5 Free Antivirus Apps To Keep Your Android Smartphone Malware-Free

Recently, while on a conference call, Google CEO Larry Page revealed that over 1.5 million Android devices are being activated each day. While those numbers are really huge and impressive, there is another, unimpressive side to this too.

 A recent Kaspersky Lab report found that 99.9 percent of all the new malware detected in the first quarter of 2013 has been designed to prey on Android phones. In total, 22,750 new modifications of malicious programs targeting mobile devices were detected this past quarter. The vulnerability of this popular platform is exactly why Android users must invest in some research and pick a good anti-virus application for their devices.

 The Google Play store is full of such options. Below is a list of 5 popular anti-virus apps:
 

TrustGo Antivirus & Mobile Security app by TrustGo Inc.

A free application, the TrustGo Antivirus & Mobile Security app protects Android devices from prevailing dangers like malware and virus, along with other dangers including personal privacy, identity and data theft. It detects and removes all malware-ridden apps and viruses.

Screenshot of the TrustGo Antivirus &  Mobile Security app

This application also comes with “Find My Phone” features, which include remote location, lock and alarm. It includes another interesting feature called "Candid Camera" thief ID. Once users have the app installed, they can lock their device. The next time it catches anybody entering the incorrect password three times; it will capture their photo using your device’s front-facing camera and email it to you. It also offers security while browsing the web.

 Some of the features of this app include Security Scanner, Secure App Search andSecure Web Browsing.

 The app was updated only last month to version 1.3.6. To be able to use the app, users would require devices running Android v2.2 and up.



NQ Mobile Security & Antivirus app by NQ Mobile Security


This app offers security features for Android smartphone and tablets. It protects them against virus, malware, spyware, Trojans and phone hacking.

Screenshot of the NQ Mobile Security & Antivirus app

Once the NQ Mobile Security & Antivirus app by NQ Mobile Security is installed, it blocks viruses and other anti-security elements. It scans and detects threats; it scans all installed apps and check’s the device’s security status. Other features of this free app include Safe Browsing and Call & SMS Blocker, to name a few.

This app was updated last month to version 6.8.66. To be able to use this app, one would need Android devices running version 2.0 and up.

  
Lookout Security & Antivirus app by Lookout Mobile Security

Next up is the Lookout Security & Antivirus app that comes with features like Security & Antivirus, Find My Phone, Backup & Restore and Safe Browsing, to name a few. Some premium features of this app include photo & call history backup and restore or transfer data to a new device.

Screenshot of the Lookout Security & Antivirus app

This app received its last update only a few days ago, wherein fixes to some previously known bugs were introduced.

  
VIRUSfighter Antivirus FREE app by SPAMfighter aps

Quite like its name, VIRUSfighter Antivirus app for Android devices claims to protect your Android device from malware threats. The application scans installed apps, data and new installations for malware. The Free version of the app includes features like regular updates for protection against threats, on-demand scanning and scheduled scanning, to name a few.

Screenshot of the VIRUSfigher Antivirus FREE app

 

 

 

 

The app was updated last month to version 2.1.3. To be able to use the app, Android users would need devices running version 2.1 and above.

Bitdefender Antivirus Free app
This free app auto scans new app installations on your device, looking for viruses. An update to the the Bitdefender app claims to have introduced support for detecting the newest "Master Key" Android Exploit. The updated app also claims to feature improved scanning capabilities.

Its makers claim that it does not require any configuration upon installation and is good to go when installed.

Screenshot of the Bitdefender Antivirus Free app

It was updated last in July this year to version 1.1.148. It takes devices running version 2.0.1 and above to run this app.