Tablets and smartphones are a frequent target for hackers who could damage devices or steal personal information. Antivirus software safeguards devices against malware and corrupted apps. A lot of top antivirus programs provide additional features that help keep your device secure. They could include a password manager or a virtual private network (VPN) or an app lock that requires a passcode to access apps. Some include an anti-theft system to locate your device in case it gets lost or stolen.
Some apps are completely free, while others offer an option to pay for features such as the use of a VPN or an identity theft protection service. These premium apps typically cost between $15 and $30 per year Some also offer an annual subscription that grants unlimited access to their services.
Norton Mobile Security is the most well-known antivirus application for android. It has received top scores in independent tests and comes with a range of security features that include an anti-theft feature as well as a superior malware detection capabilities and a low drain on resources. It also detects malware threats like ransomware that can erase or encrypt your files. It also has a the useful feature known as Camera Trap, which snaps the image of anyone trying to gain access to your device.
Another option that is highly rated is Kaspersky, which boasts almost 100% malware detection and a minimal impact on performance. It also provides a range of additional security features including call filtering, Wear OS support, and Wi-Fi network scanners to prevent devices from connecting to unsecured networks. It’s not as fully featured like the other apps in this roundup however, there are no ads in the free version and it’s not a lot of nagging to upgrade to its premium version.