Best Android antivirus and mobile security apps
Considering the frequency with which malware scams in the Google Play Store are being reported, we thought it was about time to drop a list of apps to keep your device protected. Whether you are looking to keep your phone safe from theft, or a trojan, these are best antivirus apps for Android in 2015.
Antivirus & Mobile Security
Completely free and with a few stand-out features to boot, you shouldn't overlook the simply-titled Antivirus & Mobile Security. As well as the usual anti-virus scanning, this also includes some safe-browsing options, among them encryption for things you type into your browser. One of our favorite bonus features here is Candid Camera Thief ID, which takes selfies of the thief if your phone gets stolen - though using Android Device Manager should be your first port of call if your device gets stolen.
360 Security - Antivirus
360 (formerly known as Qihoo) is a long-standing and popular Android antivirus app which has all the bells and whistles required to protect your phone. Naturally, it has an antivirus engine, which automatically scans your files and updates its definitions. Each installation, whether from the Play Store or beyond, has to pass through 360 real-time protection to end up on your phone. On top of that, 360 is a system cleaner which cleans out junk files, frees up RAM and has some neat power-saving features too.
Kaspersky Internet Security
The PC version of Kaspersky is regularly showered with accolades and often voted the best internet security suite you can get. The free mobile version offers all the standard anti-malware protection you'd expect, as well as a whole host of anti-theft features. Upgrade to the Premium version ($14.95), and you get anti-phishing protection for your text messaging, cloud protection, and privacy protection when you surf the web.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
Malwarebytes built its reputation as one of the most lightweight PC protection tools around. The free Android version is a chip off the old block, and also focuses on ease-of-use rather than tons of features. It offers anti-malware protection, a privacy manager, and also scans apps that are behaving suspiciously. The developers have also stayed ahead of the curve by integrating Malwarebytes with Android Device Manager - the remote tracking/anti-theft Android feature that effectively negates such features on many Android antivirus suites.
AVL
AVL antivirus won an AV-TEST best protection award in 2013 for its security performance on the Android operating system. While it doesn't include some of the more advanced anti-theft features that can be found in similar apps, it's great for your basic protection needs, and also one of the least likely to impact your battery or damage performance. AVL comes highly recommended.
Mobile Security & Antivirus
Bitdefender's Mobile Security and Antivirus app comes with a wealth of security options beyond the traditional "virus scan" feature, and also integrates with current Android Wear smartwatches pretty nicely. It's not exactly cheap, as far as Android apps are concerned; after the initial 14-day trial period runs out you'll have to shell out 14.95 USD per year for the service. However, if you want a "future proof" Android security app, and a peaceful night's sleep, Mobile Security and Antivirus could be your best option.
AVG Antivirus Security
AVG Antivirus is a free application that protects your smartphone in real time from viruses, malicious applications and other spyware. You can review your applications but also your files, settings and more. There's even an option to close apps that are significantly slowing your smartphone down or abusing your battery. Also, if you lose your device, you can block or delete your information and locate your device via Google Maps.
Norton Security Antivirus
Norton Security Antivirus is a free application that blocks and removes malware. Pay for the Premium Version, and you get a whole load more features, such as remote locking, Sneak Peak - which takes photos of people using your device if you've flagged it as stolen. The Premium Version also includes App Advisor, which automatically checks apps for privacy risks, high battery usage and suspicious behavior.
avast! Antivirus & Security
With avast!, it is possible to perform automatic scans of your installed apps, the contents of your memory card as well as apps that you're about to install. avast! also has SMS/call filtering and blocking and - in the case of theft - there are also remote lock and wipe options, GPS tracking, siren alert and even a notification if someone attempts to switch out SIM cards. Other features present include a firewall, web shield and network meter.
Avira Antivirus Security
Avira manages all the basics like the others, with protection from malicious apps, malware, viruses and Trojans. You can also track a lost smartphone, remotely lock or wipe it and provide someone who innocently finds your device with a one-button ''report found'' option. Avira automatically scans your apps when you first install, launch and update them, but you can start a manual scan anytime you like. Virus definitions are updated regularly over the air. You can also block bothersome numbers from calling or texting you.
CM Security
Another award-winning security option, CM (or Clean Master) security provides some of the best malware protection on Android. Cheetah Mobile is a research company in its own right, producing credible reports on the state of the Android platform with regard to all things "scam", and its dedicated app is fast and comprehensive.
Have you ever suffered from a virus, Trojan or malware on your Android? What do you think is the best Android antivirus app and why?
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