Programs for android antivirus. How to protect your smartphone from viruses? Kaspersky Internet Security - Malware search, anti-theft protection and anti-phishing

Every owner of a modern gadget who cares about the security of their data should think about a good antivirus. In this article we will tell you about the most effective and high-quality antiviruses for Android devices. All applications presented on this page can be downloaded for free from Google Play and do not worry about the safety of your data.

Antivirus for Android Is a special application to protect your device from malware. The term "malware" refers to all kinds of dangerous programs such as viruses, worms, Trojans, and spyware.

To protect your smartphone and tablet, you only need high-quality antiviruses, which, unfortunately, are not many on Android. Therefore in only the most powerful and working utilities are presented in the list.

Antivirus software is installed in the same way as any other application. It's hard to say with complete certainty which of the antivirus programs for Android is the best, but based on numerous reviews, we tried to collect the Top 10 best apps for protecting your phone.

What is antivirus and why is it needed on Android

Is it worth installing an antivirus on your phone at all? On this account, many android users have many disputes, as well as the need for use. On the one hand, there are many viral threats on the network, from which you just need to protect your gadget. But on the other hand, as the manufacturers themselves say, the android system is already initially protected from viruses.

Let's consider the main types of viruses on Android, 4 types are most common:

• Trojan - posing as another program.
• Spy - collects bank card data, passwords and other personal data.
• Advertising - displays pop-up ads or downloads software without your consent.
• Ransomware - locks your phone, requiring you to pay to unlock it.

Remember, no virus will get into your smartphone or tablet until you download it yourself!

Who needs an antivirus and when is it worth installing:

1. You are downloading games from unofficial sources.
2. You actively use applications related to money, such as: WebMoney, Mobile banks, etc.
3. The need for additional features, such as cleaning and speeding up, which are present in many antiviruses.

Who doesn't need an antivirus and when its installation is optional:

1. You only use the official Google Play Store.
2. You do not use mobile banking and other applications related to online payment.

Pros and cons of antivirus

Let's consider the main advantages and disadvantages of antiviruses installed on Android devices.

Pros:

1. Virus protection when downloading files.
2. Blocking malicious sites.
3. Additional functionality, such as: AntiVor, AntiSpam, AppLock, autorun manager, as well as the presence in some versions of the ability to clean, accelerate, save battery, etc.

Minuses:

1. For the safety of the device, any antivirus must always be running, which is why it will take up some computing power (RAM).
2. As a rule, all antivirus programs for android are shareware, and for full functionality you need to purchase the Pro version.
3. From time to time, all antiviruses react to normal applications from the Play Store as malicious.

It is entirely up to you to install an antivirus on your Android or not, but we can say with confidence that by installing a good antivirus program on your smartphone or tablet, you definitely won't make it worse.

The best antivirus programs for Android

1. Dr.Web - two versions of Doctor Web antivirus with broad functionality and capabilities in Russian, which will provide comprehensive protection for your mobile device against all types of threats.

1. Fast or full scan of the entire file system.
2. Firewall - traffic monitoring with online check of downloaded files.
3. Antispam - protects you from unwanted calls or SMS.
4. Anti-theft - will help you find a gadget if it is lost or stolen and, if necessary, will remotely delete personal information.
5. Unlock an infected phone, even when the phone is completely locked.

DOWNLOAD ON GOOGLE PLAY

2.CM Security - antivirus, app lock, phone speedup and junk cleanup in one program. CM Security is one of the best antivirus programs for Android in the Google Play Market.

Main functions and characteristics:

1. Works on phones or tablets.
2. Clean up junk and speed up your device.
3. Multilevel protection: eliminates vulnerabilities in the system and scans the installed software.
4. The App Lock feature is a photo of an intruder that takes pictures of anyone who enters the wrong password twice.
5. Blocking confidential files.
6. Phone search (protection against theft).
7. Blocks unwanted or fraudulent calls.

DOWNLOAD ON GOOGLE PLAY

3. Avast - a product of Avast Software, scans the system and protects against all types of infected files, phishing, malware, spyware and viruses such as Trojans.

Main functions and characteristics:

1. Automatic scanning for viruses and malware.
2. Blocks personal programs with a PIN.
3. Scans and blocks malicious links on the Internet.
4. Blocking spam calls.

DOWNLOAD ON GOOGLE PLAY

4. AVG AntiVirus - high-class free protection of android devices in real time. AVG AntiVirus FREE - protects you from viruses, malware, spyware, and unwanted messages and helps you keep your personal data safe.

Main functions and characteristics:

1. Protection against viruses, theft and spam.
2. Energy saving.
3. Russian language support.

DOWNLOAD ON GOOGLE PLAY

5.360 Security -Antivirus + Accelerator + Cleaning.
One of the best apps for removing file junk, protecting against viruses and saving battery power. 360 Security improves the performance of your phone as well as eliminates lag and freeze problems.

Main functions and characteristics:

1. Without registering.
2. Cleaning up residual files.
3. The ability to accelerate the device.
4. Helps conserve battery power.

DOWNLOAD ON GOOGLE PLAY

6. Mobile Security & Antivirus is another good antivirus for Android tablets and smartphones, with ample opportunities.

Main functions and characteristics:

1. Automatic scanning or on demand.
2. Quarantine.
3. Anti-theft module.
4. Call and SMS management.
5. Without registering.

DOWNLOAD ON GOOGLE PLAY

7. Kaspersky Internet Security Is a free antivirus program for Android from the well-known Kaspersky Lab.
Kaspersky is a reliable free solution for mobile security. Protects your smartphone or tablet, as well as the personal and confidential data placed on them, from any mobile threats, including viruses, spyware and Trojans.

Main functions and characteristics:

1. The ability to control via Android Wear.
2. Blocking dangerous sites.
3. Blocking unwanted calls or SMS.
4. Anti-Theft function (search device in case of loss or theft).

DOWNLOAD ON GOOGLE PLAY

8. Clean Master - cleaning wizard + antivirus. The application does not require registration and will help you to speed up and secure your phone from viruses online for free.

Useful Tips

Android is the most popular operating system in the world, which means that it is extremely important for every user to take care of the protection of their device.

There are many antivirus programs for all devices running on the system from Google.

It doesn't matter which smartphone and / or tablet you use, it's important to have antivirus, or security program.

In this article, you will learn about the most popular, effective and reliable antivirus programs, and tools for devices running on Android (Android) - and these are almost all phones.

Many of these programs do much more than just scan your smartphone... They prevent infection with internet pages and open or downloaded files.

It is also worth noting that almost all of these antiviruses can be downloaded absolutely free from google play.

Antivirus for android phone

WhatAntivirus forAndroid

Antivirus is a program (application) that protects your smartphone and tablet from various malicious programs. More specifically, the antivirus protects against such types of programs as worms, trojans and spyware.

To better protect your device from malware, you should install only the best antiviruses that can dig deeply and find what hidden in distant folders on your device.

In fact, there is no specific answer to the question, what antivirus really is, the best... However, if you research various user and professional reviews, as well as study research on this topic, you can determine a list of the highest quality antiviruses.

How important is it to install an antivirus on your phone?

Many people will wonder whether it is worth installing an antivirus on their smartphone at all. This question is quite logical, and it concerns not only anti-virus programs, but also programs for cleaning and speeding up the phone.

There are many opinions about this. It's hard to argue about what the Internet is many virus threatsand you need protection from them. However, according to the manufacturers, android system is already reliably protected from viruses.

Remember: The virus will get into your device only if you download it yourself.

Popular types of viruses

Trojan- this malicious program masquerades itself as harmless.

Spy- a program that collects data from your bank cards, passwords and other personal information.

Ransomware virus - is able to block your device, and then demand payment from you to unlock it.

When are you required to install an antivirus?

1. When downloading games and apps from third-party sources other than Google Play.

2. When using applications related to electronic money, including WebMoney, Mobile Bank and online payment for goods.

3. If you want to install additional functions, including programs for cleaning and accelerating the device.

When is it not necessary to install an antivirus?

1. If you are using programs exclusively from the official Google Play store.

2. If you do not use the Mobile Bank and other programs related to money.

What are the disadvantages of antivirus software?

1. In order for your smartphone or tablet to be always protected, you need to have the antivirus always on. In this case, it will not only take up part of the operating system, but also consume the battery of your device.

2. Many antiviruses that are offered for free have limited functionality, and in order to use the program at full capacity, you will have to pay for the full version.

3. From time to time, some antivirus programs signal the danger of applications from Google Play. However, all apps in this store are rigorously tested and free of malware.

Of course, you decide whether to install an antivirus or not, but one thing is for sure - this program will definitely not make your phone or tablet worse.

Free antiviruses for Android

Here is a list of the best quality antivirus for smartphones and tablets:

1 ... Avast Mobile Security

Free antivirus that checks the operating system of your device and notifies you of the threat of infection in time. In case of automatic launch, this program instantly blocks the path to the infected file.

In addition, Avast for Android protects your device from potential vulnerabilities in the wireless Wi-Fi network.

Additional functions:

Call blocking

Access protection system (firewall)

Anti-theft protection (allows you to remotely lock your device if you have forgotten or lost it somewhere).

Previously, the program was paid, but now many functions can be used for free in exchange for some advertising within the program.

To enjoy the full Avast Android app, you can pay a small monthly or yearly fee to get the premium version.

In the full version, you can also put a "lock" on some applications, and each time the device will ask for a PIN to open a particular application. This prevents malware from automatically launching applications such as Mobile Banking.

Download antivirus at Avast

Download Google Play

If you want a more comprehensive version that has system cleaning, password management and VPN (a completely secure channel that allows you to connect your smartphone or tablet to another Internet-facing device), you can use Avast Ultimate.

The best antivirus programs for Android devices

2. Bitdefender Antivirus Free

A lightweight app from a trusted brand. Minimal workload and very easy installation, but you have to program a malware check.

The program provides real-time protection, proactive monitoring and scanning of HTTP traffic in order to protect against phishing and various malware.

Bitdefender is a well-known name in the online security world. Antivirus for Android from this company does not work in the shadow mode, which saves you battery power and does not overload the RAM of your device.

However, this also means that the program will only run at your request, that is, you have to always start it manually or program the device scan time.

Key features of the free Bitdefender antivirus Antivirus Free:

1. Real-time protection - the program protects the device while accessing the network. It checks all files when they are started, moved or copied.

2. Cloud - the program uses cloud scanning technology. Thus, new threats are detected faster, while most antiviruses do not see new malware.

3. HTTP scanning - antivirus analyzes and then blocks websites that have been suspected of fraud and phishing.

4. The program is periodically automatically updated.

1. Scanning web pages in real time.

2. Ability to remotely block the device and delete all information from it.

Antivirus for Android free download

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Antivirus for android: which one is better

3. McAfee Mobile Security

McAfee is another well-known name in the field of antivirus software, not only for smartphones and tablets, but also for ordinary computers.

This antivirus offers multi-layered security - it not only serves as an antivirus, but also as a privacy tool and also provides protection against thieves.

The program gives you the ability to block applications that have privacy settings above the level that you consider acceptable for yourself.

You can also block any phone numbers, not only the numbers from which the calls came, but also those from which the messages came.

The antivirus also scans applications to find out if they are leaking your personal information to a third party and, if necessary, blocks it.

Anti-theft protection:

1. One of the anti-theft features is called "capturecam". With its help, your smartphone automatically takes a photo of the thief who took your device. After that, the program sends the photo to the email address you specified earlier.

2. McAfee Mobile Security gives you the ability to track your device, delete all information from it from any computer, and activate an alert that at a high volume level will signal the loss of the device.

Verified by McAfee

The program offers you maximum antivirus protection, and the McAfee seal of approval will inform you of this. Its presence indicates that you can safely open the site from any browser.

Download antivirus

Download from the official website of the developer

Downloadfrom the official online store Google Play

Antivirus for Android for free in Russian

4 ... Kaspersky Mobile Antivirus

Kaspersky, on a par with Bitdefender, is a big player in the antivirus market. The free version of the app has many impressive features. According to testing, it is capable of detecting malware with a 99.9% rate.

This free antivirus for mobile devices can protect your data from viruses, spyware, Trojans and other malware.

The mainantivirus features:

1. You can manage your antivirus using Android Wear - the operating system for smartwatches.

2. The ability to block potentially dangerous sites.

3. Ability to block calls and SMS.

4. Search for a lost device (Anti-Theft).

Like most antiviruses, this program provides many additional features for an additional fee.

Kaspersky Internet Security for Android offers additional security features for those who purchase the premium version. Among them: automatic scanning, anti-phishing, privacy function, as well as the function of filtering calls and SMS.

In the premium version, you also get:

1. Ability to set a password for applications.

2. Protecting personal information from unwanted eyes.

Download antivirus Kaspersky

Downloadfrom the official online store Google Play

5. Norton Security and Antivirus

This mobile antivirus will protect your mobile device from viruses, malware, and will help if your smartphone or tablet is lost or stolen.

Norton Security and Antivirus allows you to remotely lock, and also allows you to delete your confidential data, see the location of the device, block phone numbers and back up your data.

In one test conducted several months ago, this antivirus showed 100% success in detecting malware for Android devices.

Antivirus also allows you to manage all of your devices from one website.

Some more useful tools:

1. The ability to remotely block your smartphone with one SMS if it was stolen or lost. Also, the device is automatically blocked after 10 attempts to enter an incorrectly entered password or in case of removing the SIM card.

2. Norton not only detects viruses inside applications, but also removes them automatically.

3. Ability to scan and remove programs containing dangerous code or viruses.

In the premium version, you also get:

1. Blocking calls and SMS messages.

2. Thanks to the application advisor, created on the basis of NortonTM Mobile Insight technology, the antivirus itself checks it for potential threats of personal data leakage even before downloading the application, and also analyzes how much battery resources the application is using.

3. With the help of the "hidden shooting" function, you can get a photo of the person who uses your lost device. The photo is taken with the front camera.

4. Antivirus blocks any attempts by malicious websites to gain access to your personal data.

5. The lost device can be found on the online map. A loud signal is also heard when the phone is lost.

Download antivirus for free

Download from the official website of the developer

Downloadfrom the official online store Google Play

6. Avira Antivirus Security

Avira's mobile offering not only scans the files you download, but also the content in your phone's memory.

It's worth noting that this antivirus doesn't use up a lot of your device's resources. This means that the smartphone will not slow down, and its battery will not be drained too much.

It can also scan external storage like your SD card. Apps are rated using a privacy scale to help you decide how much to trust.

Built-in identity protection "Identity Safeguard" regularly checks to see if your contact list contains email addresses that were previously highlighted in serious violations.

The app is controlled by a web portal, which is extremely useful if you want to set up a general privacy policy across multiple of your devices.

1. Locating a lost or stolen device.

2. Blocking programs trying to gain access to your applications.

3. Automatically scan memory card, external drive and other external devices.

4. Remote blocking of the device in case of loss or theft, as well as remote cleaning of all files on the device.

5. Activation of a loud sound signal in case you cannot find the device (for example, if you forgot where you put it, or it just fell behind the back of the sofa).

6. Ability to send a message to the person who found your phone.

7. Blocking calls and SMS.

In the premium version, you also get:

1. Even more additional support.

2. Automatic blocking of malicious sites.

3. Frequent updates.

Download Avira Antivirus

Download from the official website of the developer

Downloadfrom the official online store Google Play

7. Eset Mobile Security & Antivirus

This mobile application has the following functions: Anti-Virus, Anti-theft, Anti-phishing, Anti-spam, and it is also capable of checking the application and the system for malware.

This antivirus will protect your device from known and emerging mobile threats, as well as phishing sites.

Here are some other features this antivirus offers you:

1. Protects against viruses in real time and sends you a report.

2. Allows you to scan the device offering Fast, Smart, or Deep Scan.

3. It is capable of blocking unwanted calls and SMS messages.

4. It allows you to control your device remotely, and block or delete its contents from any computer.

5. Possibility of remote activation of the siren.

In the premium version, you are offered:

1. Scanning the device on a schedule.

2. Automatic update.

3. Function of detecting dangerous or unwanted applications

4. If you lose your phone, you can see its location on the map.

5. The ability to take pictures with the front camera of a person who uses your smartphone.

6. Ability to receive notifications about a SIM card change or an attempt to unlock the phone.

7. Ability to contact the person who found your device.

8. Filtering calls and SMS messages.

Antivirus download on Android in Russian

Download from the official website of the developer

Downloadfrom the official online store Google Play

8. Sophos Mobile Security

This free antivirus, using cloud technology, checks all applications that you decide to install on your device.

In case you have lost, or your phone or tablet has been stolen, you can use the remote blocking function.

Unlike many other free antivirus programs, Sophos is ad-free.

This antivirus is also capable of blocking sites with illegal content or spam.

You can program the day and time to scan files and folders, and the malware database is updated periodically without your intervention.

In addition, the program has a QR scanner that can be used to establish secure Wi-Fi connections.

The program also contains a recognition program that can automatically generate one-time passwords for multi-level identification.

Main functions of Sophos Mobile Security

1. Scanning applications and APK-files installed both in the memory of the phone or tablet, and on the SD-card.

2. Ability to remotely block and locate a lost Android device.

3. The ability to remotely erase data, as well as turn on the siren on a stolen device.

Antivirus offers a multi-layered comprehensive protection, hunting Trojans, viruses, as well as phishing and adware.

CM Security for Android keeps your data confidential and allows you to set passwords for certain applications. Thus, you can protect all your contacts, photos and correspondence in social networks from prying eyes.

Main functions of CM Security

1. Using a local and cloud core for scanning information.

2. Regular updates to anti-virus databases.

3. Providing real-time protection. Antivirus monitors all downloaded applications and updates, as well as all open sites.

4. The program scans not only the internal memory of a smartphone or tablet, but also external memory cards.

5. Antivirus takes pictures of an intruder who took possession of your device, if he entered the password incorrectly three times.

6. The program also cleans up the device from the remains of applications and optimizes its memory.

Recently, a lot of advertisements have appeared in the application, which has resulted in many complaints from users. Let's hope the developers will fix the bug. Moreover, developers themselves can complain about inconvenient ads.

Where to download antivirus

Downloadfrom the official online store Google Play.

10. 360 Security Antivirus

With the help of two-level protection, this free antivirus for Android has the ability to monitor the security of your device in real time, as well as fix vulnerabilities in the system, and prevent the leakage of personal information.

The program can also clean your smartphone or tablet from unused background applications to significantly speed up the device.

Despite the abundance of functions, the antivirus is made as clear as possible for any user.

Main features of 360 Security

1. Two-level protection against malware. At the same time, cloud technologies are used to scan for viruses, which makes it possible to find completely "fresh" malware.

2. Thanks to a new type of antivirus engines, the program scans any device very quickly.

Anti-virus Dr.Web Light

Dr.Web Anti-virus Light is a simplified version of one of the most popular anti-viruses for the Android system.

Dr.Web Light and Dr.Web Security Space are two versions of the same anti-virus with great capabilities, which allow you to provide your device with comprehensive protection against all types of malware.

The main functions of Anti-virus Dr.Web Light:

1. Ability to select a quick or full (deeper) scan of the device.

2. Traffic control and online check of all files you download.

3. The "Antispam" function makes it possible to block unwanted calls and SMS messages.

4. The "Anti-theft" function makes it possible to track the device in case of its loss and remotely erase all personal data and important information.

5. Ability to unlock your device if it was infected with a virus, even when the phone was completely locked.

Download antivirus for Android

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Hackers pay particular attention to users of devices based on the Android system. Reason: According to statistics company Kantar, the market share of the Android system is almost 80%, while iOS is gaining only 20%. In addition, older Android devices are not immune to modern attack methods.

Android: killing spies from Android devices

In a Google system, spyware can run in an application or disguise itself as a system service. If such a virus is well-written, it can be difficult even for professionals to recognize it. This also applies to the clever codes that the government or the secret services send out on purpose. Common spies are easy to spot.

Anxiety should be started if the behavior is strange. This can be as an advertisement that constantly pops up when connected to the Internet and takes you to a completely different page in the browser, or sending text messages uncontrolled by you.

Spyware control
Malwarebytes' scanner specializes in spyware. It checks the system for known sniffing applications

Another sign is application icons that don't lend themselves to ordering. If you suspect, uninstall such programs immediately. Remember, have you recently received a request to download an APK? Malware and spyware often initiates their own download via a link in an SMS or messenger on a smartphone. The communications bill can also be a starting point in calculating spies. Compare the megabytes of traffic indicated in it with the corresponding data on your smartphone. You can find such statistics in the “Settings | Data transfer".

Significant variation in performance means that there are applications on the device that transfer data in the background.

This is due to the fact that the hacked phone sends conversations and microphone recordings to the hacker as audio files via the mobile Internet.

Such malware, due to its penetration into the system, is able to hide traffic consumption from the system statistics collection tool. Thus, from 50 to 500 MB are collected. If you find some of the above symptoms of infection, we recommend that you proceed according to the following plan: first of all, install an antivirus.

Despite the fact that most programs cost money, in the future they will reliably protect your device from almost all infections. For quick and free help, you can use Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware app.

Checking connections
Network Connections app allows you to check all data transfers

The scanner didn’t find anything strange, but you don’t leave the feeling that your phone is infected? Take matters into your own hands.

Most reliably, the Network Connections app from the Play Market will help you. It will log all network traffic so you can see where the various applications and services are connecting.

With this method, of course, you will see that spyware is running on your device, but it is almost impossible to remove it. Especially if it is hidden deep in the system.

In this case, you will only be saved by returning to the factory settings.

Android: only factory reset will save you from doubts

Perfect backup
With MyPhoneExplorer you can easily create virus-free copies of your data

Be sure to back up your smartphone data before proceeding to this step. But do not do it through the standard function - some malicious applications can launch a virus even into such an archive.

In this case, after recovery, the system will be infected again. If the backup will be done through a Google account, first make sure your account hasn't been hacked.

Now back up using the MyPhoneExplorer utility (available on Google Play). After that, you can roll back the device to factory settings. After the reboot, use the backup made by the MyPhoneExplorer utility to restore the information.

Android: thousands of vulnerabilities

Most mobile attacks target Google's system due to its immense popularity. Often, you can only find out if the system is infected with the help of special utilities. Most antiviruses do not load the system, the best one does not cost a dime, but provides guaranteed assistance. The test results of some of the main mobile antiviruses can be found in the table below:

		Price, rub., Approx	Overall score	Price / Effective	Recognizing	False anxiety	Bystrod.
1	Sophos Mobile Security for Android	free	98,9	100	100	96,2	100
2	Bitdefender Mobile Security & Antivirus	500	96,7	72	100	89,2	100
3	Tencent WeSecure Antivirus Free	free	95,5	93	92,9	99,1	100
4	Kaspersky Internet Security for Android	400	90,0	61	83,5	99,5	100

iOS: again no absolute protection

Despite the fact that Apple's system is much better protected from malware, iOS users can also fall into the trap of spyware hackers. Viruses enter the system through vulnerabilities, which are also used to install jailbreaks.

G Data Security Suite Checks If Smartphone Has Been Jailbreak

The first step is to check if a similar operation has been carried out with your device. To do this, install the G Data Internet Security app from the App Store. Once launched, it will check if the malware has changed certain sections of the system.

If the result is positive, you should, as with Android, return to factory settings - in this case, directly through the stationary iTunes program.

For backups, however, use the iCloud service. Its advantage lies in the fact that Apple stores only personal information in this cloud. When restoring the original applications, the device will download immediately from the App Store. Thus, there will no longer be “hacked” programs on your phone.

iOS: insecure and no jailbreak

For espionage, jailbreak is not at all a prerequisite. Enough manipulation of the app and invisible access to the microphone. But even the seemingly legitimate software available on the App Store can conduct intelligence activities.

Infected iOS devices should be returned to their original state through iTunes and by installing a fresh firmware

However, it is possible to recognize this: in the phone settings, check which programs have access to the microphone and camera. To do this, in the "Settings" click on "Privacy". In the sections "Microphone" and "Camera" you will see applications with the appropriate rights.

In addition, in "Geolocation Services" you can find out which programs have access to GPS. If you are unsure of the severity of a product, disable access to it for reliability.

A photo: manufacturing companies

Tags safety

Many experts recognize Android as not only the most popular, but also the most vulnerable platform. Taking advantage of the "hole" in the security system and gaining access to the device, attackers can do almost whatever they want with it: send SMS to premium rates, spy on personal correspondence and steal credit card numbers. How to protect yourself from viruses and arm your "robot" to the teeth - read in the material Vesti.Hytek.

Owners of devices running Android versions 2.3 (Gingerbread) and 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) should first of all pay attention to the issue of security, which, according to a recent report by Kaspersky Lab, are more vulnerable than others. Version 4.1 / 4.2 (Jelly Bean) is still not very widespread due to segmentation of the Google platform, and writing viruses for outdated versions (2.2 Froyo, 2.1 Eclair and others) is not so cost-effective. Nevertheless, this does not diminish the significance of the problem.

According to LK, which relies on data from its own antivirus, Gingerbread (2.3.6) accounted for 28% of blocked attempts to execute malicious code, and ICS (4.0.4) - 22%. In the third quarter, more than half of the threats, the company notes, were associated with SMS Trojans. Of particular note was the OpFake family (found in 38.3% of all malicious programs for Android), disguised as the Opera Mini browser. Plangton Trojan, which collects data on a smartphone, sends it to the "command center" and waits for commands from cybercriminals, accounted for a fifth of all attacks. This Trojan can subtly spoof bookmarks and the home page. The third place was taken by the FakeInst family (17%), which imitates popular applications, but in fact turns out to be a trojan or backdoor.

Data from other companies is also disappointing. IDC estimates that 75% of smartphones shipped worldwide were running on Android in the third quarter, so Googlephones are an ideal target for virus writers. A study (PDF) by F-Secure showed that 51,447 unique samples of Android viruses were detected in Q3. This is many times more than the malware found in the second (5 thousand 33) and first (3 thousand 63) quarters of 2012.

Lookout previously estimated that a million dollars were stolen from Android users in 2011. Obviously, by the end of 2012, much more will be stolen. Due to the growing pandemic of Trojans and rootkits, Vesti.Hi-tech decided to give some tips on how to protect your Android smartphone from threats.

Install and update your antivirus regularly... Securing your smartphone is no less, if not more important, than your computer. The phone stores information related to a specific person, so hackers can get to the location, personal correspondence, phone numbers you called, and other personal data that can be sold. However, according to Q3 Trend Micro data, only one in five Android device owners use antivirus.

However, you need to have such a program. In addition to protecting against "harmful" applications, mobile antiviruses offer many other useful features. For example, they can remotely lock a smartphone if it is stolen or lost, or automatically back up contacts.

One of the best defenders is Norton Mobile Security... Antivirus can remotely delete all information, protect against unwanted calls and SMS, identify phishing (fake) sites and tightly block a smartphone if a SIM card is pulled out of it. Moreover, it scans directories for threats not only on the device itself, but also on the SD memory card.

Norton offers several plugins for antivirus: application manager and running processes, protection from "bad" QR codes, parental control.

Another antivirus of this kind is avast! Mobile Securityused by over 10 million people. It has the same capabilities as Norton: scanning links to malicious code, a web panel for spying on a smartphone using GPS, remote blocking and cleaning of content, SMS and calls filter. Also avast! monitors incoming / outgoing traffic and how much memory applications are consuming.

Lookout Mobile Security - the most popular antivirus on Google Play (25 million users). Like others, it scans for threats, finds a lost Android smartphone / tablet, protects from dangerous URLs, makes backups. Lookout's benefits include blocking unauthorized access to photos and call logs. The antivirus also shows which of the installed programs can determine the location, read SMS or view the list of contacts.

McAfee offers many Android security solutions, from basic McAfee Antivirus & Security, a smartphone blocker when trying to uninstall antivirus before protecting against unauthorized USSD commands that can erase all content on devices. McAfee programs, however, are not marked with high ratings. Some of them can be used for 7 days for free.

Another good antivirus is Kaspersky Mobile Security from the Russian "Kaspersky Lab". The functionality of the free Lite version is very limited: the security of applications is checked only before they are first launched. Allows you to remotely lock the phone by sending SMS to it. Knows how to find the device, even if the SIM card has been replaced.

Rating in Google Play: 4.6 / 5 (15,040 ratings);
License: "light" version is free, full - 160 rubles.

Avoid installing apps from questionable sources... This topic was partly covered in. First, before downloading a program, always pay attention to its description, rating and reviews of other users. If for some reason it raises doubts, then it is better to refrain from downloading it and find an analogue. It is strongly discouraged to manually download the APK installer from untrustworthy locations.

Second, avoid apps from little-known creators and low-rated apps. On Google Play, the "Best Developer" mark helps distinguish genuine programs from fake ones. However, keep in mind that there is a chance to run into a Trojan in the Google market as well. For example, now there is a fraudulent "antivirus" Antivirus Free, which debits two dollars from the account by sending a paid SMS to a short number.

Don't follow links from unknown senders... You should always be on the lookout and not click on links in letters or SMS that came from unfamiliar numbers. Even if the link is suddenly sent by a familiar contact, it is better to ask about it personally.

Protect your device with a password... To set a PIN, you need to go to "Settings" → "Security" → "Screen lock". In addition, we recommend that you perform hardware encryption of all smartphone content. It will take some time, and will also require you to enter a password every time you reboot, but the data will be protected. In the settings, it is also advisable to uncheck the "Show password" and "Unknown sources" checkboxes.

Don't connect to suspicious Wi-Fi networks... Some hackers are deliberately deploying free Internet access points and intercepting traffic from unsuspecting users. To avoid falling prey to attackers, avoid public networks that you don't know about. Also, turn off Bluetooth, GPS and Wi-Fi wireless modules when not in use.

Data loss and leakage due to viruses is a topic that ordinary smartphone users increasingly encounter. Manufacturers recommend buying antivirus software, but most users need common sense and be careful. We will tell you how to avoid becoming a victim of a virus, how to protect your android from viruses and do you need a paid antivirus?

Should the average Xiaomi smartphone user worry about viruses?

Yes and no - it all depends on how he uses his smartphone. First of all, it is important to understand that the task of mobile viruses is not to destroy the device or steal data.

Hackers can use almost any information contained in smartphones - messages, photos, emails, browser history, Facebook content, not to mention all of your passwords, contacts, or private notes.

Even worse, such an attack and data theft can be quite asymptomatic and not noticeable!

The answer is no. Although the news headlines on some website about mobile gadgets, for example: "New Android virus attacks", "Worm that steals data from mobile devices" or "Android is the main target of cybercriminals" - are intimidating, but the majority of Xiaomi smartphone users are safe.

On the other hand, if you install apps from untrusted sources - the bulk of the Google Play store, or you have no control over permissions, it is recommended that you install one of the antiviruses.

Installing pirated versions of apps and games (via .APK files) is the fastest way to infect your smartphone with a virus.

Most importantly, you should never install apps outside of the Google Play store under any circumstances. Everything that goes there is carefully checked and any malicious applications are automatically removed.

In addition, special attention should be paid to the rights granted to each new application that you install. If a simple program requires a wide range of permissions (for example, access to the camera, call log, wifi, etc.) - this should raise suspicion!

If such an application asks for the option to “use SMS or MMS and charge extra” or “use photos, videos and audio files”, you should immediately stop the installation and check the source of the file.

Similarly, this applies to administrator rights (root). This is the mode in which the application can use the remote control of the device. And if you can give him access to anti-theft applications, then the previously mentioned simple program does not have to work in this mode.

The last and least important issue is updating the threat signature database in the already installed antivirus program - here, as is the case with computers, you need to make sure that you regularly check for new updates.