標籤：

Top 3 Android Security and Antivirus Apps: Do they protect you? | Digital Trends

06-15
DT Digital Trends

Login or Signup

234K 94K 26K

Home > Mobile > Top 3 Android security apps: Do they protect you? Top 3 Android security apps: Do they protect you? By Simon Hill —

38 140 304 33 18

The subject of security for the Android platform is far from straightforward. There』s some debate about whether you really need antivirus apps on your smartphone. The majority of Android security apps are actually packages that include a host of other tools from contact filtering to remote lock or wipe. We decided to take a look at the top three Android security apps and find out what they do.

Updated on 11-20-2013 by Simon Hill:Added updated results, tweaked text, added 360 Mobile Security from Qihu, updated other apps section and recommendations.

Avast! Mobile Security

As a genuinely free app for the Android platform, Avast! Mobile Security is offering an impressive range of tools. It has antivirus protection, it scans your apps to provide details on what they are doing, and it has a Web shield that scans URLs for malware.

There are various additional tools in the package and the best of the bunch is the anti-theft component. The app is actually based on an old app called Theft Aware which Avast acquired. The anti-theft feature is hidden and allows you to remote control your smartphone using SMS. So if you lose your phone, you can remotely lock it, locate it, or wipe it. You can make it play a siren sound, lock down the SIM card, and prevent USB debugging as well. It』s a comprehensive solution for theft protection.

If you have a rooted device then there』s also a firewall that allows you to control network traffic. You can block access to Wi-Fi or the network for specific apps which is handy for security and potentially saving on battery juice as well.

According to the latest AV-Test report of 28 popular Android security apps, Avast is a solid option with an overall detection rate of 99.6 percent. Although it is not top of the charts in terms of malware detection, the extra functionality (including the anti-theft tools and a firewall for rooted devices) still make it worth considering. It has a light footprint with no discernible drain on battery life and no impact on general performance. It also returned no false positives.

The fact this app is completely free, has a wide range of features, and offers protection for rooted devices, makes it a strong contender. If you』re looking for a security solution for your Android smartphone, and your primary concern is malware and safe browsing, then this could be the right app for you.

Avast Marketing Director, Milos Korenko, has assured us that 「There might be a paid version in the future but that won』t have an impact on the free version. It will continue to be available and loaded with features.」

Lookout Security & Antivirus

As one of the earliest entries into the Android security field Lookout has an impressive user base. There is a completely free version which offers antivirus and scheduled scanning. There is also a locate function for lost or stolen devices, the ability to activate an alarm, and the option to track your phone online via the Lookout website.

Another handy feature that Lookout provides is the ability to backup contacts online and restore them to your existing device or a new one.

If you are prepared to splash out $3 per month or $30 for a year you can secure the premium version for use on two Android smartphones. Extra features include safe browsing, remote lock and wipe, privacy reports on apps, and advanced backup which includes photos and call history.

The AV-Test report also rates Lookout Security & Antivirus in the top tier for malware detection rates. It has dropped down the chart noticeably in the most recent report, but with a detection rate of 99.4 percent, that』s perhaps down to increased competition rather than any real failing on the part of this app. For app scanning protection against viruses, malware, adware, and spyware this is a good choice, and it』s very easy to use.

The free version of Lookout should provide enough security for most users. If you are really looking for antivirus protection rather than theft-related features or backup options then Lookout is a great choice.

360 Mobile Security (Free)

We have a new entry from developer Qihu which claims top spot in AV-Test』s September 2013 report with a virtually flawless detection rate of 99.9 percent, the highest of any of the security apps tested. The focus with 360 Mobile Security is firmly on detecting and nullifying threats to your system. It has a very streamlined, elegant design. It』s extremely lightweight, and it』s completely free.

A standard real-time scan will safeguard your device from malware, spyware, and the threat of infection. It』s also capable of detecting and fixing system vulnerabilities and cleaning up idle background apps to help your phone run more efficiently. There』s a privacy advisor and a tool to clear your usage history.

This app eschews a laundry list of extras in favor of a light touch. The only additional features you』ll find are call blocking options, some shortcut toggles, and safe browsing protection. There』s no anti-theft component or backup option.

For a good blend of usability and strong protection you should think about 360 Mobile Security. If you』re more concerned about smooth performance than extra features, it is bound to appeal.

Other options

From the big name security software brands Kaspersky (99.7 percent detection rate) and Symantec (99.6 percent detection rate) were the pick of the bunch, although they finished 11th and 14th overall in the last AV-Test report. Compared to some of the free options there』s really nothing there to justify the price tags.

At the top of the chart alongside Qihu』s 360 Mobile Security there were free releases from AhnLab and Antiy, as well as the expensive Armor for Android 2.1, but we wouldn』t recommend any of those. If you don』t want to go with any of our top three then your best bet would be ESET Mobile Security & Antivirus. Bitdefender and F-Secure also offer decent security suites.

And the winner is….

We』re going to discuss the issue of whether you actually need antivirus protection and run through some common sense ways to safeguard your Android device in the next two parts of this security series. However, if you do want to go ahead and get an Android security app, 360 Mobile Security is your best bet right now. It offers the functionality you』d expect from a premium app for free. If you』re not sure about 360 Mobile Security then we』d recommend Avast.

If you』ve tried any of these apps out or you have another Android security app you feel is worthy of a mention then post a comment and let us know about it.

Article originally published on 8-1-2012.

DT From the Web

Advanced cars, FCV & FV2, at Geneva MS Toyota Global

Fashion Fatigues: Shop the Camo Trend The Manual

Find Out How To Build A Small ... Life Gooroo

50% Stock Market Collapse Looming ... Money News

Meet Up Mondays: Orley The Manual

Ten Cities with the Worst Traffic 24/7 Wall St.

14 Year Old Kid Gets 16 Million ... Game Academy

5 Signs You"ll Get Prostate Cancer Newsmax HealthSponsored Content by nRelate 38 140 304 33 18

by Simon Hill

Simon is an experienced freelance writer and editor covering technology and entertainment with a focus on mobile and video games. He spent several years working in the games industry and lives in Edinburgh with his wife and two kids.

Follow Follow @Setimerenptah In Case You Missed It

  • It』s OK! Android』s latest malware scare probably won』t affect you
  • Lookout: 3 in 10 smartphone users will encounter malware this year
  • Android Developers Union wants to take on Google
  • How to block phone calls on your Android phone

    • 38comments

    Not logged in.You will be prompted to login after writing your comment.

    1. hrbarnett—

      can we run TWO antivirus protections simultaneously on the phone, or will it screw things up like it does on a PC? I installed AVG on my new first time android on the advice of a young PC user who put it on his android based phone. Also, chose it because I』d heard from experienced PC users when I bought a PC for the first time last year just to use autoCAD (having been solely a Mac user, the only computer I』ve owned have been macs since 1985) that AVG would be a good start for protection. Since getting this android both Lookout and Avast! have surfaced as the most talked about, and your analysis brings them to the front as well so i thought I should move to Avast!.

      but do i need to also remove AVG if I do that, or can the phone have both?

      48LikeReplyFlag

      1. Simon Hill—In reply tohrbarnett

        I wouldn』t recommend having both, I』m not sure how much they』ll interfere with each other, but they』ll drain your battery and use up system resources. They』re both good so one will suffice.

        25LikeReplyFlag

        1. iyermobile—In reply toSimon Hill

          My LG-p880 mother board got screwed up due to 2 Anti virus programs…SO PLEASE HAVE JUST ONE !!!!

          20LikeReplyFlag

    2. Moris Kahan—

      Emoze has security options that allows you to find the device location by SMS or emailand also to remote wipe or block by SMS.This is cool because you don』t need PC connected to the internet to get the job done ,you can simply send SMS to your phone number to activate the security process.

      43LikeReplyFlag

    3. Venkatesh Ramakrishnan—

      I』ve lost my Samsung galaxy s advance last week. Had avg free installed. Locked the phone the next day n wiped all data by remotely controlling it. When I try locating the phone, it says the location can』t be traced! But I have a few queries…1) was I too late?2) what if the person who stole it uninstalled avg software?3) what if the person who stole it reinstalled the phone software immediately without inserting any other sim card prior?4) what if the person who stole it disabled both internet and GPS on the phone?

      36LikeReplyFlag

      1. Simon Hill—In reply toVenkatesh Ramakrishnan

        Unfortunately, as far as I understand it, your phone must be connected to the internet for the remote control tools to work (lock, wipe, locate). I』m not sure how you can determine whether you were too late. If an experienced thief takes your phone then they』ll probably do exactly as you suggested – disconnect GPS and internet, take SIM card out, and reset to factory settings.

        18LikeReplyFlag

        1. Venkatesh Ramakrishnan—In reply toSimon Hill

          Thanks mate!That』s my worst nightmare :(

          11LikeReplyFlag

          1. Simon Hill—In reply toVenkatesh Ramakrishnan

            Fingers crossed they just have it turned off and maybe they』ll turn it on and you』ll be able to trace it at some point.

            9LikeReplyFlag

            1. Venkatesh Ramakrishnan—In reply toSimon Hill

              That』s an optimistic possibility… never know! :)

              12LikeReplyFlag

    4. tom.young.1257—

      What do you think of the Norton for Android?

      22LikeReplyFlag

    5. Jeremy Johnson—

      At this point in time I』d say you don』t need much, if any, security apps on your phone. However, it』s always better to be safe than sorry and I can see this being a huge issue in the very near future with home much personal data smartphones contain.

      22LikeReplyFlag

    6. drk65—

      Nice Summary, but I』m surprised you omitted AVG Anti-Virus from your summary review, especially since AVG is relatively well-known in the Anti-Virus segment. — I』ve been using both Avast and AVG and find them both to be comparable in features and performance. I recently experienced a glitch with Avast after the ICS update on my SGII, so I』ve stuck with AVG. However, I would like to know what the detection rates are for AVG, and if they are on par with Avast.

      21LikeReplyFlag

      1. Simon Hill—In reply todrk65

        According to the AV-Test report I cited above AVG got over 65 percent but missed a few things that Avast and Lookout caught.

        36LikeReplyFlag

    7. ksedwar—

      Dr Web Light Anti-Virus (free). It』s as good or better than anything else but for me what sets it apart from the others is that it is just an antivirus/antimalware app that protects the whole system including external storage and internal memory. Personally I prefer my AV to just alert me to threats and not be an all-in-one suite of tools.

      14LikeReplyFlag

    8. Satya Narayan—

      Hi, Recently I purchased a Samsung Galaxy tab 8 or N5100, I want a good anti virus or internet security. I am a big fan of Norton Internet security for my PC. But, as a new user of Android OS, I would like to get your suggestions. Please advice me the best antivirus for my tablet (I don』t mine if it is not Free), because I used to do Online Transactions in my tablet. So, please me a best one.Thanks in advance..

      9LikeReplyFlag

      1. Simon Hill—In reply toSatya Narayan

        The three mentioned in the article are all still good. If you want to dig in a little further and see how they scored in independent testing, you can find a recent report here – http://www.av-test.org/en/tests/mobile-devices/android/jul-2013/

        It will show you their strengths and weaknesses, so you can find the right solution for you.

        7LikeReplyFlag

        1. Satya Narayan—In reply toSimon Hill

          Hello Simon, First of all thanks a lot for your quick response.I am considering either Avast (which is free) and Bitdefender which costs 283 INR (i.e $4.5) @

          So, please advice me which one to go for ?And what about Kaspersky and Antiny AVL(having 100% protection) ? Are they Free or premium ?Thanks again

          8LikeReplyFlag

          1. Simon Hill—In reply toSatya Narayan

            I personally use Avast and I』m happy with it, so I』d lean towards that. Kaspersky is $15, Antiny AVL is free.

            7LikeReplyFlag

            1. Satya Narayan—In reply toSimon Hill

              Thanks a lot, so I think I should go for Avast or Antity AVL,, right ? But which one will be best ?

              4LikeReplyFlag

              1. Simon Hill—In reply toSatya Narayan

                In the latest test Antiy AVL got 100% of the malware they tested for, but it doesn』t have any additional features. Avast got 99.8%, but it does also have some nice anti-theft, safe browsing, and message filter features. I like the extras with Avast, but if you only care about malware detection then maybe Antiy AVL edges it.

                9LikeReplyFlag

                1. Satya Narayan—In reply toSimon Hill

                  Please Don』t mind…If we compare Avast with Bitdefender (which costs $4.5 after discount) and Norton mobile security at $4 .. Which one will be better ? Please don』t mind..Thanks a lot…

                  7LikeReplyFlag

                  1. Simon Hill—In reply toSatya Narayan

                    If you want extra features then Avast, if you want maximum malware protection and don』t care about the extras then Bitdefender.

                    8LikeReplyFlag

                  2. Satya Narayan—In reply toSatya Narayan

                    considering all the features and safety…

                    9LikeReplyFlag

    9. Fabio Augusto Porto—

      Did you know that Avast is saying on their website that YOU are recommending their product as the best option out there?

      See for yourself:https://blog.avast.com/2012/08/03/review-of-android-security-avast-the-best-bet/

      The』ve just changed your words in your review.

      If I were you, I』d demand some explanation.

      9LikeReplyFlag

      1. Simon Hill—In reply toFabio Augusto Porto

        Thanks for posting Fabio, but it』s actually this article that has changed. I did previously recommend Avast as the best. They are referring to a previous version of this article, but I updated it to reflect the most recent AV Test scores and Avast is no longer top.

        15LikeReplyFlag

    10. WIntelRob1—

      I have two issues with the plethora of articles like this one:

      1) No analysis or evaluation of the source/authors.

      Isn』t Kingsoft a Chinese company? If you are worried about the NSA, then shouldn』t you be *more* worried about software from a government that practically sanctions stealing intellectual property and technology, as well as spying… er, monitoring all of their citizens?

      2) No evaluation of the EULA.

      Lookout gets a ton of print, but no *ever* checks out their EULA. Read it. They 「own」 all of your data. You install the software, you basically sign away the rights to your private data. And no it』s coming pre-installed on some phones like the T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S4. Ridiculous.

      – Rob –

      7LikeReplyFlag

    11. Ranganathan Karuvelil—

      I』ve surprised that they』ve left out Quick Heal AV in the list. It』s definitely one of the stronger anti-viruses out there.

      7LikeReplyFlag

    12. Android_Noob—

      Thanks! Great review. One question, you mentioned Trustgo protects from Apps outside of the play store. This is what I』m most concerned with as I would like to install some try b4 u buy or maybe even pirated apps but am worried about the malware. Do the other top scorring apps defend against this too or just Trustgo. Additionally, I』m on an HTC One running 4.1.2 Jelly Bean but I see the version tested was 4.2.2 for all the ones I checked. Does this limit me in any way or possibly change the ratings for the apps u tested?

      4LikeReplyFlag

      1. Simon Hill—In reply toAndroid_Noob

        They are all designed to detect malware so they』ll scan each app you install and flag up anything dodgy. The results are valid for 4.1.2 as well.

        7LikeReplyFlag

    14. jarlewski—

      ARTICLE NEEDS CLARIFICATION: THESE ARE *NOT* 「FREE」 products! They are, to be completely accurate: 「Free for NON-COMMERCIAL / PERSONAL use.」 Avast reworded their licensing not too long ago (3 years?) and clarified that they are free ONLY for personal/non-commercial use (at least their mobile version – because that』s what we were testing at the time).

      Bottom line: If you have business/corporate users, you will need to purchase the commercial version of these products.

      0LikeReplyFlag

    15. jarlewski—

      Don』t forget: Whether YOU can trace it or not, the phone company and police often can trace it, even though there may be some fees involved – you have to report it as lost/stolen and, if they confirm you are the owner, they can tell you the last place it 「pinged.」 I would not have attempted a wipe until I first did an attempted 『trace.』 In wiping, could that have removed the app/functionality of the GPS tracer?

      0LikeReplyFlag

    17. Anthony Puniksem—

      In your recommendation of security for mobile devices, Comodo has not been mentioned let alone reviewed, however has been and continues to be one of the only truly FREE security apps available to-date. The Comodo mobile security suite contains all the normal in app features you would expect and allot more… Most of what is out there for mobile devices have post installation offers and always rely on upgrades to premium services. Comodo DOES NOT!

      0LikeReplyFlag

    18. acavite—

      Have you tried a product called Snap Secure? It says it has a lot of extra features and says it uses BitDefender for it』s antivirus. If you say BitDefender is one of the best ones, but lacks all the extras, perhaps it is a good solution. I』m going to sign up for a free trial, but short of intentionally installing a virus or malware (which I don』t intend to do) I guess I wont know if it』s really working.

      0LikeReplyFlag

    21. Kuchan Rajesh—

      and it was cooool

      0LikeReplyFlag

    22. Kuchan Rajesh—

      i had used Quik Heal

      0LikeReplyFlag

    23. Nathan Brown—

      I use the avg app . It works fine and its free .

      0LikeReplyFlag

    24. Carolina Gamble—

      I』ve been a customer with Lookout since December 2012 and last night, was the first time that I really needed their services and it was a HUGE FAIL!!! My cell phone was stolen at the mall and 30 minutes didn』t go by before I realized the phone was missing. When I tried to locate the phone or make it scream, neither feature worked!!! I would』ve been even more furious with this service if I were paying for it. After today (November 25, 2013) I will no longer be using Lookout. I don』t understand how they can lie about all these features and services they provide and expect people to pay for them and the one time I needed the services to locate my phone, it couldn』t find it nor would it scream. EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED!!!

      0LikeReplyFlag

      1. Anthony Puniksem—In reply toCarolina Gamble

        Most thieves will turn the phone off or simply remove the battery to prevent immediate detection or tracking. it would not be the fault of Lookout if that were the case. No security software could respond in that situation.

        0LikeReplyFlag

    Latest Mobile News

    Chromecast shines even brighter with new Plex features

    Samsung introduces the Ultrasonic Galaxy cover for fans with bad eyesight

    Apple jumps on selfie bandwagon, adds dedicated section to app store

    Apple may include lens mounting system in future iPhone, new patent reveals

    More Mobile News Latest Mobile Reviews

    LG G Pro 2 review

    Our Score: 8

    Dell Venue 11 Pro review

    Our Score: 6 Viewer Score: 10.0

    Motrr Galileo review

    Our Score: 7.5

    Nokia Lumia Icon review

    Our Score: 7 More Reviews Tech News From Our Partners

    Google services go down as Reliability team takes questions on Reddit

    January 24, 2014 — Fox News

    Google Fiber: Why you need to get online 100 times faster

    January 24, 2014 — Fox News

    Texting makes you walk like you"re drunk

    January 24, 2014 — Fox News

    GlassesOff app claims to eliminate need for reading glasses

    January 23, 2014 — Fox News

    Robohand: DARPA"s bionic arm can be controlled by your brain

    January 23, 2014 — Fox News

    Digital Trends

    Straightforward product reviews, reliable technology news, and tools to navigate the digital world.

    推薦閱讀：

    ※我們在平時或面試遇到這些問題時，我們應該怎麼回答？
    ※高危預警 | 影響上億用戶的「Janus」漏洞，手把手教你如何防
    ※Android 關機為什麼不能啟動鬧鐘？
    ※Unity 關於安卓和各平台讀寫本地json文件，WWW讀取本地文件，Unity各路徑API目前較完整的詳解
    ※作為設計師，想體驗 Android L，該買什麼手機？價位越低越好。

    TAG:Android |