The Best Mobile Phone Security Apps That Can Help Protect You Against Cyber Criminals

Your mobile phone, an extension of you, holds plenty of sensitive information such as details about your friends and family, photographs and video content, and credit card information. Although installing a security app for your mobile phone may seem like overkill, it is better to be safe than sorry.

[ Image Credit: Independent.co.uk ]

Malware and other forms of viruses have become a major concern in the digital space, and with your mobile device being connected to the Internet, it is also at potential risk.

Some of the best security apps for your mobile come with advanced malware prevention capabilities complemented by anti-theft and privacy features. They also allow you to track your device in case of theft, snap a picture of the offender, and backup your data.

4 of the Best Phone Security Apps to Protect You Against Cyber Criminals are:

1. AVAST Mobile Security

AVAST is a forerunner in the PC antivirus market. It has also proved to be one of the best apps for mobile security, surpassing 100 million downloads. If you check the Google Play store, you will see that it has plenty of convincing reviews, with an overall rating of 4.5.

An AV-Test report of 26 Android apps revealed that AVAST displayed an impressive 99.9% malware detection rate, which rose to 100% over 4 weeks. Some of its key features are:

• Complete scanning of your mobile phone and apps that you have installed
• Regular updates its virus database
• Anti-theft features
• Remote locking of your phone
• Call blocker to prevent blacklisted numbers from contacting you
• Lock certain apps via a PIN to improve privacy

2. Sophos Free Antivirus & Security

Another top malware detection app, Sophos, stands out for its extremely impressive 100% detection rate of malware. Best of all, it is free. What it lacks in appearance, it makes up for well in terms of antivirus protection and security. With many users complaining of smartphone battery life, you will be happy to know that running Sophos is easy on your battery life, and causes minimal hindrance to processing speed.

Key features include:

• Robust scanning facility that encompasses your mobile phone, all apps, and media
• Loss and theft protection backed by wipe data, lock, alarm and locate via SMS
• Password protection for private apps
• Blocks spam calls, messages, and notifications

3. Bitdefender Mobile Security

One of the lightest, least obtrusive mobile antivirus apps in the market, Bitdefender is every bit a formidable line of defense against cyber criminals. Unlike some of its competitors, Bitdefender offers a 14-day trial after which you will have to use for a monthly or annual subscription. However, given its capabilities, the nominal fee you pay is fully worth it. One thing you’ve got to keep in mind is that Bitdefender does not offer call blocker or data backup options.

Bitdefender boasts a series of awesome features that are sure to impress:

• 100% success rate in malware detection
• State-of-the-art anti-theft features
• Works with your smartwatch
• Offers an option where you do not need to configure the app to cater to your specific mobile device
• Scans and cleans your mobile phone
• Scans apps as they are being downloaded and installed

4. Norton Security & Antivirus

A well-known name in the antivirus scene and popular amongst review channels, Norton has been continuously upgrading its app to meet stringent protection standards and position itself away from the pack. Initial versions of the app featured a free version which lacked any of the more advanced features available in the paid version. However, they have begun to incorporate some of these features in a move to cater to a wider audience. Once the 30-day trial expires, you will lose the premium features, but your phone will continue to be protected, to anyone’s relief. Another thing to remember: if you are using an iPhone, you may want to stay away as the iOS version lacks a few of the features from Android.

Key features include:

• Antivirus and malware protection
• Remote locking of your phone in case of theft or loss
• Alarm to locate missing phone
• It scores 100% in discovery and real-time for malware detection
• Call blocker (although, there is no message filter)
• Safe browsing to protect you from malicious websites
• Data backup capabilities

Your mobile device is home to your personal data and is an essential part of everyday life. Why leave it to chance when it comes to protecting it from cyber criminals who are just as active when it comes to mobile phones as they are with computers? Remember, it is always better safe than sorry.

Which antivirus and security app have you got on your phone? Tell us what you like about it in the comments section.