Android has grown to become the largest computing platform on the planet, and that makes it a target. You can’t spend much time on the internet without hearing about some new piece of Android malware that’s going to definitely, 100 percent wreck your phone. These reports are always based in fact, but they can overstate the real risks of picking up a piece of malware, and the definition of malware can be quite vague. Security firms are usually pushing a virus scanning app of some sort. However, Android is by its very nature more secure than a desktop computer, so maybe you don’t need these security apps. You’ve probably already got what you need.
The Scare Tactics
In the most recent report from AV-Comparatives, we learned that most of the antivirus apps on Android don’t even do anything to check apps for malicious behavior. They just use white/blacklists to flag apps, which is ineffective and makes them little more than advertising platforms with some fake buttons. Shocking and upsetting, right? They can get away with it because true Android viruses that take over your device are not as common as you’d expect. “Malware” can encompass milder threats like apps that harvest personal information or trigger pop-up ads.
Free antivirus and security for all devices. Protect all of your devices from viruses and other malware with our intelligent threat-detection technology. Simply enter your email address below and we’ll send free antivirus download links for Windows, Mac, Android, and iPhone directly to your inbox.
Android and other mobile platforms have their roots in the modern era when programmers understood the dangers of the internet. We’ve all been programmed what to expect by PC malware, which can sneak onto your system simply because you visited the wrong website with a vulnerable browser. These “drive-by downloads” aren’t feasible on Android without a pre-existing infection. On Android, you have to physically tap on a notification to install an APK downloaded from a source outside the Play Store. Even then, there are security settings that need to be manually bypassed. Candy crush saga apk free download for android.
So, what about malware on the Play Store? Again, that depends on what you mean by malware. The most severe security risks will never make it into the store. Google’s platform has the ability to scan for known malware when it’s uploaded. There’s also a human review process in place for anything that looks even a little bit questionable. You might occasionally hear about some “malware” apps in the Play Store, usually related to information harvesting or advertising shenanigans. Top 10 free apps to download for android. Google deals with these quickly, but anti-malware apps won’t catch this sort of thing.
The solution pushed by AV companies is to install a security suite that manually scans every app, monitors your Web traffic, and so on. These apps tend to be a drain on resources and are generally annoying with plentiful notifications and pop-ups. You probably don’t need to install Lookout, AVG, Symantec/Norton, or any of the other AV apps on Android. Instead, there are some completely reasonable steps you can take that won’t drag down your phone. For example, your phone already has antivirus protection built-in.
What You Should Do to Stay Safe
Your first line of defense is to simply not mess around with Android’s default security settings. To get Google certification, each and every phone and tablet comes with “Unknown sources” disabled in the security settings. If you want to sideload an APK downloaded from outside Google Play, your phone will prompt you to enable that feature for the originating app. Leaving this disabled keeps you safe from virtually all Android malware because there’s almost none of it in the Play Store.
There are legitimate reasons to allow unknown sources, though. For example, Amazon’s Appstore client sideloads the apps and games you buy, and many reputable sites re-host official app updates that are rolling out in stages so you don’t have to wait your turn. Along with the Play Store, you also have Google Play Protect, which scans your apps for malicious activity. Updates to Play Protect roll out via Play Services, so you don’t need system updates to remain protected. In most cases, installing a third-party AV app just duplicates the work of Play Protect.
Users have been rooting their Android phones ever since the first handsets hit the market, but it’s less common these days. The platform offers many of the features people used to root in order to acquire. Using rooted Android is basically like running a computer in administrator mode. While it’s possible to run a rooted phone safely, it’s definitely a security risk. Some exploits and malware need root access to function and are otherwise harmless even if you do somehow install them. If you don’t have a good reason to root your phone or tablet, just don’t open yourself up to that possibility.
Android apps also exist that might not be “malware” per se, but you might not want them on your phone because they snoop through your data. Most people don’t read the permissions for the apps they install, but the Play Store does make all that information available. As of Android 6.0 and later, apps need to request access to sensitive permissions like access to your contacts, local storage, microphone, camera, and location tracking. If an app has reason to access these modules (like a social networking app), you’re probably fine. If, however, a flashlight app is asking for your contact list, you might want to think again. The system settings include tools to manually revoke permissions for any app.
It really just takes a tiny bit of common sense to avoid Android malware. If you do nothing else, keeping your downloads limited to the Play Store and other 100 percent trustworthy sources will keep you safe from almost all threats out there. The antivirus apps are at best redundant and at worst a detriment to your system performance.
![]()
Now read:
Antivirus Software For Phone Download Free
Looking for the best free antivirus software? AVG AntiVirus FREE is obviously our favorite pick, but if you need an unbiased review of the best free antivirus program, you’re in luck. On February 11, 2019, PC Mag’s Neil Rubenking rounded up the top 10 free antivirus programs for 2019, with handy links to his unbiased, independent reviews for each. So if you’re in need of free protection for Windows 7, 8, or 10, here are his top picks:
Read on for a quick summary of each review of the best free antivirus software.
Avast Free Antivirus - (Editors’ Choice, PC Mag)
Avast Free Antivirus took the top spot thanks to a combination of great test results and built-in features. In addition to its proven malware protection and excellent phishing protection, Avast packs in a basic password manager, a secure web browser, and more. Avast’s all-in-one Smart Scan searches for hidden malware, unwanted browser add-ons, network threats, and PC performance issues. (But if you want to solve any performance issues it finds, you’ll have to purchase Avast Cleanup Premium.)
Need a second opinion? In 2019 Avast Free Antivirus was awarded Product of the Year 2018 by AV-Comparatives, the global independent review organization. AV-Comparatives gave Avast an Advanced+ Award in every test, awarded it the Gold Award in its malware protection test, and said, “Our reviewers praised its clear, modern, touch-friendly interface and comprehensive Smart Scan feature.”
Kaspersky Free
Kaspersky Free has earned excellent marks in independent test labs, despite its lack of extra features found in some other free antivirus products. The interface shows the same six icons as in the paid Kaspersky Internet Security, but only Scan and Database Update are available to free users. If you want access to Safe Money, Privacy Protection, Parental Control, and Protection for All Devices, you’ll need to pay. That said, Kaspersky Free still gives you real-time security, very good phishing protection, and even warns of unsafe websites. Not bad for a free antivirus.
Need a second opinion?Tom’s Guide says that Kaspersky is “bare-bones basic, lacking items such as a password manager, hardened browser, firewall or other bells and whistles that rival brands build their free security software around.”
AVG AntiVirus FREE
PC Mag praised AVG AntiVirus FREE for achieving very good scores in a variety of independent tests, and for its excellent protection against phishing. AVG’s on-demand scan searches for hidden malware, unwanted browser add-ons, and PC performance issues. AVG AntiVirus FREE also gives you a free File Shredder to securely delete sensitive files. AVG protects against 0-day threats by preventing unknown (and potentially dangerous) files from opening and sending them to AVG Threat Labs for deeper analysis. If they’re found to be malicious, a cure is created and pushed out to you and all AVG users.
Need a second opinion? In its review '8 of the Best Free Antivirus Software Options', Mashable noted that AVG AntiVirus FREE has the most accurate virus detection, saying, “AVG AntiVirus FREE is near flawless with its ability to detect viruses and malware. It's unlikely anything is getting through this.”
Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition
Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition includes the same core anti-malware components of Bitdefender’s paid product, but with a far cleaner interface. It obviously lacks the more advanced features of its bigger brother, but still provides excellent performance and has earned top scores in independent lab tests. But if you want a password manager, you’ll need Bitdefender’s paid antivirus (or get it free with Avast Free Antivirus). Looking for a secure file shredder? Paid version only (or free in AVG AntiVirus FREE). But for basic security, Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition is still a safe choice.
Need a second opinion?CNET says “Bitdefender Antivirus Free is refreshingly free of the ‘extra’ features and tools that make some apps unwieldy and confusing”.
Check Point ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus+ 2017
Check Point ZoneAlarm is a free antivirus-firewall combo that licenses its antivirus engine from security giant Kaspersky. Aside from this antivirus component, though, all features here are the same as you’ll find in Check Point ZoneAlarm Free Firewall 2017. And that’s a good thing, because their standalone firewall was a PC Mag Editors’ Choice winner. So, for many people, this antivirus-firewall combo will be more than good enough. But if you’re looking for features like web-based security and real-time, cloud-based protection, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
Need a second opinion?Tech Advisor says ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus+ is “a basic, but capable internet security suite”.
Sophos Home FreeAntivirus Software For Android Phone Free Download
Sophos Home Free comes from Sophos, a company mainly focused on business security, and their free antivirus offers much of the same protection as their business products, including remote security management for up to three PCs or Macs. This means you can also install the free antivirus on a less tech-savvy family member’s computer and remotely manage their security for them. Sophos Home Free offers excellent phishing protection and very good malicious URL blocking, but unfortunately suffers a bit in PC Mag’s hands-on malware protection test.
Need a second opinion?SecurityGladiators echoes PC Mag’s review that Sophos Home Free “offered great performance on various antiphishing tests” but “isn’t as good at malware protection tests”.
Avira Antivirus
Avira Antivirus received excellent scores in independent testing labs and a very good score in PC Mag’s malware blocking test. When installing Avira Antivirus, you also have the chance to install other tools, including Avira Connect to launch and manage your other Avira products. On the negative side, both of its on-demand and real-time scans are slow, and its Browser Safety component only works with Chrome and Firefox. Puzzle bobble game free download for android apk. But overall, Avira Antivirus is worth a try for its accurate malware detection.
Need a second opinion? Tom’s Guide says, “Avira Free Antivirus has a heavy system load while providing only so-so malware protection.”
Antivirus Software For Phone Download AppAdaware Antivirus Free
Adaware Antivirus Free comes from Adaware, a company formerly known as Lavasoft. This version of their free antivirus comes with a new look, but lacks features found in other free products — including the company’s own previous edition. Adaware Antivirus Free has received mixed scores in independent tests, and it doesn’t provide any protection against malicious URLs. At the end of the day, it’s a free antivirus, so there’s really no risk to try it, but you’ll find more features and better protection in the competition.
Need a second opinion?Softpedia says Adaware Antivirus Free is “a reliable choice”.
Comodo Antivirus 10
Comodo Antivirus 10 is Comodo’s newest antivirus, having skipped from version 8 straight to version 10. This newest version rocks an all-new look, but you can still revert to the “Classic” theme via settings. According to PC Mag, Comodo’s “results ranged from perfect to dismal”. The free antivirus sports impressive on-access scan results and even includes sandboxing, but you’ll need to pony up for the paid suite if you need web-based protection. Also, pay careful attention during installation, because Comodo tries to change your default homepage, new tab page, and default search engine to Yahoo!
Need a second opinion?Tech Advisor’s verdict on Comodo Antivirus 10 is that it’s “a powerful antivirus tool, highly configurable and with plenty of interesting features.”
Panda Free Antivirus
Panda Free Antivirus finished last in PC Mag’s top 10 list, but it’s still got a few good things going for it. For one, it’s got a pretty interface. It’s also speedy and lightweight, and includes USB Protection to vaccinate any USB device you plug into your PC. But if you’re installing a 3rd-party antivirus, you’re looking for protection, aren’t you? Panda Free Antivirus unfortunately underperforms in this respect, as its detection rates have apparently waned recently in independent virus lab tests.
Need a second opinion?Softpedia says “Panda Free Antivirus does an excellent job when it comes to identifying infected files while remaining light on system resources.”
Is Windows Defender good enough? No
Because Windows Defender is included free in the latest versions of Windows, you’re probably (rightfully) asking why you should even bother with a free 3rd-party antivirus. Short answer: Because Windows Defender isn’t good enough.
Antivirus Software For Phone Download Manager![]() “Even if you're running Windows 10, you shouldn't rely on Microsoft's security tools. Many free third-party apps are more effective at keeping you safe.” — Neil Rubenking, PC Mag Best Free Antivirus Protection for 2019
First released over a decade ago as a downloadable anti-spyware program for Windows XP, Windows Defender later evolved into a full-fledged, built-in antivirus for Windows 8 and Windows 10. Unfortunately, early versions of Windows Defender were miles behind 3rd-party antivirus software in terms of malware detection. But that’s improved a bit, and today Windows Defender actually does an OK job of blocking threats. But it still lags behind in phishing protection and malicious URL blocking, and it can’t compete with the extra security features included in many free 3rd-party security software.
Software For Sony Ericsson
So, if you’re not comfortable with just “OK” protection of your private photos, documents, and data, you’d best install a 3rd-party solution. Many free antivirus programs provide far more features, better detection rates, and overall better security than Windows Defender.
Antivirus Software For Phone Download Pc
Need a second opinion?Tom’s Guide gives Windows Defender a 3.5 out of 5, saying, “Defender's low system impact is offset by its long scan times and lack of creature comforts, such as the ability to schedule scans.”
Comments are closed.
|
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |