They are part of the basic equipment on PCs, but are less common on mobile phones: virus scanners detect viruses and remove them before they can cause damage.
Detection is usually based on two different techniques. Firstly, the scanners receive the “profiles” of known malware via online updates. Secondly, they try to identify unknown malware based on its behavior. Rule of thumb: “If it behaves like a virus, it is a virus.” The antivirus software then locks the threat in a quarantine area where it can no longer cause any damage.
The best virus scanners for Android
Magdeburg-based AV-Test GmbH regularly puts virus scanners for Android through their paces. In addition to speed and ease of use (false alarms, battery life, etc.), the detection rate is decisive for the result: the programs are let loose on several thousand known malware and have to identify as many of them as possible. The test is carried out in two categories: “Latest malware” (3,000 malware apps) and “Widespread malware of the last four weeks” (2,800 malware apps).
At least 12 out of 15 apps tested detected all malicious apps. Specifically, these were products from Avast, AVG, Avira, Bitdefender, Eset, F-Secure, G-Data, Kaspersky, McAfee, Norton, Securi On OnAV and Sophos. Google Play Protect, of all things, is perhaps a decisive fraction below this, with 98.9 and 99.8 percent respectively. So it is still worth comparing virus scanners.
Die complete test results can be found on the website of AV-Test GmbH.
A notice: In light of the political tensions between Germany and Russia, the Federal Office for Information Security warns against the use of programs from the Russian manufacturer Kaspersky Lab.
Differences in functionality and price
The range of functions of the respective software plays no role in the AV-Test result. In our view, this is correct, as it has no influence on the core function, protection against malware. Moreover, there is no “right” or “wrong” here.
Some users prefer simple software that focuses on the essentials and is perhaps free or at most ad-supported. Others value the most comprehensive package of security features possible and are prepared to pay for it. On the AV-Test website, you can find out which of the following additional features each virus scanner tested offers:
• Application Control: Functions that allow, block or restrict access to certain apps. Our assessment: Application control often overlaps with functions that Android already offers as standard. This reduces their usefulness.
• Backup: Back up your personal data on the SD card or in a cloud storage. Our assessment: The old saying applies that (only) one backup is as good as no backup. Therefore, it doesn’t do any harm if the virus scanner creates an additional one.
• Call Blocker: Call blocking for specific or unknown numbers. Our assessment: Most Android devices allow you to block unwanted callers without additional software. The function is particularly interesting if it makes it easier to use and, if necessary, downloads known numbers of telephone spammers in order to block them automatically.
• Privacy Advisor: Functions for evaluating the data collected by apps based on permissions, data traffic or trustworthiness. Our assessment: Such digital advisory functions can make it easier for less experienced users in particular to use their smartphones safely. The amount of information and how it is prepared play a decisive role.
• Safe browsing: Protection against malicious websites and/or phishing sites. Our assessment: With the solutions we know, Safe Browsing is based on a database that lists websites that have already been classified as potentially dangerous. How well Safe Browsing works depends largely on the quality of this database. For us, it is enough to display potentially dangerous websites that Google has integrated into its results lists.
• VPN: Use of a virtual private network to protect data traffic and surf anonymously. Our assessment: Using a VPN can significantly increase security when surfing. However, it is not a “cure-all” that allows you to surf the web without worrying once activated. Using a VPN takes practice!
• WiFi Advisor/Check: Test to detect secure and insecure WiFi connections. Our assessment: Android’s onboard tools are actually sufficient for this. Here, too, WiFi connections can be detected that are not encrypted at all or are encrypted using an outdated encryption method. Depending on which Android version is running on the phone, the WiFi Advisor can still help – for example, with automatic warnings and a clear display.
In terms of price, Android virus scanners offer nothing new to experienced app buyers. You can find both free and ad-supported software. There are trial versions that stop the service after the trial period or block certain functions. Manufacturers of so-called freemium apps offer a free scope that can be expanded with additional paid functions. The trend is towards subscription models where a fee is paid regularly as long as the antivirus software is used.
What is the best free antivirus for Android?
Basically, any of the virus scanners mentioned above that achieved the full score of 18 points is worth recommending. What the AV-Test does not answer, however, is the question of the best free virus scanner for Android. Here are our recommendations from practice:
- With over 100 million downloads and an average rating of 4.7, AVG AntiVirus Free is our favorite. The number of reviews also plays a role in our assessment. A whopping 7.8 million users have rated the software mostly very positively.
- Avast Mobile Security performs almost as well. Only the smaller number of positive reviews – 7.2 million – differentiates the two. No wonder: AVG and Avast come from the same manufacturer.
- Kaspersky also has very good ratings. However, the provider is based in Russia, which is why the Federal Office for Information Security advises against using it. The next best solution is Eset Mobile Security, the free version of which can be activated by entering an email address.
Despite numerous free offers, investing in a virus scanner can be worthwhile. This is because the free antivirus programs only become active when the malware scanner is started manually. As far as we know, a scan function that regularly and automatically searches for malware in the background is only available in paid solutions, for example the aforementioned AVG AntiVirus in the Pro or Ultimate tariff (from 12 euros per year).
What additional measures are recommended?
Even if you have already equipped your phone with a virus scanner, you can take further steps to increase your security:
- Only use trusted sources for apps: Only install apps from trusted sources such as the Google Play Store or from the manufacturers’ websites. Avoid installing apps from unknown websites or opening links in messages that seem suspicious.
- Read reviews and check app permissions: Before installing an app, read reviews and pay attention to the permissions the app asks for. For example, if an app asks for access to personal information or features like microphone or camera that are not required for its main functions, this could indicate malware.
- Install all updates: Make sure you install all available updates for your Android device. These updates often fix security vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers to install malware.
- Avoid risky websites and downloads: Websites with pornography, gambling and illegal downloads in particular have often proven to be “virus spreaders”. In particular, avoid downloading files from such sites!
Source: www.connect.de
