Much like computers, you can't go too far on the internet without stumbling on an article trying to scare you into believing your Android device is under constant threat from the countless nasty things on the internet today. We get asked all the time whether our mobile devices need antivirus software, and while the answer isn't as clear cut as we'd like it's time to explain things as clearly as possible.


While those of us who see these security stories every day know there's usually no real threat to the general population, news about a potential risk factor on a device that accesses your bank account is difficult to ignore. And you shouldn't just tune them out — there absolutely are dangers out there. Mobile devices are obvious targets for folks looking to steal your data and do you digital harm — mostly due to the sheer rate at which their use is growing. And Android as a platform, refers to far too many devices running any number of versions of the operating system (to say nothing of the customizations made by the manufacturers) for there to be such a thing as 100% secure rate across the spectrum.


Google does a good job at protecting you at the device level, as well as in the cloud. Fortunately, there's already software in most of our devices that keeps us safe from those dangers.


Google includes scanning software in the versions of Android that it controls, as a part of Play Services. On top of this local, on-device scan, the Google Play Store is continuously monitored in case malicious software is introduced under the disguise of an app you would actually want to install. This covers a significant chunk of Android users out there, but not everyone. No one says it better than Adrian Ludwig, lead engineer for Android security at Google:


"Google's security services for Android are designed to provide the best security for mobile devices -- by default and free for all Android users. As a result, data about the Android ecosystem has shown that Android users face very low risk from potentially harmful applications and other threats. Users can, of course, use any solution they would like, either in addition to or as a replacement for the Google solution, but our goal is to make that purely a matter of choice, not a matter of protection."


Built into every version of Android is the ability to install apps from third-party sources. That's a good thing. And if you want to, say, install the Amazon App store, which doesn't live in the Google Play Store, this is what you'll have to do. But by default, the vast majority of phones have that "Unknown sources" switch turned off by default, locking things down to the Google Play Store. And then there are those crazy folks who deliberately exploit the software on their devices in order to add system-level features that weren't included to begin with. (This is more commonly known as rooting your device.)


NOW LET ME SHOCK YOU! The reputable antivirus software companies out there are fully aware that there's no need for an active scanning tool on most phones and tablets, and that's why you see so many other features in these apps now. Kevin Haley, Symantec's Director of Symantec Security Response, made it clear that viruses aren't a primary focus on mobile devices. Even security companies know the risk is low — that's why apps are packaged with other selling points.


For many, these other security features are also redundant. Things like anti-theft measures, identity protection, call blocking, and data backups are services that already exist for Google Play Services users, but these features are neatly bundled in one place when offered by third parties and are often very easy to use. Since ease of use is often what gets people into trouble in the first place, it makes sense that these apps would focus simplicity. Jude McColgan, President of Mobile at Avast, explained that protecting users from themselves is a big part of the job.


"At Avast, we're constantly keeping an eye on the latest mobile threats and provide a safety net with our iOS and Android apps, protecting more than 55 million people worldwide from privacy intrusion and hackers, malicious programs, device theft and data loss. People's biggest concerns are privacy and identity loss, but still, the majority of users frequently put themselves at risk, e.g. by using public Wi-Fi without protection. Avast addresses these issues with its mobile apps. Avast SecureLine VPN for iOS and Android provides a secure connection while browsing the Internet via public Wi-Fi. Moreover, the Avast Mobile Security offering prevents hacker attacks, device theft and data loss. After all, mobile security is like an insurance. You just need it to be protected in case of an attack—to manage your risk. With Avast Mobile Security, people can do so for free."


So do I need an Android antivirus/malware app or not?

The bottom line is there's absolutely nothing wrong with these companies offering alternatives to existing services, especially if it gets people actively thinking about keeping themselves secure. It's just that in terms of malware protection you're probably already protected by Google — or just by common sense. Don't click on suspect links in unsolicited emails or text messages. Don't install an app that mysteriously downloaded itself to your phone or tablet. Only use reputable app stores like Google Play or the Amazon Appstore.


So do you need extra protection against viruses and malware? Probably not. Will it hurt anything if you choose to use an app? It'll take up space on your phone, perhaps. Maybe even rob your device of some performance. (And do know that there are a number of disreputable developers out there who sell nothing more than a placebo effect.)

Well I'd say: Try if you want. But your money's better spent elsewhere!

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