If you own a smartphone that contains sensitive information, you need to protect it. Antivirus applications provide protection against cyber-attacks, hacks and other threats that may expose your data to the risk of falling into the malicious hands of someone with bad intentions. The best Android antivirus applications are also equipped with other helpful features like a password manager along with a privacy adviser and a Wi-Fi security scanner. Most of them are free or have a tier with premium features that are paid for.
Some of these are even freemium, meaning that they have a base version with limited features and an option to pay for additional security features such as a VPN or password manager. It is crucial to pick an antivirus that doesn’t overburden your device and offers good malware protection.
In addition to the built-in security from Google Play Protect, which is available on all Android devices, you need an antivirus application to protect your device from infection from other sources and keep your device up to date with the latest security updates. These apps also block attacks that Google Play Protect misses, particularly those that attempt bypass Android’s security controls by stealing permissions.
Avira is a well-known lightweight antivirus that offers good security against all major threats. It also comes with a range of additional features. Its camera trap feature for instance, takes pictures of anyone who attempts to unlock your phone and sends it to you along with the date and time of the attack. Other important features include a safe VPN to browse and a call blocker many more. It’s among the most comprehensive antivirus applications and has the best malware detection rates in tests conducted by AV Comparatives.