In the fight between iOS and Android, many users point to the weaker security of Google’s open operating system as one of its drawbacks. In 2013, experts estimate that an additional 18 million Android mobile devices will be infected with some form of malware worldwide. Some even considered 2013 the “year of malware” for Android.
To protect your device from such problems, and also to be more secure from day-to-day threats like loss and theft, we have selected four free apps that can ensure your Android is not as vulnerable.
Droid wall:
For users who want to have more control over their Android data flow, Droid Wall creates a customizable firewall that can be used to control which apps can send data over their mobile phone’s 3G and Wi-Fi network, ensuring the privacy of their data.
Through restrictions, you can also save megabytes in your carrier’s data package and help save battery power by leaving just a few apps connected to the network. For advanced users, the app also lets you configure ip tables manually.
The app is available for Android 1.5 or higher, but will only work on Android devices that have the so-called “Root”.
Avast!
One of the most downloaded antivirus for computers, Avast! It also has a free mobile version for Android which is considered one of the most complete for the system. In addition to basic anti-virus functions such as system scanning, the app features a number of user-customizable customizations such as scheduling scans.
The app also has a service to show you which apps access which of your accessibility options, which track your location, which access your messages, which view your contacts, etc. There is also a program manager to check the data traffic of each one and close applications running in the background without need.
The Avast! It features functions such as SMS and call filters, blocking unwanted contacts, a data traffic meter, firewall and anti-theft options. The app is available for Android 2.1 or higher.
Where is My Droid?
For those who want a unique app to locate their Android in case it is lost or stolen, where My Droid is one of the simplest and most efficient. When you connect to the service, the app will ask you to set two keywords to be sent to your mobile message, enabling one of the two location services the app offers.
Learn more information about the cybersecurity threats in 2019.
The first one, called “Ring setup”, can be used to find your phone if it is lost in a specific place near you – such as in the office or at home. You can select options for your device to start ringing, vibrating and even flashing the flash light wherever you are. The system will work even if the device is in silent mode.
The “GPS setup” is in case of theft or loss in a place you are not sure. When sending the message to your mobile phone, the service will attempt to locate your Android device via GPS, sending you three messages in a row: the first one bringing latitude and longitude from your device’s location, the second with a Google Maps link to where it is located. The app is available for Android 2.2 or higher.
Lookout Security & Antivirus:
Considered one of the best security apps available for Android, Lookout has about 30 million users and provides a number of security features for your device. In its free version, the app comes with an Antivirus that scans your device in real time, scanning your device files for threats and automatically checking for new apps for malware.
There is also a data backup function, which allows you to access your information such as contacts, photos, documents, call logs and other files through the service’s website. In the free version, however, only contact backup is possible.
The service also has a function for GPS location of a lost or stolen device, which works through the official website. There is also an option to remotely delete files present on your device to prevent them from being viewed by others.
In the paid version of the app, there is also an app analyzer to see what personal information is viewed by which apps, and a secure browsing option on the network.
