Antivirus on the "Android" is it necessary? Review of antiviruses for the "Android" system, their features

Surely every user of a smartphone or tablet running on the operating system from Google, wondered: do you need an antivirus on "Android"? Is the system vulnerable to such attacks in the same way as Windows? If there is still a threat, what steps should be taken to protect their personal data and finances? Which antivirus is best?

Do you need antivirus software for Android?

In fact, there are two completely opposite opinions about whether to install the antivirus on "Android." Supporters of the first, to which the developers of such programs most often consider themselves, believe that they can not do without them. Others, on the contrary, are inclined to think that anti-viruses are of no use, and it is enough just not to install applications from questionable sources. However, part of the truth is present in both opinions, and she herself, as always, is in the middle. Separately, you can ask yourself if you need an antivirus on the tablet "Android." After all, in most of them there is no possibility of connecting a SIM card, accordingly, money from the account and contact details can not be stolen. But do not forget about the possible harm by stealing passwords from accounts or bank data.

Reasons to install antivirus software

Google itself tried to solve the security problem, and it turned out quite well. Starting with version 4.2 in "Android" there is a function for testing applications during installation, which is well monitored by internal threats. However, this does not save you from external threats, such as malware from a personal computer, from the network or masked by an application. As you can see, the question whether an antivirus is necessary on Android 4.2 and above or only for earlier versions is quite relevant. Note that the need to install the appropriate software exists for all who want to protect their device. There are several good reasons for this:

1. The presence of a huge number of malicious programs on various sites and even in the "Store applications."

2. Reliable data backup and storage.

3. Protection of the gadget in case of loss or theft.

4. Scanning the external and internal memory of the device for the presence of viruses that come from outside.

5. A lot of sites, visiting of which from mobile devices is unsafe.

In short, installing an antivirus is quite expedient if you want to protect your gadget from threats. So do you need an antivirus on an Android smartphone? Let's look at the most popular applications designed to provide protection, and we'll figure it out.

Avast Mobile Security & Antivirus

The application has a wide range of security functions. Here, in addition to the antivirus itself, remote locking capabilities of the device are presented, search for it on the card, surveillance of the thief with the help of the front camera, prohibition of making voice calls and exchanging text messages. There is also a blocking of applications with the ability to restrict access to mobile networks and Wi-Fi.

The anti-virus part itself works mediocre, skipping some infected applications and phishing text messages. However, the application has a decent functionality, which can also be expanded for an additional fee.

Kaspersky Internet Security

Antivirus on the "Android" is it necessary? Kaspersky Lab answers this question in the affirmative. It has released a single application for smartphones and tablets based on the Android OS, combining all the main functions of the antivirus in it. The program vigilantly monitors all attempts of malicious content to break into your device, but to expand the functionality will have to fork out, because the protection of the Internet browser and file checking is not included in the basic functionality.

In the application there are all the main chips: determining the location of the device over connected networks, secretly photographing the thief, the ability to leave instructions on the lock screen for those who want to return the lost gadget. Pin-pin protection of certain contacts and blocking of communication functions will also be in demand.

Norton Mobile Security

Norton is known to many users for its security software. The mobile application tracks virus attempts to get through the browser, offers broad anti-theft and other functions. A special feature is the scanning of the content installed from the "App Store".

However, call blocking is not very convenient to use and not effective enough, and the reset function to the factory status only clears some personal files and contacts. The plus is that all the functionality is absolutely free.

Dr.Web Security Space

The anti-virus solution from Doctor Web contains all the features that users can expect from a quality application. Firewall, protection from spam, theft, device checking for malicious code - all this is present in the development of the most famous company and works perfectly. The pluses include the constantly updated antivirus database and a very fast scan of the system.

The anti-theft function has a wide functionality at the application level from Avast. Here you can even specify a list of proxies to whom messages will be sent in case of a SIM card replacement. It can be concluded that the antivirus on "Android" offers good protection capabilities. Do you need a nice bonus - a handy widget on your desktop? If so, feel free to install the application.

Avira Antivirus Security

Antivirus "Avira" has long been possible to install on a device running "Android". It can boast a broad audience not only on computers, but also on mobile gadgets. The functions offered by the application are in no way inferior to those of the main competitors. With its main tasks, the antivirus copes well thanks to the constant updating of the databases. Scanning is fast, and after it's finished, you can see a detailed report. This will make it possible to understand whether an antivirus is needed on an Android smartphone.

Fans of frequent installation of applications will certainly like the function of restricting access to personal data without a request. By the same disadvantages of "Avira" can be attributed to the low accuracy of determining the current location of the device, the lack of Russian localization and paid premium features.

AVG Mobile AntiVirus

Among the programs intended for anti-virus protection, AVG deservedly takes a leading position. There is a scanning of all files on the device, a firewall, blocking of sites containing suspicious and dangerous content, geolocation of the lost gadget and giving a loud sound signal for its search. For a fee, you can unlock premium features: photographing a thief, blocking when trying to extract a SIM card, completely disabling the installation of third-party applications, as well as data backup.

By the disadvantages can be attributed the presence of useless elements, such as fake optimization of energy saving and performance. As you can see, the features of the free version are meager in comparison with the offers of competitors, but the application provides a basic level of protection against viruses at a high level.

Other antiviruses

Also worthy of attention are antivirus solutions from the company McAfee, which offers a good basic functionality. Trend Micro Mobile Security & Antivirus can please the lack of built-in advertising and the availability of good security features. ESET Mobile Security & Antivirus boasts a convenient and pleasant interface, however, the application does not offer the highest level of protection from viruses.

Whether it is necessary to put an antivirus on "Android", everyone for itself solves itself. The very mobile platform with a billion audience of users is a tasty morsel for hackers and just bullies, and they will always find an opportunity to penetrate the device. However, the rational use of the gadget can almost eliminate all these attempts even in the absence of a protective program. On the other hand, is it worth the risk? Moreover, there are enough solutions on the market, from which everyone can choose the right one for themselves. You may want to install a free antivirus on Android. Do you need paid functionality, decide for yourself.