There was a time when the Windows PC was the computer platform that was most vulnerable to malware and hacking. Although some malicious hackers were targeting Nokia's Symbian mobile operating system, for the most part, they focused their efforts on Windows.
Why? The answer was simple: The many security flaws in Windows made it an inviting target for thieves to steal data and cash for the least effort. It was purely economics. And it made sense. But according to the latest data from security software company McAfee, things are changing. New Android malware samples the company discovered in the first quarter were up 40 percent compared with the previous year. What's worse, McAfee believes that over the next several years, the number of threats that will impact Android will increase exponentially. In other words, the security war has just begun on the mobile side, and it will be fought mainly on the Android mobile platform. To help mobile users protect their devices, 10 different security applications are designed for Android. The applications will not necessarily catch every threat on the operating system, but they should help reduce the chances that users' mobile devices will be hit by viruses and Trojan horses.
Avast Mobile Security
Avast has been in the security game for quite some time. Now it's offering security software for Android users. The app, which is available for free, claims that it can protect users from all types of threats, including viruses, spyware and other malware. Avast says it can even locate a user's phone when it's misplaced.
AVG Antivirus Security
AVG Antivirus Security is another free application worth checking out on Android devices. The security platform has already been downloaded by more than 70 million people, thanks to its many features, such as antivirus defenses, Web-based malware and protection against text-messaging threats. It also lets users remotely wipe their devices if it's stolen.
mSecure Password Manager
The mSecure Password Manager might seem a little pricey at $9.99. But it's well worth the investment, as it stores all passwords and private information in one place and encrypts all the data to ensure malicious hackers can't access it. mSecure has earned its spot as the top password protector in the business for good reason.
Norton Security Antivirus
Symantec's Norton brand is synonymous with computer security, so it's no surprise that the company is competing in the Android space. The company's application provides scanning and removal of viruses and malware and can work across multiple devices. Remote wipe is also available. One interesting note: The free app also scans SD cards plugged into devices.
McAfee Antivirus & Security
Another security mainstay, McAfee is trying its luck in the Android market. The company's application is available as a free trial and includes everything from monitoring the device's privacy to removing malware. Users can also lock applications, track their devices, and filter out unwanted calls or SMS messages from people with whom they don't want to speak.
Lookout Security
Lookout Security has all the typical features you would expect in a security application for Android. The application looks for malware and viruses and removes them from the user's devices. So far, more than 30 million people have downloaded Lookout, indicating it's doing something right. Best of all, its security features are available for free.
Webroot Security & Antivirus
Webroot's security application is one of the more capable options in this roundup. Not only does the app protect devices from malware, but also scans all applications downloaded to a device and looks for phishing scams. Plus, it comes with a nifty alarm system to help users find the handset around the house. It can be downloaded for free, though users have to pay for some premium features.
Kaspersky Mobile Security
Kaspersky has been one of the more outspoken companies on Android security. So, it would only make sense that the company offers an Android app that protects users against malware and theft. But there's one issue with Kaspersky's solution: It costs $14.95, making it somewhat expensive among the security apps for mobile devices.
TrustGo Antivirus and Mobile Security
TrustGo Antivirus and Mobile Security is another popular application for security seekers. Like the other options in this roundup, the application secures Web browsing, scans for malware and backs up data. But here's an interesting addition with the free app: If a thief inputs the wrong password three times to access the device, it automatically takes a photo with the front-facing camera and emails the owner that image.
SeekDroid Antitheft & Security
SeekDroid costs customers $4.99 to download, but it might be worth it for those who have misplaced their device or had it stolen. The application allows users to wipe the device remotely, see where it is on a map and set off an audible alarm to alert other people that the handset is stolen. The app will also remotely wipe the SD card.
There was a time when the Windows PC was the computer platform that was most vulnerable to malware and hacking. Although some malicious hackers were targeting Nokia's Symbian mobile operating system, for the most part, they focused their efforts on Windows.
Why? The answer was simple: The many security flaws in Windows made it an inviting target for thieves to steal data and cash for the least effort. It was purely economics. And it made sense. But according to the latest data from security software company McAfee, things are changing. New Android malware samples the company discovered in the first quarter were up 40 percent compared with the previous year. What's worse, McAfee believes that over the next several years, the number of threats that will impact Android will increase exponentially. In other words, the security war has just begun on the mobile side, and it will be fought mainly on the Android mobile platform. To help mobile users protect their devices, 10 different security applications are designed for Android. The applications will not necessarily catch every threat on the operating system, but they should help reduce the chances that users' mobile devices will be hit by viruses and Trojan horses.
Avast Mobile Security
Avast has been in the security game for quite some time. Now it's offering security software for Android users. The app, which is available for free, claims that it can protect users from all types of threats, including viruses, spyware and other malware. Avast says it can even locate a user's phone when it's misplaced.
AVG Antivirus Security
AVG Antivirus Security is another free application worth checking out on Android devices. The security platform has already been downloaded by more than 70 million people, thanks to its many features, such as antivirus defenses, Web-based malware and protection against text-messaging threats. It also lets users remotely wipe their devices if it's stolen.
mSecure Password Manager
The mSecure Password Manager might seem a little pricey at $9.99. But it's well worth the investment, as it stores all passwords and private information in one place and encrypts all the data to ensure malicious hackers can't access it. mSecure has earned its spot as the top password protector in the business for good reason.
Norton Security Antivirus
Symantec's Norton brand is synonymous with computer security, so it's no surprise that the company is competing in the Android space. The company's application provides scanning and removal of viruses and malware and can work across multiple devices. Remote wipe is also available. One interesting note: The free app also scans SD cards plugged into devices.
McAfee Antivirus & Security
Another security mainstay, McAfee is trying its luck in the Android market. The company's application is available as a free trial and includes everything from monitoring the device's privacy to removing malware. Users can also lock applications, track their devices, and filter out unwanted calls or SMS messages from people with whom they don't want to speak.
Lookout Security
Lookout Security has all the typical features you would expect in a security application for Android. The application looks for malware and viruses and removes them from the user's devices. So far, more than 30 million people have downloaded Lookout, indicating it's doing something right. Best of all, its security features are available for free.
Webroot Security & Antivirus
Webroot's security application is one of the more capable options in this roundup. Not only does the app protect devices from malware, but also scans all applications downloaded to a device and looks for phishing scams. Plus, it comes with a nifty alarm system to help users find the handset around the house. It can be downloaded for free, though users have to pay for some premium features.
Kaspersky Mobile Security
Kaspersky has been one of the more outspoken companies on Android security. So, it would only make sense that the company offers an Android app that protects users against malware and theft. But there's one issue with Kaspersky's solution: It costs $14.95, making it somewhat expensive among the security apps for mobile devices.
TrustGo Antivirus and Mobile Security
TrustGo Antivirus and Mobile Security is another popular application for security seekers. Like the other options in this roundup, the application secures Web browsing, scans for malware and backs up data. But here's an interesting addition with the free app: If a thief inputs the wrong password three times to access the device, it automatically takes a photo with the front-facing camera and emails the owner that image.
SeekDroid Antitheft & Security
SeekDroid costs customers $4.99 to download, but it might be worth it for those who have misplaced their device or had it stolen. The application allows users to wipe the device remotely, see where it is on a map and set off an audible alarm to alert other people that the handset is stolen. The app will also remotely wipe the SD card.
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