Hackers are targeting tablets and smartphones to steal data or damage them. Antivirus software shields devices from malware and corrupted apps. Many of the top antivirus programs contain additional features that help you protect your phone or tablet. Some of these features include the ability to manage passwords and a virtual private network (VPN) and even an app lock which requires a password to access the app. Some have an anti-theft mechanism to locate your device in case it gets lost or stolen.
Some apps are completely free, while others have a paid tier that adds features such as the use of a VPN or an identity theft protection service. These premium apps typically cost around $15 to $30 per year Some also offer one-year subscriptions that give users unlimited access to their services.
Norton Mobile Security is the most well-known antivirus application for android. It has won high scores in independent tests, and comes with a host of security features that include an anti-theft feature with excellent malware detection capabilities and a low drain on resources. It also detects malware threats like ransomware which can erase or decrypt your files. It also comes with an important feature called Camera Trap, which snaps the picture of anyone who tries to break into your device.
Kaspersky is another highly rated alternative. It has nearly perfect detection of malware and has a minimal impact on performance. It also offers a range of other security features, like call filtering, Wear OS support, and Wi-Fi network scanners to block devices from connecting to unsecure networks. It’s not as well-equipped as some of the other apps listed in this roundup, but there are no advertisements in its free version and very little solicitation to upgrade to its premium version.