We have the best anti-virus apps for Android in the test – but at the beginning the question arises: is an antivirus app on Android at all necessary? Anyone who does not have a powerful virus scanner on his PC is negligent. On this point the experts agree. On Android devices this is different: Here there is a lively discussion as to whether a virus scanner is necessary at all.
Security built in
Adrian Ludwig, Google's Android security officer, said in an interview, for example, that virus scanners on Android devices are unnecessary. However, you should refer to your apps from the Google Play store. The programs offered there would have already gone through the best possible security tests.
Scanner nevertheless makes sense
Google also delivers the numbers that underpin this view. In 2017, search engine grammes would have detected potentially dangerous programs (potentially programs) on less than one percent of the mobile devices under investigation. "Potentially dangerous" does not even mean malware, that is, programs that lock the phone or read out bank data. Spyware, for example, that spies "only" personal data of the user, is also part of it.
Avast Mobile Security
Even better, it looked at devices, only apps from the Google Play Store running: only 0.15 percent are here with PHA burdened. This is due to the strict test criteria for the official Google app platform. These were even exacerbated in 2017.
Avira Antivirus Security Pro
In addition, the Android operating system has built a series of security features. This is, for example, the option "Scan device after security threats" (Google Settings / Security) or in English: Verify apps that work like a virus scanner. It is available on all devices with Android 2.3 and higher.
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In addition, there is Android Safety Net, which tests a device for security problems. For example, if a Safety Net phone is classified as unsafe, certain applications deny the installation. Another security feature is the operating system itself. Android runs all apps in a sandbox (sandbox), so they are shielded from each other. If multiple apps work with the same data, the owner must allow this. You probably know this procedure from the permissions that must be accepted when you install an app.
Is everything safe in this healing Google world? If you look at the Kaspersky report from the second quarter of 2017, more than half of the popular malicious programs are adware (ad programs) and risk tools. Risk tools are programs that do not cause direct damage, but represent, for example, a risk to the privacy of the user. This also does not seem to be alarming.
On the other hand, security providers point to a high number of malicious programs. For example, according to the Internet Security Threat Report 2017, Symantec analyzed 6.3 million apps in 2017 and classified 2.3 million of them as malware. In 2017 alone, Symantec counted more than 46 new malware families.
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The weaknesses of the Android operating system are also causing concern. In a study titled "Security Metrics for the Android Ecosystem", the University of Cambridge shows that 87.7 percent of all Android devices, ie almost 90 percent, have security gaps.
The figures show that there is quite a threat. However, anyone who has his or her Apps only from the Google Play Store, does not have a rooted device, and has switched on all security functions, can still feel safe. It is quite dangerous to get software from third-party sites or to have root access to its device. Then a security solution is urgently needed as in our test.
Now to the individual antivirus apps in the test.
Bitdefender Mobile Security
The most striking feature of Avast Mobile Security is its extensive Anti-Theft module. Besides the usual functions like device location, blocking and alarm, it offers a number of extras. With the so-called Geo-Fencing, the phone gets an electronic foot-restraint by GPS. If the device leaves its assigned area, the software triggers a user-defined function. For example, the unit is locked, or an alarm sound is heard. You can also call the stolen phone secretly and listen to the thief. If necessary, the software also makes a photo of the potential robber with the built-in camera.
The other functions can also be seen. For example, you can have statistics on the traffic of apps running on the phone. Avast Mobile Security also shows which apps have critical access rights, such as access to system settings or private contacts.
G Data Internet Security
A unique feature in the test field is the verification of the used WLAN networks on security problems such as weak encryption. It is astonishing that this feature does not include features for child safety.
Unfortunately, the attractive security suite can not keep up with the top group with an absolutely good detection rate of 99.9 percent and four false alarms.
As a user, one expects that a security software warns of imminent dangers. This is precisely what Avira Antivirus Security Pro does with identity protection. The user gets warnings about mail providers who have been victims of a hacker attack in the past.
Kaspersky Internet Security
Trend Micro Mobile Security & Antivirus
Conclusion
Expert opinion on the test
Lesetipp
Otherwise the program offers a clean surface of standard food, as far as the functions are concerned. The paid pro version warns against phishing and malware sites, you can block calls and SMS from specific numbers, and the app Avira Android Optimizer deletes data garbage and keeps the system memory free.
Of course, there are also functions to lock a lost mobile phone remotely, retrieve it by alarm sound or GPS, or delete all important data.
The program showed minor weaknesses in the virus detection rate. Here, with 99.9 per cent and three false alarms, it is just behind the front runners. It is worth mentioning that the free version of Avira Antivirus Security Pro is already very well-equipped against the costly variant.
Bitdefender Mobile Security is the only package in the test, which also provides features for Android Wear products. For example, the smartwatch will issue an alarm when the associated smartphone is out of reach.
Another strength of Bitdefender is the free tools. With ParentalControl and Parental Advisor, the user receives functions for child protection. Power Tune-up clears the Android device, and Clueful Privacy scans the tablet or smartphone for overly curious apps and other privacy risks - all these add-ons are free.
The blocking function for apps has been successfully implemented to protect it against misuse. If an unauthorized user enters the incorrect PIN three times, he is automatically photographed. In trusted networks, on the other hand, app blocking is automatically canceled if desired.
In terms of performance, Bitdefender is ranked second (59 out of 60 points) with a 100 percent detection rate and three false alarms together with GData Internet Security.
G Data Internet Security is immaculate when detecting viruses at 100 percent detection rate. Three false alarms are moderate.
However, the first contact with G Data does not leave a good impression. The program inquires whether the company may use the user's data for advertising purposes. While it is nice to be asked, this still leaves a bland taste for a security software with comprehensive access rights.
The handling of the app itself is more enjoyable. The Security Center guides the user through all tasks. In addition to functions like call filter, web filter, theft protection as well as access restrictions, there are nice extras. There would be, for example, child protection along with a child browser and a "Panic Button". This is a widget that sends a notification and location information to an emergency contact after tapping.
Calls and SMS messages can not be blocked globally. The user can limit the blockade to specific times, thus providing a quiet working afternoon.
Unlike the PC version with its many features, the Android version of Kaspersky Internet Security offers basic features that you expect from a mobile security package. The user can lock the device via the Web or via SMS commands and delete his private data. There is a web filter against phishing, it can also block phone calls from certain phone numbers and investigate incoming SMS for dangerous content. If you are using a device with a SIM card, Kaspersky Internet Security protects your contacts against unauthorized access.
Anyone who knows the PC version of the program will quickly get warm with the Android sibling. For new users, however, please take a look at the manual. The menus are quite nested, and it takes some time to review the interplay of the security features. Also the different options are not necessarily self-explanatory.
At the detection rate, the Android version of the Kaspersky suites is the last 99.7 percent in the test field. She did not make any false alarms.
Trend Micro Mobile Security & Antivirus provides users with the ability to scan applications from the Google Play store for malicious software before they are installed on the device. For this, the software builds a VPN connection to Trend Micro and analyzes the downloaded program. However, this does not work on all devices. The manufacturer also warns against a slowdown in the Internet connection through this feature.
With 100 percent detection rate without false alarms, the Trend Micro product leads the test field. The app trumps next to the virus scan before installation with further special features. For example, it controls the privacy settings of the user at Facebook. You can also check all installed apps for privacy risks.
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There are also settings for system tuning. For example, Mobile Security & Antivirus cleans the system memory, uninstalls unneeded apps and deletes the history data of the web browser. There is also an online backup feature. However, in the free version, you have just 50 MB of cloud storage available.
The test results in Trend Micro with excellent scan results and a clearer surface. G Data and BitDefender also receive very good marks in the protection from pests. As good and cheap Avira shows, with good scanner and useful equipment.
Really cautious users may not necessarily need an Android virus scanner. If you believe the statistics of Google and the large anti-virus vendors, the risk of infection is relatively low for European users - assuming you do not download risk apps from third-party stores. Relatively low is not a risk.
For this reason you should consider the use of an anti-virus software. But there is another side of the coin: a good theft protection, child protection, protection from phishing pages and a filter for annoying phone numbers and SMS messages can be used by everyone.
Our test method for mobile internet security suites
The independent and renowned test institute AV-Comparatives has examined the anti-virus engines of our test candidates for the PC magazine. For the comparison, the experts collected 2,365 current malware applications. Further apps from the Google and third-party shops were added to check the engines for false alarms. All tests were performed on smartphones with internet connection and without emulator.
We have weighted and evaluated the offered functions for the equipment rating. When operating, the programs should provide the user with an understandable menu system without interleaving submenus. Even menus with non-meaning names and a colorful function mix led to depreciation.
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