Is an antivirus application really needed for Android?

Security nowadays is very important and one of the many questions in this domain people seek is to know if they really need an antivirus application on their Android device. The answer to this question varies from user to user, but if an antivirus could add an extra layer of security why not give it a try?

What is an antivirus?

An antivirus (or anti-virus) is a software program designed to prevent, detect, and remove malicious software or malware from a computer or other electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and servers. Malware includes viruses, trojans, spyware, adware, and other malicious programs that can harm a device or steal data.

Antivirus software typically works by scanning the files and data on a device for malware signatures or behavioral patterns that indicate the presence of malware. Once malware is detected, the antivirus program can isolate, quarantine, or remove the malicious code from the device. Some antivirus software also includes real-time protection, which actively monitors a device for malware and blocks it before it can cause any harm.

Antivirus programs are essential for protecting electronic devices from malware and other security threats. It is important to keep antivirus software updated regularly to ensure it can detect and protect against the latest threats.

Is an antivirus application really needed for Android?

It is recommended to have an antivirus application on your Android device to protect it against malware and other security threats. Android is an open-source operating system, which means it is more vulnerable to malware and other types of attacks than closed-source operating systems like iOS.

An antivirus application can help protect your Android device by detecting and removing malware, scanning apps for vulnerabilities, and providing real-time protection against threats. It can also help protect your personal data by detecting and blocking malicious websites and phishing attacks.

While Android devices do come with built-in security features, such as Google Play Protect, an additional antivirus app can provide an extra layer of protection and give you peace of mind. Just make sure to download an antivirus app from a trusted source, such as the Google Play Store, and keep it updated regularly.

Google Play Protect is the primary built-in defense against malware on Android devices. It comprises several components, including Find My Device tools and malware scanning capabilities. Every Android device that has Google Play Store includes Play Protect, which ensures that the apps you download from the store are safe. You may have seen the “No Harmful Apps Found” message in the Play Store’s apps and games management section.

Play Protect’s malware scanning feature also extends beyond the Play Store. It scans apps downloaded from outside the store, which is called sideloading. While sideloading is still relatively risky, it’s reassuring to know that Play Protect keeps an eye on it.

Moreover, Play Protect can protect you while browsing with Google Chrome. Just like the desktop version of Chrome, if you visit a website with malicious code, Chrome will alert you and take you back to safety.