Do I need an antivirus on my Android Phone? Have you bought android phone and was wondering whether it needed to be installed with antivirus software? Answer is not simple.
Smartphone’s are no longer really just mobile phones, they are like small PC. Smartphone’s especially Android is an open-source which means it can catch viruses and other malware. Google Android Smartphone is more vulnerable to viruses than iPhone platform, according to antivirus software maker Trend Micro Inc. iPhone has more security than Android primarily because iPhone apps run in a “sandbox” environment which has restricted access with other apps.
Unlike Apple’s App Store, Android Market allows any developer to upload any application. Android third-party app developers can join Android Market and upload apps as long as they conform to some pre-defined guidelines. That is, Android apps do not go through an approval process. Recently, Google has removed malicious apps that appeared in the Android Market found to contain malware that can compromise data, according to security firm Lookout.
Android’s mobile operating system is based on the Linux kernel. Linux OS has fewer viruses primarily because virus writers focus on Windows. Since Android Market is open to all and anyone can upload apps to Android Market.
The bottom line is you should be very cautious when installing apps and when accessing web. Make sure the app you’re installing in your android phone is from a trusted source.
If you still need some protection, you can use the following Android Mobile Security apps from Android Market place for free
Android Mobile Security apps
- Antivirus Free – Antivirus Free will detect new applications that are installed on your system, and cross-reference them with our database of known malicious apps.
- GuardX Antivirus – GuardX is a free antivirus software for your android phone.
- Lookout Mobile Security – Protect your phone with this free award-winning security from Lookout.
- BitDefender Mobile Security – BitDefender Mobile Security is a free lightweight solution for Android devices
- ESET Mobile Security for Android which provides free real-time Smartphone protection against known and emerging threats.