Today, users of mobile devices based on Android systems are increasingly faced with the need to install anti-virus and anti-spyware software on their devices. And there are quite a lot of such software packages in the same Play Market repository or in other sources. But what to choose from all this? Next will be given the rating of antiviruses for Android. However, it should be noted that the placement of programs on the lines of the rating is very conditional, since any publications or even the users themselves, who evaluate the operation of applications in practice, may have their own preferences and opinions. In addition, although most of the programs presented below contain, so to speak, a mandatory basic set of tools and modules that provide protection for a mobile device, nevertheless, not all applications are far from equal in functionality as it might seem at first glance.
Why did you need to use antivirus software in Android systems?
The days when viruses and malware attacked exclusively DOS and Windows systems are a thing of the distant past. Today, the stationary operating systems Mac OS X and Linux (even iOS is vulnerable to infection) remain immune to viruses.
So why then there was a need to protect Android-systems that are built just on the basis of Linux? Virus programmers use the simplest methods by which viruses can infect devices. This download is in the form of 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 are in a hurry to install an interesting program, and in the end they get a headache.
Basically, in the Android environment, Trojans (and at the same time encryptors), stealing personal data and confidential information, and finally encryption files with blocking access to the system, are most often found. Among all these threats, viruses such as Godless, Faketoken, Loki, Marcher and Triada are especially dangerous. The latter, by the way, was discovered recently - in March 2017.
Although all programs are thoroughly scanned in the Google repository , threats were also detected there. But they managed to neutralize. Therefore, the very first tip: in order not to install a paid or free antivirus for Android, never install applications downloaded from dubious sources. As you can see, even with the "Play Market" should be careful.
Antivirus rating for Android
As for modern antivirus software, as one would expect, the top ten were eminent developers of similar software for stationary computer systems, although there were some surprises.
The relative antivirus rating for Android is approximately as follows:
- 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 consider each software product in more detail, paying attention to some important aspects of functionality and use, without ignoring the issues of the possibility of downloading and installing free versions of applications.
CM Security
This package (full name CM Security AntiVirus AppLock) is a fairly interesting development by Cheetah Mobile). It combines almost all the necessary tools to provide protection.
This free antivirus for the Android phone in its functionality contains a standard scanner and monitor, anti-theft, URL blocker, unwanted contacts and access to installed applications, as well as a network connection protection module.
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 installed software). Launching can be done with a password. True, there are also disadvantages. For example, in the application at the start of the scan there is no choice of the scanning method, and immediately after installation the user is prompted to register with the cloud service. But in it you can save a backup copy of the system, bypassing Google services. In addition, the antivirus in testing showed a minimal load on system resources. In general, judging by the reviews of experts, he makes a very good impression.
Kaspersky Internet Security
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 in the arsenal has a scanner, anti-theft, web filter, contact blocker and SMS. After a 30-day period, some functions are blocked, and you have to scan manually. But the scanning itself is carried out quite quickly (in contrast to its stationary counterpart). Other functions are standard. The only drawback of the entire package is the lack of protection for network connections and Internet traffic. But in configuring the protection system modules, the user is provided with 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 widely known to users for a similar development for stationary systems.
In this package, in addition to standard modules (scanner, antivirus, etc.), you can find a special system for protecting against phishing, an application verification module, as well as a special tool for protecting the SIM card, which can be useful to many users, for example, in case of loss smartphone or tablet.
As for scanning, the program offers a choice of three test options: fast, intelligent and deep. In the first case, only installed user applets, system components, libraries and ZIP archives are checked up to the third level of attachment in directories. In the second case, a check of the removable SD card is added. In the third version, absolutely all files are scanned both on the internal and removable drives. In addition to this, you can choose a method to eliminate or isolate detected threats (as is done in a stationary scanner). But the most important minus is the lack of protection for network connections.
Avast Mobile Security & Antivirus
Before us is another well-known representative of antivirus software. Avast anti-virus for Android is available in two versions: free and premium. However, both versions include a very interesting toolkit.
Among all that Avast has a free antivirus for Android, it is worth highlighting the presence of a firewall, a web screen, a geofesing system, a security adviser, and even a system optimizer.
The geofesing feature is very unusual. In its settings, you can set the range in which the device can be moved. When going beyond its limits, the device is completely blocked with an audible signal. A security adviser can also be equally useful, which, when detecting potential threats, gives advice on how to fix problems.
In the Premium version, as additional tools, you can find a system for detecting and suppressing (disabling) advertising, the ability to remotely control it, and restore and copy media files using cloud storage. But the optimizer, despite the statements of developers about its presence in the main package, needs to be downloaded separately. But since in this case we are talking about an antivirus package, I think that most users do not need this module.
360 security
Antiviruses for Android in Russian cannot be viewed without mentioning a relatively new Chinese development called 360 Security, which is absolutely free.
In principle, the capabilities of the software package look quite standard, however, the scan, along with the main components being scanned, also affects temporary files located in the system. Another tool that is not typical for antiviruses is the ability to manage installed applications and transfer them to an SD card. Alas, there is no control over network connections, which, to put it mildly, is simply frightening to many users. But if you look at the program as a whole, there is the most necessary minimum of opportunities in the field of protection.
Dr.Web v.9 Anti-Virus
Antivirus for Android Doctor Web, like many other software products from this list, is not necessary. The package itself is available in three versions: basic (active for 14 days), advanced Premium (fully paid) and Light (free).
Among the most interesting modules are the Internet filter (Cloud Checker), firewall and anti-spam module. A distinctive feature of this application is that it allows you to unlock your mobile device, even if infected with blocking viruses. In addition, there is a specially tuned function to completely delete 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 trick on its owner. But most experts do not recommend using this applet as a scanner. Validation takes a very long time and with a significant load of system resources.
AVG Antivirus Free / Pro
This package is quite simple and has a standard set of tools. It can be downloaded in Free and Pro versions, 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 functions are not protection tools, but the system performance optimization module (process control, battery saving, memory cleaning, etc.) that modern antivirus software does not need in the arsenal at all.
Avira Antivirus Security
Before us is another anti-virus package known for stationary systems with a set of standard modules, which is available in basic and premium versions. The basic version works 30 days.
After the trial period has expired, the URL blocking function and the anti-virus database are automatically disabled, which is fully operational once a day. The only, perhaps, interesting and non-standard function can be called checking email addresses from the existing list of contacts. But even all the advantages fade against the background of lack of network protection and localization for Russian-speaking users.
Norton Security & Antivirus
This antivirus is a pretty good way to provide protection for a mobile device, although it has at its disposal the most common tools. The package is available in a free (trial) version and paid modification.
If you look, by and large the user receives the most necessary minimum. True, a backup and file recovery function has been added to this minimum. But in general, the evaluation of the program may look like a well-known saying: "Simple, but with taste." However, one of the main advantages can be called the fact that the application does not load system resources in any way, and does not require special attention even at default settings, working in the background and not distracting the user from other matters.
McAfee Security & Antivirus Free
Finally, the closest antivirus rating for Android is yet another McAfee package known to many. The free version has all the necessary tools, including a built-in network connection scanner.
The paid version of Premium is additionally equipped with a backup system, but for some reason only multimedia data. But the anti-virus scanner, in addition to the main objects in the system or on removable media, is also able to check QR codes. Another interesting feature is the automatic forwarding of a photograph of an attacker who stole a mobile device. When the battery is low, you can configure automatic storage of the latest geolocation through the GPS module.
Total
Only one most important question remains open: “Which antivirus to choose for Android?”. User reviews on the Internet are divided. Some install antivirus software exclusively known brands, not paying attention to functionality. Others categorically do not accept shareware and paid versions (with unnecessary additional tools including). So what software product can be called universal, and so that it suits both of them? Based on the opinions of experts and software tools, CM Security AntiVirus & AppLock is still recognized as the best by far because of the most powerful functionality, free distribution and the fact that it is not burdened by unnecessary tools, because in this case it is about ensuring the most full protection of the Android device, and not about systems designed to backup or optimize the operation of the device.
However, world ratings testify to this very fact. But be that as it may, the choice is always up to the user. But user preferences in favor of a particular software product may not always be objective. But the most important thing is that, if there is already a need to install antivirus software, you should download it only from trusted sources, because instead of protection you can run malware into your system and then you will have to restore not only your files and applications, and the whole system.