What are the best security apps for Android?

[THpubs]

Im searching for a good security app for my device (Note 3). There are many great apps and I did some research and narrowed down my list to 3 apps... Avast, CM Security and 360 Security. What do you think is the best option?

 

[dontpanicbobby]

Lookout has been on all my devices. No problems since 2011.

 

[THpubs]

Lookout has been on all my devices. No problems since 2011.

Actually I don't think lookout is that good. They performed badly in past AV-Tests and in the recent tests they have removed the app completely.

 

[dontpanicbobby]

Well all I can say is it has worked for me.

 

[codesplice]

I'd go ahead and cross CM Security (from Cheetah Mobile) off your list...
http://androidforums.com/threads/pu...izers-and-the-like.896663/page-5#post-6889466

And if there's any doubt left about Clean Master then please tell me why they resorted to malware to drive up installations.


http://malvertising.stopmalwares.com/2014/07/mobile-malvertising-fake-virus-alert/

Avast is the only one from your list that I would ever install on my devices, but I'm generally of the opinion that antivirus isn't strictly necessary on Android as long as you're careful about what you install. You get to see the permissions requested by apps before you install; don't install the Flashlight app that needs access to your contacts, your location, and full internet access.

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

 

[mikedt]

Well Lookout possibly for it's device location stuff, but nothing else, and certainly NOT CM or 360...

 

[THpubs]

Oh my... I did some research and found this http://androidforums.com/threads/be...ters-data-collection-and-your-privacy.919363/ To be honest CM Security is what I used... Just removed it! Thanks for the warning!

 

[shauny13]

Just install your apps from the play store or amazon, and you won't need an av on android.

 

[THpubs]

Just install your apps from the play store or amazon, and you won't need an av on android.

If you think all apps in playstore are safe... please think again : http://www.pcworld.com/article/2099...roid-apps-spike-in-the-google-play-store.html

 

[mikedt]

If you think all apps in playstore are safe... please think again : http://www.pcworld.com/article/2099...roid-apps-spike-in-the-google-play-store.html

OK apps and games with unnecessary and fooky permissions, that's nothing new, like "free" Subway Surfers tips apps that phones home all your personal and private stuff to servers in Beijing, in which case better not install that other "malware" either, namely CM and 360.

Frankly you're best "security app" there is, and if you go installing shit like that and don't pay any attention to what it actually does, then you may get what's coming to you.


BTW

"Apps in Apple’s store were not analyzed."

Don't think it's any better over with Apple, their stuff does the same, but Apple doesn't inform about any permissions that apps might be using, such as phoning home. But you agreed to them when you clicked the iTunes, iOS EULA.

 

[funkylogik]

Yup I use lookout purely for its lost /stolen location features.
All av is turned off. I dont feel like I need it

 

[codesplice]

If you think all apps in playstore are safe... please think again : http://www.pcworld.com/article/2099...roid-apps-spike-in-the-google-play-store.html

Absolutely, there are some bad eggs that have slipped into the henhouse (though I may be mixing analogies there? ), which is why it's important to review application permissions before installing them.

Use a bit of common sense, though, and you should be just fine without AV.

 

[steiny180]

BitDefender ...

 

[richardolga]

Mozila is the best one.

 

[chanchan05]

Cerberus and BitDefender.

Also ignore the AV-Test results. For one thing viruses on Android don't exist, and if you only install from reputable sources like Google Play, Amazon and XDA, and added with common sense and knowledge of what you are doing, your chances of getting malware is almost nil.

 

[EarlyMon]

Check out "Trustable by Bluebox"

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

It's not what you think, it's not an AV app - and you'll be surprised at just how much you've been guessing at security.

 

[Thom]

I use the free Norton's to automatically scan APKs as they are installed. I figure that the probability of it ever finding anything is very low but ... maybe it will.

... Thom

 

[funkylogik]

I think AppBrain do an app like that I used to use that basically warned you of potentially harmful permissions before installation.
Need to track that down again...

 

[EarlyMon]

I think AppBrain do an app like that I used to use that basically warned you of potentially harmful permissions before installation.
Need to track that down again...

Didn't work anymore last I tried it.

 

[funkylogik]

Didn't work anymore last I tried it.

Damn lollipop restriction?

 

[EarlyMon]

Damn lollipop restriction?

No no - AppBrain reorganized years ago and it's just not the same. Android version has nothing to do with it.

 

[bcrichster]

Avg Pro is what I use because it has many features that doesn't also slow the phone down like lookout

 

[funkylogik]

Avg Pro is what I use because it has many features that doesn't also slow the phone down like lookout

I haven't noticed lookout slow down my phone but it's a 3gb memory phone. We're you using real time protection? As I think I said, i only use it for its anti theft capabilities

 

[funkylogik]

No no - AppBrain reorganized years ago and it's just not the same. Android version has nothing to do with it.

Damn AppBrain!

 

[KENNECTED]

Why are people installing "security" apps on their devices??