Mobile phones using the Google Android operating system have become a rage worldwide as they offer a world of functionalities and a lot of interesting possibilities.
Android mobile features that make protection necessary –
Key features like open source and multiple application download options available on Android phones while being attractive make the devices vulnerable to malware threats and viral attacks. So, it becomes essential for Android mobile phone users to be aware of such risks and take necessary precautions.
Android mobiles can run various applications available from various App Stores like Google, Amazon, etc. Users can choose applications to suit their requirements and preferences and download them onto their devices. These applications run from a “sandbox” – a cordoned region of the OS with no access to the remaining system resources. However, users can grant permissions by choosing the displayed options when installing the apps.
Understandably, owing to user intervention during the installation of applications and complex communication between the various applications, sandboxing is far from being the water-tight security for the Android phone.
Applications that help safeguard Android mobiles.
Applications for safeguarding Android mobile phones are available for download – many are free, while some charge fees for premium features. They typically offer antivirus and firewall protection besides keeping off unwarranted intrusion on sensitive data. The applications also ensure damage control when an Android phone is lost or stolen. One can also monitor their Android phone through mobile apps like Mobile Spy.
Privacy Inspector
Is a free, easy-to-use application that gives information about what data is accessed by which app on the phone. This means users can keep a tab on the usage of their private information. The application even rates other Android apps (based on the type of data they can get) and supports people in making informed choices on what apps to download onto their phones.
NetQuin Mobile Security
Is an application that not only defends Android mobiles from malware but also aids in backing up contact info, tracking data usage on the mobile, uninstalling unused applications, and optimizing sluggish mobiles to run faster.
Norton Mobile Security Lite
Has anti-theft and antivirus features and can be considered a one-stop solution for Android users.
Lookout is a free app that can come in handy when a user loses their Android phone. It is built to precisely locate the phone through its web interface. The app can also help salvage important data like contacts, pictures, videos, etc.
Protector app:
Gives a password protection option with which users can protect other applications and features on their Android mobiles to ensure maximum privacy.
Many security firms, such as Lookout Mobile Security, McAfee, Symantec, Kaspersky, Bitdefender, etc., have released antivirus applications targeted for Android devices. However, there is a word of caution to owners of Android mobiles. First, they need to know that the effectiveness of any application is questionable to some extent – because the Android phones’ sandboxing procedure might restrict the security software’s ability to probe and scan deep into the mobile system. This could, in turn, lead to unauthorized code getting into the phone and causing damage.
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