Security Apps For Android: Protection For Smartphones And Tablets

Many users handle their personal data without care. Bank transactions are managed, passwords stored or private content stored on the Android device without securing the smartphone or tablet accordingly. Just like with a PC, you are often only smarter when it is too late and strangers are tapping data. Also on the smartphone, the following applies: caution is better than a message.

In the Android area, it is even faster to load apps infected with malware from the Play Store than is the case with iOS devices. If an attack occurs, it can be expensive under certain circumstances - either because the device can no longer be used properly or because someone is doing damage with the accessed data.

Antivirus apps on the Google Play Store

Security apps on Android help, but are not a must

To secure the Android device, additional apps do not necessarily have to be installed. In contrast to a PC, an Android phone does not require additional protection software. Rather, you should pay attention to your behavior during everyday use. So you shouldn't install every app whose source is unknown. Viruses often reach the smartphone via APK files in particular. But there are also some compromised applications in the Google Play Store. When installing, you should always keep an eye on the app permissions. If a simple flashlight app requires access to the contact details or the location, it means to show skepticism.

Basically, you should not install apps whose source is unknown.
You should also avoid entering your access data for the Google account or similar on dubious platforms. This mainly includes apps and websites that alleged hacks, e.g. B. promise for free currency and cheats for game apps. These offers usually hide fakes that phishing access data or end in an expensive subscription trap.

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In general, all applications should be kept up to date with an update. Attackers always try to exploit security gaps that are closed by updates.
Attackers can use a public WLAN to access data or manipulate supposed security apps and deactivate their protective functions.
In order to avoid falling into a subscription trap via SMS, it is recommended to contact the mobile provider to set up a third-party lock.
To organize the cell phone after a loss or theft, Google offers the device manager directly. Here the location of the device can be called up directly in the browser. If the smartphone was simply misplaced, you can ring it at the click of a mouse; if it is lost, there is also the function to delete the data on the device remotely.

Android device manager: picture-by-picture instructions

These security apps for Android can do something

With some security apps, the Android device can be additionally secured. However, you should only download these applications from reputable sources, especially the Google Play Store. Free applications usually leave something to be desired in terms of their functions, so if you really want to increase security, you have to pay a corresponding price. Most of the security apps can initially be tested for free in their basic functions. Although some apps promise the function of taking and sending a photo of a thief in the event of unauthorized use, in Germany this function can generally not be used without restriction for data protection reasons. Most importantly, the app needs real-time protection offers and that it is automatically switched on when you start your Android device.

The perfect and 100% secure app doesn't exist, but to narrow the selection a bit, here are a few of the best tested antivirus and security apps:

The app version of Kaspersky Internet Security offers proper virus protection for mobile devices.

Download Kaspersky Security: Antivirus and Mobile Phone Protection Developer: Kaspersky Lab Switzerland Price: Free

With the app, a cell phone can be locked if it is lost from outside.
In addition, certain contacts can be blocked and content can be hidden on the smartphone.

Avast Anti-Theft works reliably for free. Once the security app is installed, a device lock can be activated remotely. In addition, smartphone data can be backed up in order to easily transfer the personal content to another device. Additional functions:

The app could not be found in the app store.

Virus scan with constantly updated database (also for data on SD card)
SMS and call filters
Tips for improving data protection
Display of the assigned app permissions
App-Shield for checking newly downloaded and already installed apps
Overview of the data consumption of apps
Firewall for rooted smartphones

Virus scanners, data protection, application management, SMS and call filters, anti-theft and much more, avast Antivirus offers numerous functions to protect your Android device from harmful attacks.

If you want to manage your passwords on your Android smartphone, you will find the right app with KeePassDroid. The application saves all passwords encrypted, access is via a master password. On the topic: The best password manager apps for Android.

Download KeePassDroid Developer: Brian Pellin Price: Free

Lookout Mobile Security mainly checks attachments from emails and apps for viruses and Trojans. If you want to access your data even after the device has been lost, you can use the backup functions of the application. If the cell phone is still switched on, the location can be shown on a map.

Download Lookout for Work Developer: Lookout Mobile Security Price: Free

Conclusion: security apps are not always necessary

Even the best security app doesn't help much if you don't pay attention to your own user behavior. Basically, you should pay close attention to the source of all content that you control with the Android device. It is not uncommon for dubious apps to display ads that pretend to be various security gaps on the device in the best scareware manner. The user is tempted to install an appropriate APK, which is supposed to correct the security deficiencies, but actually only brings the virus to the Android system. More on this: Android phone can (13) virus - how to remove it from the smartphone.

Elsewhere you will find out whether you can really make your Android phone faster with tuning apps.

More about Android security here too.

Original article from January 29, 2013, last revised on August 9, 2016