Do you need an antivirus for Android? Which antivirus is best for Android

Are they effective? antivirus programs for smartphones? Does an Android smartphone need an antivirus and is it worth installing it on an iPhone? We also talk about where viruses on smartphones come from and what you shouldn’t do for device security.

To get started, answer two simple questions:

Do you have antivirus installed on your phone?
If “Yes,” then what exactly did you decide to protect yourself from?

The fact is that many users install anti-virus software on their smartphones out of habit - simply because they were advised to do the same on their PC. But mobile platforms are designed differently, and their protection works according to different principles, so installing anti-virus software and living happily ever after is not always an effective solution.

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Let's explain where they come from malware, so that you once and for all forget to download content from no-name developers from no-name sites. It was aptly noted in the comments under one of the thematic posts: “The best protection for a smartphone is the culture of use.”

What types of malware for smartphones are there?

Trojan programs are classics of the genre. Most Trojans. Such malware steals personal data - numbers from your address book, correspondence history, and even logins/passwords from your accounts. Why would anyone need contacts from, say, your grandmother from Bila Tserkva? Not for spying purposes. Simpler: these numbers will most often end up on the spam mailing list after they are stolen. Not fatal, but far from the most pleasant consequences.
Malware that gains administrator rights (root) without your consent. There are fewer of them than Trojans, but they are more aggressive. Malware can send out mailings on your behalf, some can even make calls, change smartphone settings as they please, install without permission third party programs.
Malware for SMS distribution. This type of malware can drain all the money from your mobile account by sending several messages to short numbers(it’s clear what’s behind your back).
Extortionists. Having caught such a virus, access to certain files on the smartphone, or the device completely, will most likely be blocked. And in order to resume control over the smartphone, it was proposed to pay a ransom to unlock it.
Banners. They block part or the entire display by covering it with an advertising poster with or without a link to a third-party site.

Are you scared already? In fact, there is nothing wrong with smartphone malware if you follow simple security rules. Because,

Rules for safe use of a smartphone

Do not download programs from unofficial app stores. Remember: the malware will not leak onto your smartphone on its own - to do this, it needs your confirmation about downloading/installing/running a file or access to any categories of personal data. Therefore, carefully select sources for installing programs, make sure that exactly what the program asks you to do, and everything will be as good as possible.

For example, for Android smartphones the official application store is Google Play Market, for iOS devices - App Store. No application is included in the store data directory without passing a security check. Programs are first tested, and only then, after making sure that they are not harmful, are they uploaded to the catalog.

Yes, many well-known companies can place proprietary software not on Google Play, but on their website. There are also alternative stores (for example, Amazon Appstore for Android), which contain programs that are not included in official market. What to do in this case?

Amazon also has its own security system - this is one, and secondly, look at the number of downloads ( normal indicator for the program - over 50 thousand installations), read reviews and look for information about the company that published this program.

Plus, programs downloaded this way will still be checked for malware: allow Google to scan your device for suspicious activity and there will be nothing to worry about.

Android smartphones have several more built-in options that support device security:

“Checking applications”

Settings - Google Settings- Security - Application verification.

We put two “checkmarks” next to the items “Check for security problems” and “Fight against malware”. In the first case, Google will monitor the operation of installed applications and, if it detects non-compliance with security standards, will disable and even remove the potentially unsafe program. In the second, suspicious applications you use will be sent to Google for analysis.

“Unknown sources”

Settings - Security - Device administration - Unknown sources.

If you doubt that you can distinguish a certified source for downloading programs on an Android smartphone from an unreliable one, limit the right to download applications from third-party resources - let it be only Google Play Market.

Checking programs with access to data

New Android firmwares are good because they allow you to control application access to any type of requested information and modules of the smartphone itself.

Have you noticed that, for example, when loading Viber you will be asked to allow access to Camera, Contacts, Location, Microphone, Phone, Device Memory, SMS and a whole bunch of other options? Well, for a popular multifunctional messenger, which can also be customized by removing half of the permissions without harming the program, this is quite normal.

But the Flashlight program with access to your address book is already a hint that something is not clean here.

You can check application permissions on your Android smartphone here:

Settings - Applications - Application settings - Application permissions.

Many items can be edited painlessly for applications - canceling permission will not affect functionality in any way. For example, you can take away the “Location” item from camera applications if you are not interested in geotargeting or you don’t even know what it is and therefore don’t use it :)

Stock Android VS custom firmware

You are probably aware that stock Android found on Nexus devices, other manufacturers, be it Samsung or Xiaomi , custom firmware is installed on Android smartphones.

If Google catches a virus or other malware in the system that has taken advantage of a hole in the browser or the OS itself, the corporation quickly releases an update for Android devices that blocks the malware’s ability to cause mischief.

And Nexus smartphones/tablets receive such updates within a week, but smartphones with custom firmware updates can take up to six months.

This does not mean at all that for security reasons it is better not to buy anything other than Nexus devices :) And it is not so often that there is a need to release a total system update in the fight against malware (the last high-profile case of a delay in an important update, it seems, was recorded back in 2012).

Just be aware.

Conclusions about antiviruses and Android

So do you need an antivirus for your Android smartphone? Answer: no, not needed if you follow simple rules safe use:

Download programs only from Google Play Market and other certified sources.
Do not click on dubious links sent in the text of letters from individuals unknown to you or contained in text messages regular messenger.
When installing a program, always check the permissions and access you grant it.
Allow Google to check installed applications (how to do this is described above).
For the sake of prevention: do not connect to dubious open Wi-Fi networks and set restrictions on synchronization via Bluetooth.

Thus, if you lead a decent lifestyle as an Android user, do not surf the Internet looking for free versions of paid programs for your smartphone and know for sure that your Flashlight apk does not read information about your location, passwords and logins, - NO, you do not you need an antivirus.

And in other cases too. In our editorial office, 9 out of 10 employees have Android devices, and no one has ever caught anything malicious in 4 years.

Do you need to install an antivirus on your smartphone if you have an iPhone?

Whether it is necessary to install an antivirus on an Android smartphone seems to have been sorted out. What about iOS?

On an iPhone, you're also unlikely to need an antivirus program because:

iOS, unlike Android, is a closed system, and it is almost impossible to harm such devices;
iOS, compared to Android, has a hundred times fewer users - it is less widespread and fewer viruses are written for it;
Apple quietly removed antivirus programs from the App Store in March 2015, and even useful antivirus programs that filter data coming to devices from cloud storage have come under attack.

Yes, by purchasing the device fora lot of moneyyou will undoubtedly want to protect it from intruders. But this is Apple! The option “install an application from third-party sources” does not work here - programs will only get to the iPhone through the App Store, and there everything is strict with the security policy.

“Antivirus” software for the iPhone is an excellent platform for profiting from a stupid user: applications take up disk space, mercilessly eat up RAM, and - most importantly - do not have access to the file iPhone system, therefore they cannot scan it for threats.

Therefore, in the case of the iPhone, the answer is the same: “No, you don’t need an antivirus!”

07.07.2015 from wpandr_adm

How to install free antivirus for Android? It is very easy to pick up a virus on mobile devices with the Android operating system, even if you try to download programs only from trusted sites.

Recently, researchers managed to find out that many existing antiviruses designed for the Android system are not difficult to deceive.

A real antivirus should be based on two components:

scanner with heuristic analysis function;
resident protection module.

The first element checks only after the user clicks on a certain button and makes it possible to detect only malicious code that is already in your gadget. The second module “lives” in RAM and always monitors changes in the file system. But this is accompanied by a decrease in the speed of the device.

As a result of the lately tests, some programs designed to protect your device turned out to be pointless. Common antiviruses such as AegisLab Antivirus Free 2.0, VIRUSfighter FREE Antivirus 2.1 and Ikarus Mobile Security 2013 are unable to detect most threats and let them through. And the user may think that his device is completely safe.

But you don’t have to run to the store for an expensive antivirus. There are also free antiviruses that have proven that they are good for the Android system. You can look at them in more detail.

Norton Mobile Security Lite, Comodo Mobile Security and Antiy Labs AVL

At first glance, it may seem that the application window showing the verification process contains little information. In it you will see a file being scanned in present moment, percentage of operation completion, verification results.

The scanning process is fast and efficient. Setting up the scanning process is very simple. The application also allows you to check installed programs. In the full version of the program, it is possible to protect the gadget from theft using a web service and SMS. It is also possible to block the device, delete information or start a siren. The paid version of this program allows you to avoid unwanted incoming calls, save a copy telephone directory and view it on any device.

Comodo Mobile Security is an application that is multi-functional and easy to use. In addition to the common set of anti-virus modules, you will find a traffic manager in it. It will “tell” about the network activity of each program separately.

In addition, you will not ignore the presence of a cache clearing function, blocking unwanted calls and SMS, a safe place to store personal data and a task scheduler. Comodo has the ability to move to a memory card phone book, SMS and installed programs.

Antiy Labs AVL has the ability to monitor “here and now” as well as in the background. Using advanced settings for the scanning process allows you to take into account rare types of connections between files.

In addition, with the help of this antivirus you can analyze AndroidManifest.xml files, thereby determining the legality of application configuration settings and their rights.

BitDefender Antivirus Free, Sophos Security & Antivirus and Dr Web Light

The first antivirus attracts attention simple interface. But he himself is not so simple. It has a resident check of installed programs. Antiviruses do not have a “quarantine” function, so be careful when removing viruses. Although they rarely detect false positive threats, no developer can guarantee their absence.

The quality of Sophos Security & Antivirus testing is undoubtedly at high level. There is a scanning mode using cloud services, with the option of using only via a Wi-Fi connection.
The real-time protection feature monitors applications during installation and scans USB drives and memory cards when they are connected. By default, only third-party programs are scanned. Scanning the memory of the device itself and the memory card must be set manually in the settings.

The Security Advisor component indicates settings that reduce the security of the device. For example, it recommends refusing the ability to install applications that did not come from Google Play.

The Spam Protection function blocks incoming calls and SMS in accordance with the specified settings.
On the Loss & Theft tab, you can configure remote control of a lost device. Via SMS you can find out where your device is and delete personal data.

Dr.Web Light is best antivirus. It has three components. The scanner can perform a quick, full or random scan. You can even check a specific file. The SpiderGuard component constantly monitors all installed applications. And the “quarantine” component stores cleaned copies of all eliminated viruses in the database in case they are unexpectedly deleted.

Dr.Web Light also has a paid version, which offers advanced features.

Is it even worth installing an antivirus on a smartphone? For most mobile device users, this question remains open today. Someone is a follower maximum security and does not want to expose his device to even the slightest threat of infection. Other users have never encountered anything like this, so they see no point in installing unnecessary applications. In this article we will try to shed light on the situation and find out whether they are just a PR campaign for the developers or whether they are really necessary.

It would seem that answering such an ambiguous question is not so simple, but it is not so. The determining factor here is the very behavior of the owner of the tablet or smartphone, which, however, is also true for other systems: PCs, laptops, etc. If you do not follow suspicious links, do not read spam, do not click on advertisements On the Internet, viruses usually simply have no chance to penetrate the system. For example, your humble servant does not use antivirus not on personal computer, not on the phone. After all, for experienced user it will not be difficult to determine where the truly useful and necessary information, and which links to follow are dangerous or pointless due to the uselessness of the content contained there.

But another point of view also has a right to exist. After all, it gives additional protection, because modern viruses have a rich arsenal of ways to penetrate devices. Even experienced hacking professionals and programmers do not have 100% protection, because viruses are constantly evolving and being modified. To avoid unpleasant situations, you should not be careless, and antivirus - important component strengthening the protection of any system.

But let’s pay attention specifically to Android gadgets. Google's OS initially has built-in protection that works with Google Play services. It should be noted that this function copes with the tasks assigned to it no worse than any third-party antivirus software. Thus, there is little point in installing applications, Norton, etc. no, but there are some nuances. Not every device received this protection Google. After all, for example, they either use other application stores. Owners of such devices are recommended to enlist the support of additional security programs. The same is true for those who often install content from suspicious sources.

But why doesn’t everyone install an antivirus and forget about protection? In fact, such applications are very resource-hungry on the gadget, since they take up at least 50 MB of RAM, cause slowdowns in the operation of the interface and other applications, etc. Thus, owners of smartphones and tablets with a memory capacity of up to 1 GB should consider whether they really need an antivirus.

Today, users of mobile devices based on Android systems are increasingly faced with the need to install anti-virus and anti-spyware software to your devices. And you can find quite a lot of such software packages in the same Play Market repository or in other sources. But which one to choose from all this? The following will be a rating of antiviruses for Android. However, it should be taken into account that the placement of programs according to rating lines is very conditional, since any publications or even the users themselves who evaluate the performance of applications in practice may have their own preferences and opinions. In addition, although most of the programs presented below contain, so to speak, mandatory basic set tools and modules that provide protection for a mobile device, however, not all applications are far from being as equivalent in functionality as it might seem at first glance.

Why is there a need to use antivirus software in Android systems?

The days when viruses and malware exclusively attacked DOS and Windows systems are a thing of the past. Today, the desktop operating systems Mac OS X and Linux remain invulnerable to viruses (even iOS is susceptible to infection).

So why then did the need arise to protect Android systems, which are built precisely on Linux based? Developers virus programs use the most simple methods, through which viruses can penetrate devices. This download is an APK installation file. But the virus will not work just like that - it needs to be installed. Since such threats are often disguised as official applications, users rush to install interesting program, and end up with a headache.

Mainly in Android environment most often there are Trojans (and at the same time encryptors) that steal personal data and confidential information, and finally, encrypting files with blocking access to the system. Among all these threats, viruses such as Godless, Faketoken, Loki, Marcher and Triada are especially dangerous. The latter, by the way, was discovered quite recently - in March 2017.

Although all programs are thoroughly checked, threats have been found there too. But they were neutralized. Therefore, the very first piece of advice: in order not to install paid or free antivirus for Android, never install applications downloaded from dubious sources. As you can see, you should be careful even with the Play Market.

for Android

As for modern anti-virus software, as one would expect, the top ten included eminent developers of similar software for desktop computer systems, although there were some surprises.

CM Security;
Internet Security from Kaspersky Lab;
ESET NOD32 Mobile Security;
Avast Antivirus (Mobile Security);
360 Security;
Dr.Web v.9 Anti-Virus;
AVG Antivirus Free/Pro;
Avira Antivirus Security;
Norton Security & Antivirus;
McAfee Security & Antivirus Free.

Next, we will consider each software product in more detail, paying attention to some important aspects of functionality and use, without neglecting the issues of the ability to download and install free versions of applications.

CM Security

This package (full name CM Security AntiVirus AppLock) is a rather interesting development by Cheetah Mobile). It combines almost everything necessary tools to provide protection.

This free antivirus for Android phones contains a standard scanner and monitor, anti-theft, and blocker in its functionality URL links, unwanted contacts and access to installed applications, as well as a security module network connections.

The most interesting feature here is the function of blocking access to AppLock applications, which allows you to restrict access to installed applets such as mail, correspondence using instant messengers, etc. (and not only from the side of an outsider, but also from the side of the installed software). Launch can be carried out using a password. True, there are also disadvantages. For example, in the application, when starting a scan, there is no choice of scanning method, and immediately after installation the user is prompted to register in cloud service. But you can save in it backup copy systems, bypassing Google services. In addition, the antivirus in testing showed a minimal load on system resources. In general, judging by the reviews of experts, it makes a very good impression.

This software product apparently needs no introduction. As for the antivirus itself, Kaspersky Internet Security, developed for Android systems, can be found in two versions - paid and free.

The trial version of the product includes a scanner, anti-theft, web filter, contact blocker and SMS. After the 30-day period, some functions are blocked and scanning must be performed in manual mode. But the scanning itself is carried out quite quickly (unlike its stationary counterpart). The rest of the features are standard. The only drawback of the entire package is the lack of protection for network connections and Internet traffic. But in setting up the protection system modules, the user is provided with quite a lot of parameters that can be changed at his own discretion, plus a laconic interface that is not overloaded with unnecessary elements.

ESET NOD32 Mobile Security

ESET NOD32 Mobile Security for Android is another software product that is widely known to users for its similar development for desktop systems.

In this package, in addition to standard modules (scanner, anti-theft, etc.), you can find a special anti-phishing protection system, an application verification module, as well as a special SIM card protection tool, which can be useful for many users, for example, if it is lost smartphone or tablet.

As for scanning, the program offers a choice of three scanning options: fast, smart and deep. In the first case, only installed user applets are checked, system components, libraries and archives ZIP format up to the third nesting level in directories. In the second case, a check of the removable SD card is added. In the third option, absolutely all files on both the internal and removable storage are scanned. In addition, you can choose a method to eliminate or isolate detected threats (as is done in a stationary scanner). But the main disadvantage is the lack of security for network connections.

Avast Mobile Security & Antivirus

Here is another well-known representative of antivirus software. Avast antivirus for Android is available in two versions: free and premium. However, both versions include a very interesting set of instruments.

Among all that the free antivirus for Android Avast has, it is especially worth highlighting the presence of a firewall, a web screen, a geofeeding system, a security advisor, and even a system optimizer.

The geofecing function is quite unusual. In its settings you can set the range within which the device can be moved. When you go beyond its limits, the device is completely blocked and an audible signal sounds. No less useful can be a security advisor, who, when potential threats are detected, gives advice on how to correct problems that have arisen.

In the Premium version, as additional tools you can find a system for detecting and suppressing (disabling) advertising, the ability remote control, functions for restoring and copying media files using cloud storage. But the optimizer, despite the developers’ statements about its presence in the main package, must be loaded separately. But since in in this case We are talking specifically about the anti-virus package; I think most users do not need this module.

360 Security

Antiviruses for Android in Russian cannot be considered without mentioning a relatively new Chinese development called 360 Security, which is absolutely free.

In principle, the possibilities software package look quite standard, but scanning, along with the main components being scanned, also affects temporary files located on the system. Another tool that is not typical for antiviruses is the ability to manage installed applications and transfer them to an SD card. Unfortunately, there is no control over network connections, which, to put it mildly, simply scares off many users. But if you look at the program as a whole, there is the most minimum required protection capabilities.

Dr.Web v.9 Anti-Virus

Doctor Web antivirus for Android, like many others on the list under consideration, does not need to be introduced. The package itself is available in three modifications: basic (active for 14 days), extended Premium (fully paid) and Light (free).

Among the most interesting modules are the Internet filter (Cloud Checker), firewall and antispam module. Distinctive feature This application is that it allows you to unlock your mobile device even if it is infected with blocking viruses. In addition, there is a specially configurable function complete removal data from the device in case of several unsuccessful attempts to unlock the gadget. Here, however, the presence of such a module can play a cruel joke on its owner himself. But most experts do not recommend using this applet as a scanner. The scan takes a very long time and requires a significant load on system resources.

AVG Antivirus Free/Pro

This package is quite simple and has a standard set of tools. It can be downloaded from Free versions and Pro, but the problem is that the free modification only works for one month. After this period, you will have to purchase a license and upgrade to the Pro version.

Unfortunately, the most interesting features are not protection tools, but a system performance optimization module (process management, battery saving, memory cleaning, etc.), which modern antivirus software does not need in its arsenal at all.

Avira Antivirus Security

Before us is another famous stationary systems antivirus package with a set of standard modules, which is available in basic and premium versions. The basic version works for 30 days.

After trial period Actions automatically disable URL blocking and update functionality antivirus databases, which is completely working version carried out once a day. Perhaps the only interesting and non-standard function is address verification email from your existing contact list. But even all the advantages pale against the background of the lack of network protection and localization for Russian-speaking users.

Norton Security & Antivirus

This antivirus is a pretty good means of providing protection. mobile device, although he has the most ordinary tools at his disposal. The package is available in a free (trial) version and a paid version.

If you look at it, by and large the user receives the bare minimum. True, to this minimum the function of backing up and restoring files has been added. But in general, an assessment of the program may look like the famous saying: “Simple, but tasteful.” However, one of the main advantages is that the application does not in any way load system resources, and does not require special attention even with the default settings, working in the background and without distracting the user from other matters.

McAfee Security & Antivirus Free

The paid Premium version is additionally equipped with a backup system, but for some reason only for multimedia data. But antivirus scanner, in addition to the main objects in the system or on removable media, is also capable of checking QR codes. One more interesting feature- automatic forwarding of a photo of the attacker who stole the mobile device. When the battery charge is low, you can configure automatic memorization of the last geolocation via the GPS module.

Bottom line

Only one remains open main question: “Which antivirus to choose for Android?” User reviews on the Internet were divided. Some install antiviruses exclusively from well-known brands, without paying attention to functionality. Others categorically do not accept shareware and paid versions (including unnecessary additional tools). So what software product can be called universal, and such that it suits both? Based on the opinion of experts and the program tools, the CM Security AntiVirus & AppLock antivirus is considered the best today due to the presence of the most powerful functionality, free distribution and the fact that it is not burdened with unnecessary tools, because in this case we are talking about providing the most complete protection of an Android device, and not about systems designed to backup or optimize the operation of the device.

However, world ratings indicate precisely this. But, be that as it may, the choice always remains with the user. But user preferences in favor of one or another software product may not always be objective. But the most important thing is that, if there is a need to install anti-virus software, you should download it only from trusted sources, otherwise, instead of protection, you can launch malicious programs into your system, and then you will have to restore not only your files and applications, but also the entire system.

Mobile platforms are less susceptible to virus attacks than desktop operating systems. However, attackers can still reach important information user via his smartphone. To prevent this from happening to you, choose the best antivirus for Android 2018-2019 from the rating below.

#10 – AVL Antivirus & Security

The capabilities of this mobile antivirus are concentrated around file security Android systems and OS system data. The application is powered by the AVL engine, which constantly scans the contents of the smartphone’s memory and microSD. When vulnerabilities are detected, the program immediately alerts the user and offers several options to choose from: deleting, cleaning, or quarantining the file.

After each scan, AVL Antivirus & Security generates a list of potentially dangerous files by threat category. The antivirus also features a Plug-in system, a special option for installing plugins to the main antivirus core. Thanks to them, the user can significantly expand the capabilities of the application.

In practical tests, AVL Antivirus & Security showed pretty good results, blocking about 97% of incoming threats.

#9 – Bitdefender Mobile Security & Antivirus

Antivirus available for free download in the Play Store, the trial version will be available to the user for two weeks. After this you need to purchase paid subscription for $1.49 per month to get access to all Bitdefender Mobile Security modules.

A distinctive feature of the application is its economy mode, in which it consumes battery power very slowly. At the same time, Bitdefender Mobile Security practically does not take up any free RAM, so owners of weak and outdated smartphones can rest easy.

Bitdefender Mobile Security implements protection against theft, which at any time can track the location of a stolen gadget and send the coordinates to the owner as an SMS message. The only drawback of the antivirus is the inability to scan file system smartphone without an Internet connection.

№8 – 360 Security

The mobile antivirus client is distributed absolutely free of charge; all protection modules are available in the basic version of the application. 360 Security monitors threats on your smartphone in real time and is updated regularly via cloud storage service.

The list of antivirus capabilities also includes filtering phishing links, monitoring the use of mobile traffic, blacklist of unwanted contacts and Anti-Theft function. 360 Security can clean the file system of unnecessary data; to start the process, just shake your smartphone or tablet.

Please note that the antivirus is quite demanding on the device’s RAM, so on older phones the application can greatly slow down the operating speed operating system. Also for normal functioning 360 Security will require root rights.

#7 - Avira Antivirus Security

There are two subscription versions available for Avira Antivirus Security; the free version lasts exactly one month from the moment you install the application on your smartphone. Then you will have to purchase the Premium version to extend the use of the program. The list of basic antivirus features includes a file system scanner, blocking of unsafe Internet sites, parental controls and locking individual applications with a password.

In practical tests, the application detected almost 100% of malicious files in the smartphone’s memory. Protection against phishing attacks is also excellent; Avira Antivirus Security simply prevents you from opening a dangerous URL link without prior permission in the antivirus settings.

To work with the Anti-Theft module, you need to register on the website my.avira.com, where in the menu personal account you can see all the movements of the connected smartphone. If a user's phone is stolen, they can immediately block it through the Anti-Virus website.

#6 – Cheetah CM Security

One of the main advantages of CM Security over other mobile antiviruses is the careful use of smartphone resources. Even devices with 1 GB of RAM have virtually no difficulty processing the application. The basic version of CM Security is distributed absolutely free of charge.

Cheetah is already widely known in the smartphone market for its solutions for optimizing device performance. CM Security also has a module for cleaning your device from junk, broken applications and spam. In addition, before cleaning, the user can save a backup copy of the smartphone content to cloud storage.

Cheetah CM Security can block individual applications, access to them is granted only after a predefined password or successful fingerprint scan. The Anti-Theft module requires registration on the website findphone.cmcm.com.

#5 – Dr.Web Light

Light version of one of the most popular antiviruses has almost all possibilities regular version applications and is distributed absolutely free of charge. The program is very well optimized for older smartphones, so there should be no performance problems.

The first thing you should install Dr.Web Light for is customization. The user can choose the scanning profile (fast or deep), its duration, scanned directories in the device memory and the algorithm of actions when infected files are detected.

Let us remind you that the Light version does not have a spam filter and advanced protection against phishing attacks. To get all these features you need to purchase full version Dr.Web Security Space, the price of which is at the moment fixed at $30.

No. 4 - Kaspersky Internet Security

The free antivirus for Android boasts an intuitive interface and excellent optimization. In “field conditions” the application showed one of the best results - absolutely everything malicious files were detected in the device memory. A small gap in Kaspersky protection Internet Security was broken only by a few spam mailings, but this is not critical.

You can find two versions of the antivirus in the Play Store, one of them is free. It is a complete version of Kaspersky Internet Security, which will be available to the user for 30 days while the trial subscription lasts. The Premium version includes a web filter, blocking of unwanted contacts and Anti-Theft.

The latter will require registration at my.kaspersky.com. Current location smartphone can be sent via SMS or displayed on Google maps in your personal antivirus account.

#3 – Avast Mobile Security & Antivirus

The desktop version of the antivirus ranks first in the top popularity for downloads. It is not surprising that Avast decided to move forward, capturing a significant share of the smartphone market. The basic functionality of the application includes real-time virus scanning, a black list of contacts, and filtering of web pages for inappropriate content and storing the data image in the cloud.

For a wider range of powers Avast Mobile Security & Antivirus requires root user rights. They make it possible to change the device’s firewall settings and remotely manage the antivirus through the desktop version of the application.

Despite the wide list of advantages (excellent protection, free subscription, remote blocking), Avast Mobile Security & Antivirus has several unpleasant problems. The first is the absence of a “spy camera” in Anti-Theft; it will not be possible to get the identity of the attackers. The second problem lies in the confusing interface of the web version of the antivirus.

#2 - Norton Security & Antivirus

The program is available in paid and free versions. paid version, the second lasts no more than 14 days. However, Norton Security & Antivirus is completely worth the money, as the antivirus showed best results protecting user data in our tests.

The application can provide backup of smartphone data, remote blocking important user information, device location and much more. The user's personal account is located at mobilesecurity.norton.com.

The antivirus interface is extremely simple, which will greatly help novice Android users. First place in the ranking did not go to Norton Security & Antivirus due to its “gluttony”. Optimization of the program leaves much to be desired; on devices with a small amount of RAM, you can experience slowdowns and freezes.

No. 1 - ESET NOD32 Mobile Security

The NOD32 Mobile Security interface will be familiar to those who have already used the desktop version of this product. Like most antivirus software, ESET NOD32 comes with a paid subscription that must be purchased after a 30-day trial period.

To date, ESET NOD32 Mobile Security remains the most advanced and most optimized mobile antivirus on the market. The application automatically scans the gadget's file system in the background and promptly notifies the user about threats.

The scanning itself is divided into three types: quick (checking only applications), smart (checking hidden directories on microSD) and deep (thorough scanning of all types of files on the device). For full-fledged work The Anti-Theft module requires registration of the user's personal account at my.esset.ru.

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