Why you need antivirus software on your Android devices?
Android devices like our smartphones have indeed become part of our lives and moved in leaps and bounds. In the early days, phones were only meant for calls, as well as send and receive text messages. However, in this day and age, most android phones are a suite of technology that incorporates diary management, music player, and surfing of the web and also office document reading suites. Although this technology leap may be substantial, the ability of these phones to pick up malicious software called virus is a major issue.
Using an android phone to surf the web feels more like a normal desktop computer or even a laptop. You need to ensure that you’re surfing across a safe website and have within reach an antivirus program that will protect you from malicious software—installed on some websites by hackers.
Will you fold your arms and watch thing go wrong— like harmful data penetrating your phone, wreaking havoc? It is all about having an updated antivirus program running. While there is a wide number of vendors in the market, choosing the right antivirus is critical.
You may be less prone to attack if you only surf secure sites like the banks. However, you’ll need to be cautious if you dabble on any sites you stumble on. Some of these sites are known to be unsafe and can cause a lot of problems like phishing of your data.
Protecting your android from different kinds of nasty malware has become a necessity as it carries a lot of sensitive information about your business or valuable personal content. Because of the security vulnerabilities associated with your android phone, you had better not discard the idea of giving it the protection it deserves.
These vulnerabilities are increased by the fact that Android app stores tend to be lax when it comes to screening apps as they regularly allow a few of them that contains Android-specific malware.
In recent years, ransomware has been an insidious threat, popping up here and there, and protecting your phone against it could save you so much money in case you accidentally downloaded a malicious app.
Android has a near monopoly when it comes mobile malware threats, with up to 95% of mobile malware targeting this operating system. Though there are some high-quality Android antivirus and antimalware in the market today, choosing the one that best fit boils down to which interface you find user-friendly.
If you think you don’t have the need for an antivirus software installed on your Android phone right now, the following reasons will make you have a rethink:
The popularity of Android Operating System
Due to the popularity of this operating system, they’re increasing at the crosshairs of cybercriminals.
People store Sensitive Information that Hacker want on the Android
While on Android phones, we do cash transactions like bank transfers and other related activity, even storing of photos and seek for directions. All this information is personal and available for hackers that have malicious intent.
The Growth of Viruses and Threats to Android Devices
The largest source of new viruses is the Android operating system. In less than 12 months over 900,000 threats have reared their ugly heads, and millions of devices have been at the receiving end.
The Downloaded Application are Virus Central
Downloading an application, either from unknown or official sites, could put your Android phone in danger—it could be infected with malware or viruses. In the case of a virus, the malicious file will be detected and also disinfected immediately.
Battery Life Optimization
Optimal battery life is one of the things that give joy with an Android phone. With an antivirus, you’ll be able to verify, in real time, the consumption of your applications on your device. Additionally, you’ll be able to tell the space your applications are occupying and stop the application process to optimize both performance and battery.
Protect What Your Apps Say about You
Controlling your app’s activity is important and also the permission level. Analyze the access right of all installed app—contacts, photos, bank account, etc.
Block Access to Your Information
In the event your device ends up in the hands of someone else, it is possible to block your information remotely. That way, strangers are prevented from accessing your personal information, even if the SIM card has been changed.
Get Rid of More Personal Information
It is a norm to store personal information on your Android phones, and for that reason, it then becomes necessary to eliminate your information if you lose your device or it gets stolen. An antivirus can prevent access to confidential information on your device or even SD memory card.
Protection from Phishing Attacks
Good antivirus software will offer your Android device good protection against phishing attacks. They come in form of emails, disguising as your bank or network provider, in a bid to trick you into giving away personal information. This could eventually lead to your data being compromised.
With the best antivirus, your Android device will be shielded from such attacks as it detects and removes such phishing emails before it gets to your inbox.
Robust Web Protection
Online cyber threats manifest in different ways and it is such an issue that needs attention. Even the biggest tech giants are struggling to keep up with cybercriminals whose aim is to cause havoc by harvesting large amounts of personal data. Personal antivirus will warn you most times if you’re visiting an unsafe site. That way, you can be protected from these illegal sites.
With all the peeks that an antivirus offers, there is a serious concern that needs to be put into perspective going forward.
Will an Antivirus slow down my computer?
People will generally go for faster antivirus software because of the misconception that security software slows down device performance. In years gone by, many users have limited the use of antivirus because they believe they could impact on their phone speed.
On the flip side, many people have had their devices fully protected, but it functioned sluggishly because the antivirus program had used much of its memory.
But the situation is far different from what it used to be. You don’t need to worry about protection or speed because antivirus has become far more efficient and the effect on your device speed memory is quite minimal. If you still have a problem choosing antivirus software, there are third-party services you can look to test and report speed, including other performance factors.
Best Antivirus Software for your needs
Before going ahead to make a purchase for any antivirus software, keep in mind the type of device you want it installed and who will be using the device.
It is also important to consider your budget, so you’re guaranteed a cost-effective solution in the long run. Some antivirus software provides you with features that may not suit your needs. Ensure you check reviews online to have an idea of people’s opinion about a particular software.
You might want to consider the quality and reliability record of the software provider. There is an array of brands that try to promote free antivirus protection. However, they may not offer all the essential features that you are looking for and you may eventually regret its installation in the first place.
Antivirus Features to Look Out For
There is an array of things to look out for when choosing an antivirus product. To make this selection easier for you, keep an eye out for the following features:
- Browsing safeguarding features capable of identifying/eliminating threats when you surf the web.
- Phishing protection and features with the ability to identify and offer protection against harmful links on social media.
- Trust and reliable firewall features that can get rid of threats to your Android device
- Removal of viruses efficiently
- Updating software regularly, fixing bugs and other issues.
To stay safe and prevent an attack on your Android devices, make sure that you’re only surfing safe sites in addition to having an updated antivirus software. Protecting sensitive data on your devices should not be treated with levity. Otherwise, you’ll have yourself to blame in the future.
Looking for an Antivirus Software for your Android?
check our “Antivirus software for Android” comparison table for the type of antivirus software that offers the kind of features that you seek.