti-theft module, but you can also remotely start updating the databases, get secret code recovery, hide personal data, calls and SMS.
Blocking access to contacts
The contact blocking feature allows you to hide correspondence, call logs and data of certain contacts.
Blacklist
The call and SMS filter allows you to create both a black and white (allowed) list of contacts, as well as set a ban on incoming calls and SMS from numbers containing alphabetic characters, or block the request further actions for numbers not in your contacts list.
Figure 6. Management menu through your personal account
in Kaspersky Internet Security for Android
Conclusions
The disadvantages include the lack of a scanning function for wireless network security and data traffic. In addition, there is no useful feature blocking access to applications. An undoubted advantage is the extensive package of customizable security functions, and brand reliability plays a decisive role in the choice of users.
#3 ESET NOD32 Mobile Security
ESET NOD32 Mobile Security is available in two versions: free (basic) and paid (Premium).
The program interface is easy to use. To make settings, just go to the corresponding menu item.
In the first 30 days, the user has access to all the features of the Premium version, including:
- antivirus scanner and monitor;
- anti-theft module;
- anti-phishing;
- application verification;
- SIM card protection.
After the trial period, an anti-virus scanner and monitor with the ability to send suspicious files to quarantine will be available; SIM card protection; anti-theft module with support for sending commands using SMS - turning on the siren and transmitting GPS coordinates.
Before you begin, you must accept the license agreement and agree to scan installed applications (Security Scan menu). Applications can be permanently monitored and access to confidential information will be checked.
After all the necessary settings have been completed during registration, access to all the functionality of the application is provided.
Antivirus scanner and monitor
After installation, you are prompted to scan. Scanning is performed quickly, with the ability to eliminate detected threats: removing potentially dangerous software, restricting application access to certain functions.
Scanner settings are made in the “Antivirus” section. Three types of scanning are supported: fast - only installed applications, system executable files, libraries and ZIP archives are scanned up to the third nesting level; intelligent - in addition to the specified file types, the SD card is checked; deep - scans all types of files both on the device and on the SD card. In addition, you can configure the frequency of scanning, sending files to quarantine, setting the detection of potentially dangerous applications, and the frequency of updating virus databases.
The anti-phishing function checks URL links and blocks access to sites containing dangerous content.
|
Drawing9
. Scanner settings
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Figure 10. Anti-theft function settings
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Anti-theft module
The anti-theft module allows you to remotely lock your device through your personal account my.esset.ru or via SMS sent from another phone.
Commands to turn on the sound signal are supported; sending GPS coordinates; sending a photo taken from the camera of a lost device.
Blocking contacts
In addition to the existing functionality, blocking of calls, SMS and MMS is added. This feature is only available in the Premium version.
Security check
The solution also supports the function of checking installed applications for data access - for example, obtaining location information, reading identification information, contacts or SMS. Settings for this feature are available in the Security Check section.
Conclusions
In general, the solution copes well with its tasks and can provide comprehensive protection for the device. However, there are also disadvantages. For example, the lack of network connection scanning and personal data protection functions.
#4 Avast Mobile Security & Antivirus
Avast Mobile Security & Antivirus is offered in two versions: free and Premium versions.
The program interface is convenient and easy to use. When you first launch the application, you must accept the license agreement and perform a system scan.
The antivirus has an extensive set of modules and functions:
- antivirus scanner and monitor;
- web screen;
- firewall, traffic and network connection control;
- anti-theft (Anti-theft) and geofencing;
- application access control;
- blocking contacts;
- system optimization;
- security advisor.
Figure 11. Avast Mobile Security & Antivirus main menu
Antivirus scanner and monitor
The free version includes almost all functions, including: anti-virus scanning of the system and monitoring of applications, file system, memory card, incoming messages. The initial scan is performed after installing the application. When threats are detected, the antivirus reports them and offers to fix the problem.
In the settings you can specify what needs to be checked: applications or files. You can use both types and set up automatic scanning. The application allows you to configure the security screen for applications individually - installed applications are scanned; web screen - link control is performed; file system screen - the device’s file system is monitored; message screen - the contents of incoming messages (SMS, instant messengers) are monitored.
Anti-theft module
The anti-theft module supports remote control, locking, setting a sound signal and transmitting GPS data. Management is carried out both through the web interface in your personal account my. avast. com, and via SMS.
A distinctive feature from other antivirus solutions in this class is the presence of a geofeeding function. The function allows you to set a perimeter within which the device can move. If you go beyond the perimeter, the device automatically activates the necessary actions (blocking, beep, GPS data transmission, etc.).
SafetyWi- Fi
Avast Mobile Security supports the firewall and also performs security checks wireless connection. If malicious content is detected, malicious sites are blocked. In addition, the application keeps statistics on data transfer when using a cellular network.
Security Advisor identifies security issues found on your device and provides recommendations on how to resolve them.
Blocking contacts
To protect the user from receiving messages and calls from unwanted contacts, a call, SMS and MMS blocking function is provided. You can configure it in the “Call and SMS Filter” section.
Additional features
To prevent data loss, it supports backup of personal contacts, SMS, calls, etc.
Note that the paid version (Premium) supports an unlimited number of blocked applications, an ad detector, remote management, recovery and elimination of security problems (security advisor function) and geo-fecing. You also have the option to save media files to cloud storage.
If necessary, you can install a system optimization module.
Conclusions
It is worth noting that the application has an extensive package of functionality, which allows for comprehensive device protection. But some modules need to be loaded separately (system optimization), which reduces the overall experience.
#5 360 Security
The 360 Security security app for Android is completely free.
The 360 Security interface is designed in a laconic style, with a central button to start scanning. Protection settings are made using the menu located in the upper left corner.
The application has the following features:
- anti-virus scanning and monitoring;
- anti-theft;
- blocking SMS and calls;
- data transfer monitoring;
- restricting access to personal data.
Figure 14. General view 360 Security
Antivirus scanner and monitor
After installing the application, you need to scan your system. Simultaneously with antivirus scanner The system is analyzed for the presence of temporary files. As a result, the user is provided with a report on the types of threats found: malware (viruses), system vulnerabilities.
Anti-theft
The anti-theft module supports a standard set of functions. In your personal account, you can remotely control the device (sending requests to receive GPS data, remotely block the device, turn on the sound signal), set an alert about changing the SIM card, and delete data from the device. Remote control is provided through your personal account findphone.360 safe. com. Control via SMS is not provided.
Note that the solution supports the function of blocking unwanted contacts and traffic control when connecting to a cellular network.
Additional features
A distinctive feature of the application is the presence of the “application manager” function, which allows you to manage the built-in memory of the device, deleting unwanted applications and ARC files, and also allows you to transfer applications from the device to a memory card.
Conclusions
Overall, 360 Security for Android offers a simple set of functionality, but is free. In addition, the lack of network security features discourages users.
Attention! Descriptions of antiviruses 6 to 10 (Dr.Web v.9 Anti-virus, AVG Antivirus Free/Pro, Avira Antivirus Security, Norton Security & Antivirus and McAfee Security & Antivirus Free) can be found in
Every day, users of smartphones running the Android operating system are attacked by viruses, which are becoming more and more numerous.
IN modern world The number of Android users is increasing every day. At the same time, their safety is at risk.
To prevent infection of your tablet or smartphone, you must not only install advantageous applications from reliable sources, but also use anti-virus software.
Why do viruses attack Android?
Nowadays, viruses affecting devices running Android have spread to truly alarming proportions. Since January 2013 alone, about 4.5 million gadgets have been infected.
There are several reasons why viruses attack this platform:
- The circle of Android users is quite wide. For attackers, this is a source of a lot of valuable information. These could be passwords from credit cards, passwords from social networks and other confidential data;
- Users often forget about basic rules for protecting their data.
Important! Remember, installing an antivirus will still not provide a 100% guarantee of protecting your information.
Video: antivirus for Android
Application overview
Now more and more users have begun to think about the security of their gadgets. In this regard, the question arises about which antivirus is better.
Below will be presented brief overview applications that will provide the best protection apparatus:
- Kaspersky Mobile Security Lite. Free antivirus “Kaspersky Lab” for Android devices. Mobile Security is equipped special tools to check applications. Also, if your phone is lost, Mobile Security can determine its location or block access to the device, destroying personal data if necessary.
- Dr.Web Light. Antivirus from Russian company Doctor Web, designed for devices running Android OS. Equipped with tools for checking downloaded applications and individual files on the memory card.
- ESET NOD32 Mobile Security. Antivirus software developed by the Slovak company ESET. It includes antivirus, antispyware, anti-theft, anti-phishing and anti-spam.
- TrustGo Antivirus. A promising project distributed under a free license on GooglePlay. TrustGo has a highly effective virus protection mechanism software. In addition to anti-virus and spam protection, a device manager and other things, the program is equipped with a module for finding a lost phone.
- Avast. Antivirus for Android developed by AVAST Software. The program is distributed under a free license on the Play Store. It has several modules: antivirus, internet protection, antispam, firewall, filtering of phone calls and SMS messages, as well as remote control using SMS commands.
- IKARUS mobile.security. Distributed under a free license and provides basic protection for gadgets.
- F-Secure Mobile Security. Comprehensive protection for Android devices, developed by the Finnish company F-Secure. F-Secure has standard tools: antivirus, firewall, application scanner and SafeBrowser function.
- Bitdefender Mobile Security. Antivirus software, the advantage of which is that it has minimal impact on the battery of a tablet or smartphone. The following modules are integrated into it: antivirus, application and SD card scanner, anti-theft and web protection.
- 360 Mobile Security. A free antivirus that provides basic protection for smartphones and tablets from virus threats. It has an integrated module that allows you to close programs running in the background.
- Trend Micro Mobile Security. Antivirus software that can be used to block unwanted phone calls and SMS messages.
What is the best free antivirus for Android?
The virus problem for Android owners has become very serious. Every day there are more and more viruses, and scammers are trying by any means to obtain confidential information about the owners of smartphones and tablets. Let's figure out which antivirus for Android is better in 2014?
ESET NOD32
Antivirus solution for Android. Provides protection for smartphones and tablets from virus threats.
Main features:
Kaspersky Mobile Security Lite
Antivirus software developed by Kaspersky Lab.
Main features:
Dr.Web Light
Dr.Web Light provides basic protection for devices running Android OS.
Important! The Light version of the program is not sufficient to provide complete protection of the device from malicious software, as it has limited functionality. To ensure maximum protection, you must use complete solution Dr.Web for Android.
Main features:
Important! Technical support for users using Dr.Web Light is not carried out.
TrustGo Antivirus
Comprehensive anti-virus protection for Android OS, distributed free of charge.
Main features:
Avast!
A comprehensive solution for a smartphone or tablet on the Android platform.
Main features:
Ikarus
Free antivirus software for Android OS. Can provide basic protection against all types of malware.
Main features:
F-Secure
Anti-virus comprehensive solution for a smartphone or tablet on the Android platform.
Main features:
Bitdefender
Antivirus comprehensive solution for Android security.
For protection and ease of use. Antiviruses are sorted in alphabetical order.
AhnLab V3 Mobile Security
AhnLab V3 Mobile Security detected 99.8 percent of the latest Android threats in real time, notably higher than the industry average of 95.7 percent. The antivirus detected all known malicious applications older than 4 weeks, although the average was 98.4 percent.
The protection application is gentle on your device's battery and does not cause performance issues. The antivirus did not generate a single false positive for reliable applications from Google Play and third-party sites.
Built-in web protection features help prevent you from visiting fraudulent sites or sites with malicious applications. However, some anti-theft features are missing from AhnLab, such as remote wipe of all data. Among the components that were not evaluated by AV-Test are application blocking and a privacy advisor.
Antiy AVL
The antivirus did an excellent job of detecting new threat samples in real time and blocking known malware. In both tests, the product demonstrated a 100% detection rate. Antiy AVL received the highest marks for its low impact on device performance and battery life and low data consumption. The product correctly processed secure applications from Google Play and third-party application stores.
AVL offers anti-phishing mechanisms and the ability to block calls from unknown or blacklisted numbers. The antivirus offers the necessary anti-theft features, such as remote blocking, data erasure, and device location.
Bitdefender Mobile Security
Bitdefender Mobile Security detected 100% of threats in both detection tests. The antivirus will receive high marks for its economical battery consumption and minimal impact on device performance. In addition, the solution did not generate a single false positive.
To protect against theft, Bitdefender Mobile Security offers remote locking, data erasing, and device location. The product protects against malicious and fraudulent sites, but lacks a call filter and does not support all types of encryption. Additional features include an app blocker, privacy protector, and account protection.
CM Security Master
Cheetah Mobile Security Master found 100% in tests. High score for ease of use is the result careful attitude to the battery charge and device resources. The antivirus consumes traffic moderately and does not overuse false positives.
Cheetah supports remote locking, data erasure and location detection. Other features include call blocking, protection against phishing and malicious sites, privacy cleanup, power boost, and Wi-Fi protection.
G Data Internet Security
G Data Internet Security offers more functionality than its competitors. The user can remotely block, erase data and determine the location of a lost device, set up filtering of calls and SMS messages. G Data Internet Security has built-in parental controls and an encryption component. However, the product does not support saving personal data on an SD card or cloud storage.
The antivirus detected 99.8 percent of the latest threats and 100 percent of known malicious applications older than 4 weeks. Excellent result Ease of use received for minimal impact on autonomy, performance and traffic consumption. The product correctly processed secure applications from Google Play and third-party application stores.
Kaspersky Internet Security
Mobile antivirus from Kaspersky Lab detected 99.8% of the latest Android threats and 100 percent of older samples. The product did not have a serious impact on the battery or performance of the device. Kaspersky Internet Security offers remote blocking, data erasure and device location, message filtering, web protection and phishing protection. Additional features include privacy protection, anti-phishing text protection, and an application blocker.
McAfee Mobile Security
McAfee Mobile Security antivirus detected 99.9% of new Android malware and 100 percent of known samples. The product received the maximum score for ease of use. The feature set is rich: anti-theft functions, call blocking, web protection and anti-phishing protection. It is possible to save personal data on an SD card or in the cloud. Mobile Security does not support all types of encryption and filtering of SMS messages. Additional features include a battery optimizer and an app blocker.
Norton Mobile Security
Norton Mobile Security is a full-featured antivirus for Android with anti-theft features, call blocking, web protection, phishing protection and the ability to save personal data on an SD card or in the cloud. Additionally, the antivirus offers an application advisor and privacy control. Norton Mobile Security detected all threats in both detection tests. Performance was top-notch and the impact on the battery was minimal.
Tencent WeSecure
Tencent WeSecure doesn't offer any anti-theft features, but does include call filter, web protection, phishing protection, and the ability to store personal data on an SD card or in the cloud. Tencent WeSecure detected 99.9 percent of the latest Android threats and 100 percent of older ones, and received a perfect score for usability.
Trend Micro Mobile Security
Trend Micro Mobile Security includes all the expected features of a mobile antivirus: anti-theft protection, call blocking, message filtering, web protection, anti-phishing protection, and even parental controls. Also here you will find a privacy scanner, instant messenger protection and network protection. The application detected 100% of test threats in both tests, used battery power sparingly and was careful with system resources.
Android Device Security
Research from the AV-Test laboratory shows that the number of malicious applications for Android is increasing every year. If in 2014 326 million mobile threats for Android were registered, then next year - already more than 470 million. In 2016, the AV-Test laboratory detected almost 597.5 million samples - almost twice as many as two years ago.
If the trend continues, by 2019 every third threat will be mobile. Currently, only 7.5% of total threats are mobile. Although iOS devices are not protected from malware, the main risk is Android devices due to their high prevalence.
Meanwhile, Android malware is becoming more sophisticated. For example, the DoubleLocker ransomware discovered by ESET can even change a device's PIN, blocking access to the device for the owner.
WITH positive side, Android security is also improving. This means that more and more barriers are being created for cybercriminals to overcome in order to successfully carry out their campaign.
Found a typo? Highlight and press Ctrl + Enter
It so happens that for every operating system there are both viruses and antiviruses. Android was no exception. Moreover, Android OS is very vulnerable to viruses compared to its competitors. The biggest threat is posed by Trojans - viruses that are designed to steal user personal information, such as passwords.
Fortunately, Google and some third-party companies have developed a huge amount of software to prevent viruses from infecting your device. Next we will figure out what better antiviruses on Android and whether it’s worth using them at all.
Contents of the article
Kaspersky Mobile Antivirus: Web Security & AppLock
This is a mobile version of the most popular antivirus for personal computers. Can not only scan memory mobile device for viruses, and can also filter spam in messages and block applications from prying eyes.
Has an anti-theft function. This convenient system against theft When enabled, the device owner, through the functionality of the official Kaspersky website, can block the smartphone, delete all data from it, and even try to take a photo of the thief. But this is only possible if the attacker has not turned off the phone, or the GPS location, or has not switched to Airplane mode.
Another good antivirus for Android, bearing the loud name of the well-known version for PCs running Windows OS.
This is not just an antivirus, but a full-fledged package for working with files, which includes:
- Antivirus;
- Cleaning the system;
- Acceleration of system performance;
- Application blocking;
- Black list of numbers;
- Anti-theft;
- Checking the network speed.
Antivirus is available from the main screen by clicking on the “Scan” button. Scanning is very fast compared to other programs. In our case, 10 GB of information was processed in 3 minutes. In this case, the antivirus affects all system components, including .apk files.
Antivirus without any frills. Home screen made modestly, but conveniently. There is a large scan button in the center. If problems are found, they will be highlighted and by tapping on them you can easily correct the current situation.
At the top there are sub-items: antivirus, security, other. It’s easy to move between them by swiping from the edge of the screen.
Scanning is located in the Antivirus tab. It's fast and can run in the background.
The program is very economical in using smartphone resources.
The lightest and simplest antivirus for the Android system. There are paid and free versions.
Light – free version. Full version costs about $25 (the price may vary depending on the country and exchange rate) and is essentially not worth the money.
On the main screen we are greeted by the main workspace, there are 2 of them. By clicking on the “Scanner” button, a choice of scanning method opens. According to the classics, there are 3 methods: full scan, quick scan and custom scan.
Smartphones and other gadgets running on the Android system have already become a part of our daily life. Tablets on this OS are used in business, for leisure, they are used in the form of various organizers and other “memos” that simplify life. Thus, there was an urgent need to clean and check the gadget for threats. Even considering that the majority of Android applications available on Google Play do not undergo additional checks. Thus, a fan of this OS will be at greater risk than the same Windows Phone or iOS.
To get out of this situation, many users create a copy of the data, however, this is not always very convenient. The second half is simply installing one of the many antivirus programs. This option is both simpler and lighter; it has many additional functions in addition to the basic ones, which simplifies the use of the gadget. Thus, we are faced with the question, which antivirus is better for Android than to protect yourself from unscrupulous application developers? In this article we will tell you which is the best antivirus to install on your phone in order to be sure of the complete protection of your smartphone, we will consider the most best antiviruses as of 2015.
At the moment we have the five most popular top antiviruses for Android 2015. And these are:
- Avast;
- Norton Mobile Security;
- Trend Micro;
- Ikarus.
Each of these antiviruses has its own advantages, but also negative aspects. This will help you weigh the pros and cons, evaluate the balance of pros and cons, and choose the most suitable antivirus for Android.
The first antivirus you should pay attention to has its full name
Avast Mobile Security & Antivirus
That's enough popular antivirus, is known for having fans on Windows as well. This application has many of the most convenient functions, namely, against loss or theft, for blocking individual sites and applications, tracking tools, call and SMS barring, and a gadget synchronizer with Google Drive. The most interesting thing is that the weakest part of Avast is its protection against viruses, but this does not mean that it does not protect well, it just has many other advantages, unlike other antiviruses, and that is why it takes first place!
- Using the " anti-thief", you can use another device to catch the attacker, almost in the act. The function allows monitor what is happening with the phone through one of the cameras, or through secret audio recording. Thus, the recordings can be easily transferred to external media and provided to someone who can help in this situation. It is also possible to play a sound that will let others know that the phone has been stolen. This can be as a simple and loud signal, or a voice recording that will inform those closest to you: “ This tablet/smartphone has been stolen" The next function can also be classified as “anti-theft”, but many people find other suitable functions. Behind the gadget can be monitored remotely via computer, or block in the same way.
- Functions are also available for blocking one of the applications or sites. So, if this is a child’s device, this will greatly help to clearly delineate his time. Can block store or browser access. To unlock, the user must enter a password. By the way, this function will also be useful for fans of social networks or other types of “procrastination” at work. There are also known cases of disabling the ban using root rights. But this topic is quite dark for the average user, although with the proper desire you can figure it out.
- You can put block to call any subscriber or send SMS. This will allow you to better control your communication costs and minimize unwanted outgoing or incoming calls. This function was not thought out by the developers, as many users found it useful to at least notify about such a call.
- Mobile Backup Maybesync your Google account and available photos, sounds, etc. on the tablet.
Avast Mobile Security & Antivirus comes in two versions: a commercial version and a free version. The paid version differs only in its improved antivirus, although it is not up to par with many existing analogues.
Pros: high-quality anti-theft, blocking of sites and applications, calls and SMS, the presence of a file synchronizer on the phone and Google.
Cons: weak antivirus even on the paid version.
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Avast Mobile Security & Antivirus for Android |
Kaspersky Internet Security
It has long been known to almost all users of a regular PC. And in its development for Android, the company has combined protection for tablets and smartphones into one.
The main purpose of installing this application is virus protection, and scanning the gadget. This is something Kaspersky does very well. The remaining functions and additional features leave much to be desired. The paid version allows you to slightly improve the quality and open some additions: the ability to scan individual files and the browser.
Kaspersky also keeps up with Avast, but similar functionality on these two applications needs to be improved. Kaspersky also has the ability film a phone thief, block calls and SMS, even make invisible someone from the phone book (you need to enter your PIN code to cancel). All these functions work well, but you can’t really go wild with the settings.
One of the main disadvantages of Kaspersky is notifications. With a small Android RAM, they cause significant inconvenience, and the appearance time is not long enough to take out the phone and read it.
Pros: high-quality antivirus, good at finding and treating threats, many additional functions, such as anti-theft, phone search, call barring.
Cons: additional features A little worse than Avast, notifications from the antivirus cause inconvenience.
Norton Mobile Security
The well-known Norton antivirus is not particularly different from others, except for its price, it is the most expensive and therefore is less popular among Russian-speaking smartphone users. But in tests it shows very good results and honorably occupies the top positions and maximum quantity balls!
The extended version, purchased for money, offers everything that Avast and others have for free. Therefore, we draw conclusions, gentlemen!
Pros: Ranks high in tests, popular abroad and well-known brand,
Cons: very limited in free version
Trend Micro Mobile Security
Another no less famous top antivirus for android– Trend Micro. Its main role is to search for viruses, and this software performs perfectly. Other features that are available on analogues need to be worked on and carefully analyzed, because on the one hand, the functionality itself is somewhat poor. Although for many whose phone does not contain top-secret information, Trend Micro will be very useful.
- The main difference and, perhaps, advantage of this software is that it allows you to block sites whose letters have accumulated in the Spam folder, that is, through phishing attacks.
- Antivirus. Scanning the phone goes well, although blocking the found file works at 4.
- Notifications come constantly and with every change. Although, even with the previous antivirus, notifications clutter the screen, which causes discomfort.
- Antivirus and other features here are quite scarce: there is no SMS notification, no short sound signal to search for a gadget, deleting data is only possible at the user level and resetting settings. It should be noted that the parental control function is easy to bypass: it is enough to just log into Chrome via an anonymous user.
Pros: blocking phishing attacks, working with viruses 4.
Cons: Poor additional features, ineffective parental controls.
IKARUS Mobile Security
The first thing you immediately notice is the low energy intensity. Of course, the fee for this is quite high. We get lower functionality.
Brand Ikarus less famous name, among the above and other analogues. This antivirus works well with any model of tablets and smartphones, and it also detects viruses and other threats well. Key features include:
- website scanning;
- blacklist;
- remote smartphone locking;
- remote data erasure.
Pros: low gadget load, good job with viruses;
Cons: low functionality.
As we see, there are not those popular and widespread features as on other software. But the main advantage is that such functionality provides less load and best quality execution.
Testing antiviruses from independent companies
Laboratory AV-test, after carrying out various tasks, rated all applications with a maximum score of 12b.
To fully understand the picture, you should analyze the ratings given by companies when testing gadgets. Research was carried out according to three criteria: usability, functionality, work with viruses. So, the most important thing in an antivirus is its main purpose.
Usability— the winners were Avast and Ikarus antiviruses, followed by Trend Micro, the last place was Kaspersky
Functionality— all antiviruses remained the same
Total points:
First place - Avast: Mobile Security 3.0, Norton Mobile Security Lite (12 of 12)
Second place - Kaspersky: Internet Security and Trend Micro: Mobile Security (11.8 out of 12)
Third place - Ikarus: mobile.security (11.4 out of 6)
Here's an example from another one different test international company to protect your smartphone. The antiviruses in question and many others were tested in it. The test was how the applications would cope with malware, the number of which was 2627.
Conclusions: To summarize, it should be noted that in addition to these four antiviruses, there are many other applications that also have their own advantages. Here are the main software that already have a name on it. Russian security application market. So, to make sure which one is better, you need to try all possible ones and decide. Although, even in absentia, you can determine for yourself what is more important. Some may prefer beautiful graphics and high-quality notifications, others are interested in the functionality and quality of virus scanning and cleaning, others may like a large number of bells and whistles in addition to the basic features. It should also be noted that many of the many antivirus packages are paid, which will also affect their choice.
So, the most effective are Avast and Norton, the second list is Kaspersky - a good antivirus, but it has problems with convenience and efficiency. Trend Micro is an equally effective antivirus, but its additional features, namely anti-theft and parental block, leave much to be desired. Ikarus has shown itself well in usability and ease of use.
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