Hackers are targeting smartphones and tablets to steal data or damage them. Antivirus software safeguards devices against malware and corrupted apps. Many top antivirus programs offer additional features that help keep your tablet or phone safe. They could include a password manager or a virtual private network (VPN) or an app lock that requires a passcode to access apps. Certain devices come with the ability to locate your device in case it is stolen or lost.
Some apps are free, while others have a paid version that comes with features such as the use of a VPN and identity theft protection. These premium apps cost between $15 and $30 a year. Some also provide a yearly subscription, which gives you unlimited access.
Norton Mobile Security is the most well-known antivirus application for android. It has received top scores in independent tests and comes with a wide array of security features such as an anti-theft function with excellent malware detection capabilities, and a low resource drain. It can also identify ransomware, other useful source malware threats, and wipe or encrypt files. A useful feature is Camera Trap snaps a picture of anyone trying to hack into your phone.
Kaspersky is another highly-rated alternative. It has almost perfect detection rates for malware and has a minimal impact on performance. It has a wide range of additional security features like call filtering, and Wear OS support. A Wi-Fi network scan is also available to prevent devices from connecting to unsafe networks. It may not be as feature-rich as some of the apps listed in this roundup, but it’s free and has no advertisements.