Such packages often include easy-to-use backup features for user’s data, remote wipe in case the phone gets lost, etc.” “So a stand-alone AV is not yet required at all times, but it is a good-to-have feature as part of a bigger package. “Antivirus is usually only one component of the offered Android protection packages,” said Marx.

To have a smartphone in your pocket without a remote wipe possibility is a dangerous thing. AV-Test CEO, Andreas Marx, said that antivirus is important, but a well-rounded security app is better. In our security app roundup, we referred to a report by independent security experts, AV-Test, which compared the detection rates of the top Android antivirus apps. We already took a look at the top security apps on the Android platform and found that they tend to offer a lot more than just antivirus protection. Updated on 2-12-2015 by Simon Hill: Edited and updated text, added comments from Filip Chytrý at Avast, Adrian Ludwig at Google, Andreas Marx at AV-Test, and some new links and references. So where does the truth lie? We’ve asked experts from three prominent companies in mobile security - AV-Test, Avast, and Lookout - to help us figure out just how much danger we’re in. On the other, you have reports and statistics claiming that malware is frighteningly common and any Android device without protection is sure to get infected. On the one hand you have the idea that Android is not susceptible to virus threats and, provided you are careful about what you download, there is no real need for antivirus software. Fitbit Versa 3Īndroid has been around for several years now and yet the topic of security continues to be the source of some argument.

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