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These vulnerabilities mainly arise due to a lack of security updates.
Google announced in July 2023 that onlyAndroid version 10 and abovewill receive security patches going forward.
Below is the distribution of Android versions used worldwide.
More than 25% of the Android versions will not receive security patches.
The following apps will help you to protect your Android devices from online identity & security threats.
Verdict: If malware and safe browsing are your primary concern, this app is appropriate for you.
It can efficiently detect dangerous threats and remove them before your unit gets compromised.
Malwarebytes Mobile Securityoffers real-time shields and scans for even sophisticated phishing URLs while you use the Chrome web client.
It also alerts you in case it detects anything suspicious to ensure a safe browsing experience.
The utility conducts periodic privacy audits by identifying access permissions of your apps installed on your phone or tablet.
you’re able to also check out our detailedreview of Malwarebytesfor more information.
Want to try out?
Malwarebytes offers a 30-day free trial with all the premium features.
This free-to-download app has excellent features to keep you safe in this ever-dangerous digital territory.
Besides, it also pings you when a new rig connects to your WiFi data pipe.
Overall, it provides Kaspersky 360-degree protection in a freemium package which is definitely worth considering.
Norton 360 Mobile Security
Norton 360 mobile security covers all bases to offer complete peace of mind.
It helps you fight against online threats with its malware detection, advert blocker, WiFi analyzer, etc.
Additionally, you get powerful phishing detectors indicating risky links in text messages, emails, and apps.
Likewise, it identifies your personal information leaks over the dark web.
you could check this and more with its 14-day premium trial.
McAfee Security
McAfee security packs a capable cybersecurity suite to become the guardian of your smartphone.
AVG Antivirus & Security
AVG is another freemium mobile security solution with a decently powerful free version.
Its paid subscription is frequently dubbed as well worth by its enormous user base.
A paid subscription is clearly more potent with the advanced protection for 5-devices per plan.
It boasts of:
In addition to your Android smartphone, Bitdefender also protects Android wear devices.
Besides, its autopilot mode recommends security actions based on usage.
Overall, Bitdefender has a solid premium subscription and a capable free plan anyone can take benefit of.
As a result of blocking unwanted ads and trackers, youll be able to browse a lot faster.
Its user interface may not impress you much.
However, its features will surely soothe your mind.
Secure Call
It ensures your calls in such a way that nobody can listen to them.
Secure Call provides end-to-end encryption for your private calls, thus preventing them from being overheard by intruders.
It uses a default phone app to make and receive phone calls.
Verdict: If you want end-to-end encryption for phone calls, use Secure Call.
Orbot creates a genuinely private mobile data connection.
They offer a free trial and multiple paid options to choose from.
All paid plans are for a year, and you choose what you want to protect.
you could also choose which features to purchase i.e., total protection, VPN only, etc.
Read our review tolearn more about F-Secure VPN.
As for features, these depend on the plan you want to purchase.
If you need it, there is also a parental control option.
This sophisticated antivirus can keep hackers at bay while helping you find your lost unit and secure it.
With on-demand and on-install scanning features, this antivirus protects your devices along with its data from malicious applications.
They constantly update the scanner with the latest security patches and offer automatic scanning for applications upon installation immediately.
Anti-theft features can geo-locate, lock, and notify your gadget from internet-powered devices.
VIPRE has an autopilot feature that works like your security advisor.
Add an extra layer of protection with fingerprint sensor support included in the app.
Whats more the antivirus comes with a PIN timeout feature.
Its price is $15.99 for one year, one gear.
Its free version offers protection against spyware, adware, and banking trojans, as well as ransomware.
The antitheft module is also free.
Comodo Mobile Security is more than an antivirus.
In addition to its high-performance malware engine.
Fo one or two devices, the savings are unsubstantial to none.
FAQs
A good antivirus not only gives on-unit security but internet protection as well.
This makes it better than the present status of built-in Android security protocols.
So yes, having a dedicated antivirus solution is beneficial and more trustworthy.
Free antivirus is better than having no antivirus.
That being said, free (security) products can be dangerous themselves.
They might be making money from you in ways you wouldnt approve of.
Ultimately, getting a good paid antivirus has no equal.
It depends on the program at hand.
But generally, yes.
An antivirus runs real-time background scans and can feel like slowing your Android down a bit.
However, it keeps your system free from malware, which can hurt performance and security more than anything.
There is no fixed number.
And typically, modern antivirus programs with real-time protection are set and forget things.
They alert you in case of need and dont need your intervention otherwise.
But if it matters to you much, run a full-scan scan weekly, if not daily.
Wrapping Up
On this list, I tried to include the best free and paid Android Antivirus.