Android On Lockdown
Mobile security apps go beyond just anti-virus protection, and here are the essential ones
There is a debate to be had over whether or not Android security apps are even necessary.Proponents claim that Android malware is so common you are certain to get infected without adequate protection, while critics say that as long as you're careful about what you download you will ultimately be safe.
The truth is somewhere in the middle; Android security apps extend beyond anti-virus -there are firewall apps, antiphishing apps, and other anti-malware apps that also need to be considered.Here we take a look at some of the best security apps out there. Note that some of the apps below cover multiple security vectors, but for each one we've highlighted what we believe to be its strongest assets.
CM Security Antivirus
GREAT FOR: ANTI-VIRUS, ANTI-PHISHING
CM Security is one of the most popular antivirus apps on Android. It's been downloaded almost half a billion times, and plays nicely with almost every version of Android. Its features can be split into two parts the anti-virus protection and the “AppLock“ functionality. The antivirus protection lets you check for malicious Wi-Fi hotspots, system vulnerabilities, and scan new apps, file systems and websites. It also boasts great anti-phishing tools, with real-time scanning of URLs and instant warning notifications.
The AppLock automatically takes a selfie of anyone who entered the wrong password twice, lets you lock individual apps, and block unwanted calls, among other things.
Avast! Mobile Security
GREAT FOR: ANTI-VIRUS, ANTI-THEFT
Arguably CM Security's biggest rival is Avast. The PC version forms one part of the triumvirate of free anti-virus protection that dominates the market (along with AVG and Avira), and the Android version has been steadily growing in popularity. It offers extensive protections, including a virus and malware scanner, a Trojan removal tool, app permission management, app locking, and a call blocker. Unlike CM Security, however, it does not include features to control or observe the activity of children.
Its standout feature is arguably its anti-theft provisions; you can control your device via SMS, remotely lock and wipe it, force it to sound an alarm, and prevent USB debugging.
NoRoot Firewall
GREAT FOR: FIREWALLS
NoRoot Firewall is the most popular firewall app by some distance. It works by creating a mock virtual private network (VPN) then rooting your apps' traffic through it. In short, it gives you complete control over how and when individual apps can access the web. For example, you can see whether apps are accessing ad data, or prevent apps from using valuable bandwidth.
When an app tries to go online, you'll receive a pop-up notification. You can then permit or deny its access. You can also control if an app can only access the Internet over Wi-Fi, mobile Internet, neither, or both. Lastly, you can create filters based on IP addresses, host names, or domain names. The developer states that the app will not work on LTE networks, but that the team are working on a fix.
Kaspersky Internet Security
GREAT FOR: ANTI-PHISHING
Kaspersky is another well-known antivirus suite in the PC market. Its Android app is free to download and use, but it really starts to shine if you pay for the premium version (Rs 599 per year). That's because the paid version unlocks the anti-phishing features, an area in which it's best-in-sector.Naturally, it offers real-time phishing protection while using your web-browser, but it will also scan text messages, WhatsApps, and emails for suspicious links.
The premium version also unlocks privacy controls and cloud protection, while the free version provides a powerful anti-virus scanner, anti-theft tools, and a call and text filter.
AFWall+ GREAT FOR: FIREWALLS
This app needs your device to be rooted. If you do have a rooted handset, it is arguably more powerful than the aforementioned NoRoot Firewall. Unlike its competitors, it functions on IPV6 (and by extension, LTE networks), it has a VPN control, a LAN control, tether control, and boasts a lock pattern for application protection. Of course, it also offers all the same features as NoRoot Firewall such as blocking by connection type, IP addresses, and host names, etc. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
GREAT FOR: ANTI-MALWARE, PRIVACY
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware claims to protect you from “malware, infected apps, and unauthorized surveillance“, and like its PC-based cousin, it is entirely free to use.
Many of the app's functions are the same as the PC version, including protection from spyware and Trojans, scanning for malicious code and security vulnerabilities, monitoring location-tracking apps. It will also constantly monitor which apps have access to your data and what they are sharing with thirdparties, presenting it all in an easy-to-follow list.
The truth is somewhere in the middle; Android security apps extend beyond anti-virus -there are firewall apps, antiphishing apps, and other anti-malware apps that also need to be considered.Here we take a look at some of the best security apps out there. Note that some of the apps below cover multiple security vectors, but for each one we've highlighted what we believe to be its strongest assets.
CM Security Antivirus
GREAT FOR: ANTI-VIRUS, ANTI-PHISHING
CM Security is one of the most popular antivirus apps on Android. It's been downloaded almost half a billion times, and plays nicely with almost every version of Android. Its features can be split into two parts the anti-virus protection and the “AppLock“ functionality. The antivirus protection lets you check for malicious Wi-Fi hotspots, system vulnerabilities, and scan new apps, file systems and websites. It also boasts great anti-phishing tools, with real-time scanning of URLs and instant warning notifications.
The AppLock automatically takes a selfie of anyone who entered the wrong password twice, lets you lock individual apps, and block unwanted calls, among other things.
Avast! Mobile Security
GREAT FOR: ANTI-VIRUS, ANTI-THEFT
Arguably CM Security's biggest rival is Avast. The PC version forms one part of the triumvirate of free anti-virus protection that dominates the market (along with AVG and Avira), and the Android version has been steadily growing in popularity. It offers extensive protections, including a virus and malware scanner, a Trojan removal tool, app permission management, app locking, and a call blocker. Unlike CM Security, however, it does not include features to control or observe the activity of children.
Its standout feature is arguably its anti-theft provisions; you can control your device via SMS, remotely lock and wipe it, force it to sound an alarm, and prevent USB debugging.
NoRoot Firewall
GREAT FOR: FIREWALLS
NoRoot Firewall is the most popular firewall app by some distance. It works by creating a mock virtual private network (VPN) then rooting your apps' traffic through it. In short, it gives you complete control over how and when individual apps can access the web. For example, you can see whether apps are accessing ad data, or prevent apps from using valuable bandwidth.
When an app tries to go online, you'll receive a pop-up notification. You can then permit or deny its access. You can also control if an app can only access the Internet over Wi-Fi, mobile Internet, neither, or both. Lastly, you can create filters based on IP addresses, host names, or domain names. The developer states that the app will not work on LTE networks, but that the team are working on a fix.
Kaspersky Internet Security
GREAT FOR: ANTI-PHISHING
Kaspersky is another well-known antivirus suite in the PC market. Its Android app is free to download and use, but it really starts to shine if you pay for the premium version (Rs 599 per year). That's because the paid version unlocks the anti-phishing features, an area in which it's best-in-sector.Naturally, it offers real-time phishing protection while using your web-browser, but it will also scan text messages, WhatsApps, and emails for suspicious links.
The premium version also unlocks privacy controls and cloud protection, while the free version provides a powerful anti-virus scanner, anti-theft tools, and a call and text filter.
AFWall+ GREAT FOR: FIREWALLS
This app needs your device to be rooted. If you do have a rooted handset, it is arguably more powerful than the aforementioned NoRoot Firewall. Unlike its competitors, it functions on IPV6 (and by extension, LTE networks), it has a VPN control, a LAN control, tether control, and boasts a lock pattern for application protection. Of course, it also offers all the same features as NoRoot Firewall such as blocking by connection type, IP addresses, and host names, etc. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
GREAT FOR: ANTI-MALWARE, PRIVACY
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware claims to protect you from “malware, infected apps, and unauthorized surveillance“, and like its PC-based cousin, it is entirely free to use.
Many of the app's functions are the same as the PC version, including protection from spyware and Trojans, scanning for malicious code and security vulnerabilities, monitoring location-tracking apps. It will also constantly monitor which apps have access to your data and what they are sharing with thirdparties, presenting it all in an easy-to-follow list.
Dan Price MumbaiMirror
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