Dyman & Associates Risk Management Projects Norton Mobile Security: app protects Android devices

Android is on track to surpass one billion users across all devices in 2014, says the Gartner research and consulting group, but a boost in market share often invites more malware ("malicious software").

Perhaps, then, it's no surprise many Android phone and tablet owners are opting for security software to protect the open source operating system.

Tested on a Samsung Galaxy Note 3, I've taken Symantec's new Norton Mobile Security app for a spin, which promises to not only protect your device from viruses and other malware but also locks down your privacy settings, scans memory cards for threats and helps you find your lost or stolen phone.

Bear in mind, though, the basic (read: free) version won't give you complete protection. For that, you'll want to cough up $29.99 for an annual subscription. Alternatively, there's also an option to purchase Symantec's Norton 360 Multi-Device, for $69.99/year, which supports up to five devices, including PCs, Macs, phones and tablets.

The main component of Norton Mobile Security is its Anti-Malware feature, which scans your 'droid for risks. This includes apps, media files, spam and suspicious attachments in an email or SMS (text messages). You can have the software scan on demand and/or set up regular automatic scans (daily, weekly, monthly). The app will also scan all new downloads from the Google Play store just in case and will tell you if an app is trying to access your information, such as Contacts and Calendar. You also have the option to scan an inserted microSD memory card.

With Web Protection enabled, Norton Mobile Security will block what it thinks is a fraudulent site, such as a known phishing threat, but you can override it, if you so choose.

[Are you getting the most out of your security data? See Dyman & Associates Risk Management Projects Facebook Page for techniques and security trends.]

Along with security and privacy controls, this app lets you set up call blocking – simply enter the name and/or number of anyone whose calls or texts you want to block. There's also an option to back-up and restore contacts on your Android device on a regular basis or on-demand (via an integrated "cloud" service).

The second major part to Norton Mobile Security is Anti-Theft. Should your phone or tablet become lost or stolen, you can use a text message or a web portal (mobilesecurity.norton.com) to remotely lock your device; locate your phone or tablet on a map (though it's recommended to work with the authorities to retrieve a stolen phone that try to do it yourself); wipe the data clean; send a message to whomever finds your device (e.g. "Reward for return"); or have it "scream," which means chime loudly, in case you've misplaced your phone around your home (this even works if the phone is on mute).

There's also an option to use the device's built-in front-facing camera to take a photo of anyone using your device once you list it lost or stolen, and another option to instantly lockdown the phone if the SIM card is removed.

The free version of the app only allows these following features: use SMS to remotely lock your lost or stolen phone; scan and remove apps and updates that have the potential to harm or slow down your device; and scan microSD cards for threats. Updating to the full version adds further protection from theft, malware (including viruses), potential privacy risks, and mobile spam. You'll be able to remotely lock and erase your stolen device, if needed, and back up your important contacts and restore them across your devices.

Too bad there's not an option to back up your entire Android – including apps, messages and media – but there are other apps that do that (such as Clickfree Mobile Backup).

Surprising, installing and running this Norton mobile software didn't seem to slowdown the performance of my device at all -- even with the real-time scan for incoming messages, attachments, media and apps.

While not everyone wants to pay an annual subscription for protection of mobile devices, it might just be cheaper than the alternative.

Visit our website for more information about security applications on your mobile devices.

 

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