Advice Request Looking for Security Apps for Android

[LukeNukesEm]

I am looking to beef up my security on android. I am looking for the best detection ratios, behavior blocking, best firewall (preferably working without vpn connection), etc. What do you recommend?

 

[Arequire]

If your android device isn't rooted, all you really need is an antivirus (a lot of people debate if you actually need this at all but I say better safe than sorry) and an adblocker. Keep unknown sources unchecked, try and only install apps from the play store and use a VPN on unsecured connections. A password manager would also be a good idea if you've got a lot of accounts but I don't personally use one on my phone.

I personally use Avira Antivirus, Adguard (Adguard requires you to sideload the app) and NordVPN. (Links to Avira and NordVPN are to the UK store. Search for them in your own store if you live outside the UK. The Adguard link goes directly to their site.)

 

[Ink]

Best detection ratio? Behaviour Blocker? No root firewall?

Disable Unknown Sources and stick to Apps from the Google Play Store.
Enable Encryption for Storage and SD card.
Metadefender for Android provides a status of your device.
Bitdefender Free or Malwarebytes for Android is OK with real-time protection.
Opera Max could (sort of) be used to restrict data traffic for 4G/WiFi.
Opera Unlimited VPN is free with no logs (check to confirm).

It's been said a thousand times, but apparently, falls on deaf ears. There is no best anything. 

1. Learn to use Android
2. Evaluate your usage habits
3. Think before doing (preferably with your brain)

 

[WinXPert]

It's been said a thousand times, but apparently, falls on deaf ears. There is no best anything. 

1. Learn to use Android
2. Evaluate your usage habits
3. Think before doing (preferably with your brain)

Rightly said.

I use 360 Lite btw.

 

[Ink]

Rightly said.

I use 360 Lite btw.

I tried Malwarebytes, but didn't like how it wanted to scan after every update on default settings. I no longer use Bitdefender Free either.

It'll get asked again in a weeks time.

 

[LukeNukesEm]

Best detection ratio? Behaviour Blocker? No root firewall?

Disable Unknown Sources and stick to Apps from the Google Play Store.
Enable Encryption for Storage and SD card.
Metadefender for Android provides a status of your device.
Bitdefender Free or Malwarebytes for Android is OK with real-time protection.
Opera Max could (sort of) be used to restrict data traffic for 4G/WiFi.
Opera Unlimited VPN is free with no logs (check to confirm).

It's been said a thousand times, but apparently, falls on deaf ears. There is no best anything. 

1. Learn to use Android
2. Evaluate your usage habits
3. Think before doing (preferably with your brain)

I know all of this, and more. I was thinking of something more advanced than simple tips.
When you say there is no best anything, I have to disagree. Back in 2015 when I was a android security freak, ESET did in fact have the best detection ratio. I am asking if anyone took first place in 2017, and if there is behavior blocking. There is a no root firewall, thats the name of the firewall. I was asking if there is one that is no root, and does not require to use a VPN connection.

 

[Ink]

I know all of this, and more. I was thinking of something more advanced than simple tips.

There was zero mention of what you had or not done already, and these simple tips makes a huge difference.

I am looking to beef up my security on android [...] What do you recommend?

Why don't you use ESET, if you know so much?

 

[Arequire]

I know all of this, and more. I was thinking of something more advanced than simple tips.
When you say there is no best anything, I have to disagree. Back in 2015 when I was a android security freak, ESET did in fact have the best detection ratio. I am asking if anyone took first place in 2017, and if there is behavior blocking. There is a no root firewall, thats the name of the firewall. I was asking if there is one that is no root, and does not require to use a VPN connection.

If you're referring to tests such as those from AV-Test and AV-Comparatives, I wouldn't rely on those too heavily if I were you. They're only reflective of the exact samples used and nothing more.

 

[Rolo]

I used ESET for 2 years (it was a giveaway) and I liked it a lot. However, I don't buy any security software and that's why I no longer use it.

I only use AdAway (installed/updated with F-Droid).

I use SuperSU (root) and control access to root functions.

I use Titanium Backup.

I use Xprivacy to really control permissions.

I use Appbugs to check for vulnerabilities and uninstall anything dangerous (I'm surprised how long bank apps have left their stuff vulnerable).

I just remembered I have Zemana and uninstalled it a while ago (beta) because of notification spam. I just reinstalled it and doing a full scan now. I'll see how I like it.

I only use widely-accepted applications (either a LOT of users on the Play store or on Amazon or any within the established XDA community), so AV is pretty much moot.

 

[LukeNukesEm]

If you're referring to tests such as those from AV-Test and AV-Comparatives, I wouldn't rely on those too heavily if I were you. They're only reflective of the exact samples used and nothing more.

I've tested it myself aswell... not as accurate though.

 

[LukeNukesEm]

There was zero mention of what you had or not done already, and these simple tips makes a huge difference.

Why don't you use ESET, if you know so much?

True, these tips do make a big difference.

Like I mentioned, I tested android AV's back in 2015. The #1 AV may have changed over 2 or so years. For example, McAfee used to be crap (imo), but now it's pretty decent.

 

[SearchLight]

Can anyone recommend a Smartphone AV that is free, has no ads, that will not drain my smartphone battery, and constantly download signatures?