Mobile Security

Antivirus-type apps for Android are not needed if you are careful what you install and where you get it from. They're mostly ineffective anyway.

McAfee is horrible on anything - bloated, buggy - terrible. Try AVG. The free version is all you need.

 

I use Lookout on mine. Mostly for the lost & found feature but it does offer antivirus scanning also. It never found anything bad on mine.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lookout

 

I agree with Crash that the need for anti-virus on your phone is highly debatable. But given all our training on the desktop, it is peace of mind for many.

I recommend you look at AVG and avast for mobile. Both free in the Play store. AVG is lightweight and gets updated on pretty regular basis.

Avast is more of a security suite that can create a firewall, block numbers, etc. all behind a PIN-locked app. Yet, avast doesn't seem to slow things down much.

Lookout by contrast seems bloated to me and is a resource hog. Speaking of which, for the reason of hogging resources I never look at McAfee or Norton in any environment. Those two just flat out suck whether you are on a desktop or mobile device.

Also note, the three that I have used - lookout, avg and avast - all have lost and found features. Since they are all free, try them one at a time and check the lost and found features to see how accurate they are. They are all slightly different but will locate a lost phone. But their accuracy will differ.

 

I'll throw in a vote that the anti-malware is not required for an Android device long as you are sticking to reputable sources for your apps. I do think there is a value to a lost and found app though. To that end I'm seriously giving thought to install Cerebrus, although I haven't yet.

 

I agree on AVG AntiVirus, I have it right here on my homescreen. It never bothers me. It only notified me once about a threatening application, due to it being written 'like' a virus.

 

AFwall is free and has firewall functionality that allows you to selectively block applications.

It does so by modifying IP Tables, which means there really is no overhead.

I'm sure other programs act similarly.

Since it's free and takes no noticeable resources, there is imo no logical reason NOT to use it to block applications that you know don't need access. It brings more peace of mind to download App that needs internet permission to run it's ad...you don't have to worry about it phoning home.

 

Read the following two threads. You'll find a wealth of information and probably some good app tips as well.

http://androidforums.com/android-ap...explained-security-tips-avoiding-malware.html

http://androidforums.com/android-ap...s-unwanted-shortcuts-browsers-redirected.html

 

You can try Quick heal Mobile Antivirus.

 

I also use avg on all my devices. It runs quietly in the background, and scans all apps I install before I run them for the first time.
It may not be needed on Android but I like knowing it's there.