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Should you install an antivirus on your Android device?

AndroidPIT virus 1
© nextpit

We're often asked whether its necessary to install an antivirus an Android smartphone, and with good reason. Apple has tried to discredit Android by presenting as a system infected with viruses and malware. The flaws that have come to the surface in recent years haven’t helped to reassure Android users. Those who have used their computer without an antivirus will be able to back this up: the results can be dramatic, except for those more knowledgeable users who can manage to escape unscathed. So, should you be suspicious of malware, viruses and Trojans of any kind on your Android device?

Are there risks if you don’t install an antivirus on your Android device?

Until now, very few Android devices have had viruses - at least if you compare them to the number of computers that have been infected with them. This doesn’t necessarily mean that an Android smartphone or tablet is invulnerable. Mobile web browsing has seen an unprecedented increase in virus activity, and we are already aware that any mobile internet browsing has risks. Recently, the danger of infection by a virus is more likely with Trojans like Obad which have quickly gained the reputation as the most dangerous virus that has ever been identified. It will not be the last.

virus android simpleshocker
This type of blackmail is never pleasant. / © Sophos

Is Android more vulnerable than Apple’s iOS?

We often hear that Apple has no virus problems and that it’s not necessary to install an antivirus on Android. This is both true and false: Apple is a more closed system than Android, therefore it is much more difficult to enter the system to develop a virus. As a result, it's logical that these virus developers opt to target Android’s open system. The intrinsic functioning of Android has it faults, and its these faults that are used by the viruses. That said, iPhone users are much less vigilant of viruses than other users but they are also vulnerable.

AndroidPIT iPhone 7 review 2969
Antivirus and Android, what a story. / © NextPit

Is the Play Store a safe bet?

Yes and no. In theory, Google has deleted and forbidden any applications which contain viruses or spybots. Unfortunately, this filter isn’t foolproof: we saw it with the number of false versions of iFruit (GTA) to emerge when Android users were waiting for its release to their devices. The Google Play Store cannot be completely trusted. Some advice: before installing an application look at the number of downloads and the number of positive comments for the app, but also the authorizations. This is a good strategy for Android users to determine whether an app can be trusted.

That said, the new algorithm implemented by Google is now able to more efficiently filter the Play Store, that way users don’t encounter any nasty surprises. Again, be careful of what you download. Often a malicious virus can be hidden in an application that looks kosher, but it’s not. It’s important to check the name of the developer or the business that edited this application, as well as the number of downloads, comments and authorizations.

virusss
Google is continually cleaning up its app store. / © NextPit

What is at risk if I find a virus?

The main risks aren’t very serious but they can be problematic for some: gathering your personal data and redistributing this information. That is best case scenario. You could also lose all your data, find an application that empties your battery or find yourself with corrupt files. If you consider the fact that our phones often contain much more personal information than our computers (phone numbers, email addresses, photos…), there’s no doubt that the risk of such an attack is much more dire for mobile devices.

How can a virus get onto my device?

Many everyday tasks can be dangerous for your Android device: from downloading an app to reading your emails or even by simply surfing the net. But its not all about the internet. It's also possible for viruses to be transferred via Bluetooth or Infrared if you find yourself close to an infected device. This could happen when you're out in public, at a friend's place or even in your own home. 

The distribution of viruses can be much quicker than on a computer, as we can carry this virus in our pockets everywhere we go. It’s advisable to regularly run a check with an antivirus.

AndroidPIT payback 2701
Security is important on Android, especially when you use your smartphone to pay for items. / © NextPit

What are the disadvantages of an antivirus on Android?

One of the main criticisms about antiviruses is that they play on fears about viruses, as they require full access to all user data on a device. Essentially, they do exactly the same thing as the viruses you are trying to avoid… and you need to have confidence in your antivirus. Some antiviruses are also energy intensive: they are always running in the background and are not always optimized for batteries. It’s often the price you'll have to pay to be protected… Finally, an antivirus will not always be 100% effective. While some like Avast, Kaspersky or Lookout find 90% of viruses, others like McAfee will detect only a few of the dangers.

Which antivirus should I choose for Android?

This will largely depend on how you use your device, even if the overall protection and services offered by the antiviruses are the same. We recommend Avast Mobile Security & Antivirus, AVG Mobile (smartphone and tablet) or Avira Antivirus Security. Don’t forget that an antivirus that scans constantly will affect your battery life. You’ll probably need to adjust how you use your device or at least make sure that your antivirus isn’t too demanding. Don’t hesitate to try out a few different antiviruses to see which one works best for you.

Have you chosen to use an antivirus? If so, which one? Let us know in the comments below!

This article was initially written by Joséphine Dusol

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Pierre Vitré

Pierre Vitré
Head of Content

Pierre has a strong passion for new technologies and mobile since its first StarTac. Android user since 2011, Pierre became totally hooked. He never leaves his smartphone and smartwatch and still believes in the success of Google Glass. That's why he joined AndroidPIT.fr to be the head of content.

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25 comments
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  • 3
    Nelson Feb 8, 2017 Link to comment

    we can download antivirus but it is mystery that working or not


  • Rakesh C. 6
    Rakesh C. Jan 16, 2017 Link to comment

    Very Very Best Avast antivirus I am using for 1 year ago best performance


  • 5
    Dejan Jandric Jan 7, 2017 Link to comment

    In my experience, and I work with mobile phones, those antivirus apps are bad, too much scam spam and not helping a bit. Best to have is a phone with normal apps (such as Fb,Inst,WhatsApp) .


  • 20
    Reg Joo Dec 22, 2016 Link to comment

    As long as you can turn off certain components that keep battery draining task to a minimum, that's the one to use.


  • 2
    Gilbert Chibuwe Dec 20, 2016 Link to comment

    I have been using Avast for 2 weeks now and was getting a pop up to install a clean up app from the same company every time I open my screen. I've deleted it and the pop up has gone with Avast.This was quire annoying. Pop up could be removed by swiping it to the left.


    • Brittany McGhee 21
      Brittany McGhee Dec 21, 2016 Link to comment

      Thanks for sharing! Glad to head Avast worked for you!


      • Jerry's W. 20
        Jerry's W. Dec 21, 2016 Link to comment

        removed


  • 1
    Dennis King Dec 20, 2016 Link to comment

    I use malware bytes as I do on my computer. No problem as it is an app I trust


    • Brittany McGhee 21
      Brittany McGhee Dec 20, 2016 Link to comment

      Thanks for sharing!


  • 6
    Robert Shockley Dec 20, 2016 Link to comment

    A couple of years ago 360 Security seemed to be the only thing that a Droid X2 would run. I have been using Macafee since I pay for it with my insurance. Avast was light on a old computer but would crash the Droid. I also use Malwarebytes and swappable batteries are a plus, battery life is not really a problem with the already heavy use I put on this pocket computer.


  • Lawrence Hutton 2
    Lawrence Hutton Dec 19, 2016 Link to comment

    I'm just an ordinary, retired geek who's used Android for years with virus detection. Got tired of battery issues. Stopped using virus scanners a year ago with no issues. Much better battery life.

    Jerry's W.


    • Jerry's W. 20
      Jerry's W. Dec 19, 2016 Link to comment

      Hi five "geek" 😆 I did the same just like you one year ago and still never any virus problem.


      • Brittany McGhee 21
        Brittany McGhee Dec 20, 2016 Link to comment

        Lawrence & Jerry,
        Thanks for the comments, fellow geeks. Which virus detection apps have you guys tried previously that drained so much battery?


      • Jerry's W. 20
        Jerry's W. Dec 21, 2016 Link to comment

        I tried Avast in 2013 for only reason I had rooted the phone and liked the option in Avast for having rooted it you could enable firewall. Those days avast was great and not much interference from Avast. These days it's annoying and ugly ui.
        I tried several more but concluded for android no antivirus is nessesary simply for its Android. Being careful when installing apps beside Google play store and paying attention when surfing the internet is enough to not getting any " infection".
        Rooted this Samsung s5 kccat6 sm-g901f and using xposed firewall helps me where I want to be feeling safe.
        Rom/systembackup with TWRP every day makes it possible to set back to restore point of the whole phone incl data.
        Pro: no battery-sucking unnecessary " antivirus" app
        Con: Daily 10 min of my time making systembackup.
        peace.


  • Patte 1
    Patte Dec 19, 2016 Link to comment

    I've used CM Security for years without any issues. Will try Avast though to see how it compares. Used AVG prior to CM but didn't like it (that was over 2 years ago though).


  • Danny Hodges 2
    Danny Hodges Dec 19, 2016 Link to comment

    As an IT technician I use avg antivirus and have had really good experience which I am glad to say has followed over to android as well

    Patte


  • Albin Foro 30
    Albin Foro Dec 19, 2016 Link to comment

    My experience with PCs, professionally engaged with other users exchanging and collaborating on files that triggered AV alerts, led me to install anti-virus on Android devices. Currently BitDefender on all systems, but a quarter century of experience teaches brand loyalty is foolish, they're only as good as this year's lab test results. BitDefender is quiet and invisible, low on resource requirements, simply scans software downloads and storage when needed - it's reassuring whenever Android security emergencies hit the media to know that a service is probably already on it. (Note that I don't want a commercial account with Google, and sideload APKs for paid apps from good sources - anybody sideloading outside the Play Store should have protection.)

    I don't think the current Android system of security and system updates, at discretion of OEMs and telcos and leaving billions of users constantly behind, is sustainable - eventually Google will have to assert control over operating system updates as Microsoft and Apple do.

    Brittany McGhee


    • Brittany McGhee 21
      Brittany McGhee Dec 20, 2016 Link to comment

      Thanks for your comment!


  • 14
    Alex Simpson Dec 19, 2016 Link to comment

    interesting article ont this topic:
    www.howtogeek.com/232436/android-has-a-big-security-problem-but-antivirus-apps-cant-do-much/

    Jerry's W.


  • 14
    Alex Simpson Dec 19, 2016 Link to comment

    i have been using a pc without an antivirus(even windows defender turned off) for 2 years and i never had a virus...


  • Taoufiq Lak 14
    Taoufiq Lak Dec 19, 2016 Link to comment

    My battery life is very important to me and because of that I prefer to not have an antivirus and just keep my self out of " hacked apps/games " and common apps that have been declared containing viruses. But maybe one day if I find something wrong with my device, then I will install an antivirus just to scan and get rid of them then get rid of the antivirus as well.


  • Nisha Patel 12
    Nisha Patel Dec 19, 2016 Link to comment

    This is only hearsay. Yes I agree that opting to use unknown sources adds more risk but I'll take the advice of a Lookout security engineer over this personal, unsubstantiated opinion. Lookout is a superb product. That's per most security articles from reliable sources.


  • 6
    Mansoor Bozdar Dec 19, 2016 Link to comment

    but it's suck our battery.


  • 46
    Deactivated Account Dec 19, 2016 Link to comment

    This is always a good one to start a heated discussion. I always use antivirus to help protect the phone. The main reason is Android is becoming more and more a target as online purchasing and cell phone paying apps grow in popularity. All the personal data and information collected by your phone is invaluable to crooks. They can steal your identity and your money. In todays environment of ever increasingly relying on technology it is becoming an absolute necessity to have a strong antivirus app, in my opinion. The free ones do not hack it ( pardon the pun) when it come to security. Yes they use power running in the back ground. The question is a little extra battery life worth all your personal information? Just one more reason I do not buy phones with out a removable battery. If I go low bat I don't care because I always have a spare.

    Brittany McGheeRobert Shockley


    • Brittany McGhee 21
      Brittany McGhee Dec 20, 2016 Link to comment

      Thanks for sharing your views! When it comes to losing battery life vs personal details, I hope people choose to download an anti virus despite the trade-off.

      Deactivated Account

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