Tablets and smartphones are among the most frequent targets for hackers who could damage devices or steal personal information. Antivirus software shields your device from malware and corrupted applications. Many of the top antivirus programs include extra features to help you keep your tablet or phone safe. Some of these features include a password management system, a virtual personal network (VPN) and even an app lock which requires a password to open the apps. Some devices have mechanisms that allow you to locate your device in the event that it’s stolen or lost.
Some apps are free, however there are some that have a premium version with features like a VPN and identity theft protection. These premium apps typically cost between $15 and $30 per year and some have an annual subscription that grants unlimited access to their services.
Norton Mobile Security is the most well-known antivirus application for android. It has won the top marks in independent tests and comes with a variety of security features such as an anti-theft function with excellent malware detection capabilities and a low resource drain. It also detects ransomware, as well as other malware threats and erase or encryption of files. A useful feature called Camera Trap snaps a picture of anyone who is trying to get into your phone.
Kaspersky is another option that is highly rated. It has nearly perfect malware detection rates and has a minimal impact on performance. It also provides a range of other security features, such as call software for investment analysis blocking, Wear OS support, and a Wi-Fi scanner to prevent devices from connecting to unsafe networks. It may not be as feature-rich as some of the applications in this roundup, however it’s free and has no ads.