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Since its launch in 2007, Android has rapidly climbed up the charts to quickly become the most used smartphone operating system globally. Today, Android leads the smartphone OS market by a 73 percent market share ahead of Apple’s iOS, according to Statista.
Regular technical updates from Google & its affordability make Android the favorite choice for most people worldwide. However, anything popular on such a massive scale is also prone to be a soft target for cyber-criminals.
Do Android phones need Antivirus?
Android is a functioning software at its core. This basic reason puts Android at risk of various malware threats. Cybercriminals can exploit security vulnerabilities in this system and use it to their advantage by inflicting malware on your device.
According to AV-Test, the total number of malware registered in 2021 was 1312.63 million. And this number is only increasing, with 7.03 million already registered as of January 2022. Hence, Android devices must have a good antivirus app installed.
The most common Android malware categories include Adware, Backdoor Infections, File Infector, PUA, Ransomware, Riskware, Scareware, Spyware & various types of Mobile Trojans.
Is Google Play Protect Any Good?
Considering the grave threat from malware, Google does have an in-built system to detect and do away with any cyber threats. It is called Google Play Protect & it comes in-built with every Android Device.
However, it has a limited scope, and recent studies have proved that it failed to protect devices against many malicious android apps. AV-Test’s latest report shows that Google Play Protect could detect only about 84% of all malware in real-time. This puts your devices at great risk of falling prey to dangerous malware.
To ensure that you are completely safe against all types of malware, using a good dedicated third-party Android antivirus app on all your devices is recommended. And if the price is a matter of concern, there is no need to worry as Dealarious store offers cheap prices on software.
Which Antivirus is best for Android?
We have curated a list of the 3 Best Android Antivirus apps you can install on your device for complete malware protection.
1. Bitdefender Mobile Security
Bitdefender Mobile Security for Android runs on a real-time cloud-based malware detection system with virtually zero impact on your battery life. It protects your Android device from all new and existing online threats. It automatically scans each app after installation and immediately lets you know if any threats are hidden within them. In the latest AV-Test report conducted in Mar 2022, Bitdefender scores a perfect 6/6 in terms of Protection, Performance, & Usability.
Its Anti-Phishing system scans web pages and warns you if you come across any fraudulent pages. The Proactive protection detects link-based attacks delivered through messaging apps and notifications and prevents their propagation through further sharing.
The WearON feature further extends mobile security to your smartwatch. With the Anti-Theft tool, you can remotely locate, lock, wipe or send a message to your device in case of loss or theft. It also clicks a picture of anyone who tries to tamper with your phone in your absence & sends it to you in your Bitdefender Central account.
Bitdefender adds an extra layer of protection by allowing you to lock apps with a PIN code. The VPN protects your online privacy by encrypting all Internet traffic from your device. However, the built-in VPN gives you only 200MB of data.
If you plan to buy one, there are two options. You can purchase Bitdefender Mobile Security for Android as a standalone app or subscribe to the Bitdefender Total Security plan. Subscribing to Mobile Security for Android protects a single device. If you have multiple devices (Windows, Mac, Android & iOS) to protect, go with Bitdefender Total Security. You can protect upto ten devices with a Bitdefender Total Security subscription. Learn more in this Bitdefender Total Security review.
2. Avast Mobile Security
Avast Mobile Security comes as a free antivirus with limited features on android devices. It works to prevent viruses and other malware from infecting your Android device. It performs regular scans to detect threats, vulnerabilities, & any malicious apps before installing them. Avast Mobile Security also scores a perfect 6/6 in all three categories of AV-Test certification.
It also allows you to lock apps using a PIN code, pattern, or fingerprint. You also get access to the VPN service. The remote-control feature lets you track your device’s location, lock your device & wipe off all of your sensitive data remotely. You can even secretly capture the thief’s photo and audio or track your device’s location in case of theft.
It also enhances your device performance by freeing up storage space by deleting junk files and speeding up your device through RAM Boost. However, you must upgrade to the Avast Ultimate plan to access premium features such as VPN, App Lock, Camera Trap & more.
3. Kaspersky Internet Security for Android
Kaspersky Internet Security for Android uses Artificial Intelligence to correctly predict and prevent all cyber threats, including viruses, malware, and ransomware. Additionally, individual tools guard your device against phishing scams and spy apps. In the latest AV-Test report, Kaspersky Internet Security for Android also scores 6 out of 6.
The Anti-Theft feature allows you to remotely locate, lock and wipe off your device if it’s stolen. It also lets you take pics of the thief. The App Lock lets you lock any apps on your phone with PIN security. The Call Filter tool avoids spam callers and unwanted contacts by customizing a list of numbers you want to block.
The Anti-Stalkerware instantly warns you about any spy apps secretly installed on your devices that can monitor your location, chats, and social media activity. It also alerts you about phishing links in chats, text messages, emails, and browsers to protect you from scammers.
Conclusion
When it comes to cyber protection, it all depends on individual needs and requirements. You can choose an android antivirus app depending on your mobile usage, the type of data on your device, and the level of security & privacy you expect for your device. Investing in any of the above-mentioned Android Antivirus Apps is recommended for complete protection. Phone Security is very key.
