Android Security Apps: Should you get one? No

Despite the risk of overs-simplifying Android Security, there seems to be no real benefit from installing anti-virus software. Understandably, this might seem a bit counter-intuitive. After all, big names like Avast and AVG made headlines over Android vulnerabilities, to reinforce the importance of antivirus software. In addition, it seems so unnatural to forego and antivirus software, especially since many of us were brought up during the PC era, where it is digital suicide to go around wondering through cyberspace without adequate protection.

However, Android is not Windows or iOS (Apple's operating system is equally or perhaps more vulnerable than Windows but gets less attention from malware writers, due to its smaller market share). Android and its iOS counterpart are designed differently, and the management of these systems and applications are very different. It seems that at-best Antivirus systems provide users with marginal security and at worst, just drain RAM and battery power.

Whether it is Avast or AVG or anything else, Google's top engineers put cold water on the claim you can get more protection. In an interview, Adrian Ludwig, the lead engineer for Android Security at Google, mentioned that Google Apps are screened before being featured on Google Play. Therefore, an additional scan after installing it provides no extra protection. Regarding the stats and numbers on Android security flaws, Google argued that the numbers don't necessarily refer to harmful applications installed but on the potentially harmful apps that are out there. However, such software could warn users in the rarest of circumstances and maybe useful if you habitually install apps from third parties. However, the risk is not significant enough to warrant a full-blown antivirus protection.

Some of these apps do come around with some other perhaps features such as a phone finding software, privacy managers, etc. If you like the extra goodies, you may want to go ahead and keep your existing antivirus app or download something off the Google Play Store.

If you are interested in a security suite. The Android Device Manager is good enough for tracking and remotely locking and/or wiping your devices. In addition, virtually all major manufacturers including Apple and Samsung have their own phone finding and remote control systems.

Bottom Line

Should you get anti-virus software?
 
· No. Unless you install third party apps (outside the Google Play Store)

Are there any other benefits of Antivirus software?
 
· Yes. Depending on the app, you could have access to features that control privacy and help find your phone. However, there are lighter (in terms of memory and battery usage) apps that do the same task just as well (e.g. Android Device Manager).

By Navam Niles