With the burgeoning rise in smartphone sales, so has increased security and privacy threats to your phones and tablets.

Here is a list of the top 13 Security apps for Android that will help deter phone hacking, prevent unsolicited calls and texts, help tracking devices if lost or stolen, and help prevention from malwares and Trojans.







KeePassDroid is an implementation of the KeePass Password Safe for Android. You can either:

• Read/write support for .kdb and KeePass 1.x. 
• Beta read/write support for .kdbx and KeePass 2.x,

In the updated version, crashes on some Android 4.3 and x86 devices have been fixed.

2. Sophos Mobile Security

Sophos Mobile Security app offers full functionality to protect your Android device without reducing performance or battery life. It works by scanning your apps on demand or in intervals of your choice. The USP of this antivirus functionality is that it helps you avoid undesirable software that may lead to data loss and unexpected costs. And in an eventuality of your device being lost or stolen, a remote lock or wipe will shield your personal information from unauthorized users.

3.  Webroot Security and Antivirus

Webroot Security and Antivirus is a free antivirus for Android™ smartphones & tablets. Besides providing internet security and identity protection, this security app helps locate lost or stolen devices, and automatically helps scan apps/files for viruses, spyware and Trojans. It also helps block malware, text spam and unwanted calls; phishing, SMS spam and much more.

4.  1Password Reader for Android

1Password Reader app for Android allows you to get an access to your logins, accounts, and other information created on your Mac or PC. It also helps you synchronize your phone with your computer. In short, the app serves as a vault allowing you to see your secure data created on your Mac or PC on your phone. The new updated version allows new Dropbox authentication schema adaptation, sync performance, stability and user feedback enhancements; besides adding Delete button on lock screens.

5. Trend Micro Mobile Security Personal Edition

Trend Micro Mobile Security not only helps you protect your privacy, but also help you find your phone or tablet when you lose it, backup your photos and videos, improve your Facebook privacy and identify malicious apps that steal your info including fake banking apps. Trend Micro Mobile Security (certified by PCSL and AV-Comparatives) provides 99.9 percent detection, according to Av-test.org.

The free version of this unique cloud based protection app includes an Anti-virus scanner, 50MB of cloud storage, privacy scanner for Facebook and a 30-day trial of the premium features can be upgraded to a premium version after 30 days.

6.  McAfee Mobile Security for Android

McAfee Mobile Security is the industry-leading mobile security solution that offers comprehensive security when you select shop online, new apps, browse social networks, or use your phone for banking and payments. Besides securely backing up your personal information such as SMS, call logs, contacts, photos, and videos to the cloud; it offers 24/7 protection against viruses, spyware, worms, Trojans, and botnets by scanning installed apps, messages, memory card, and more.

7.  Lookout

Lookout security app for Android help you keep your device safe and secure from evolving mobile threats. It facilitates backup process by helping you save key data to the cloud, which you can access from any web browser and restore lost data to your device. In case you lose your phone or it stolen, you can instantly locate it with by pinpointing it on a map Lookout. You can also activate a loud alarm to find your device nearby.

A paid premium version is also available for advanced security and privacy protection – with Privacy Adviser, Remote Lock, Remote Wipe, and additional backup options.

8.  NQ Mobile Security

NQ Mobile Security & Antivirus helps you protect your Android phone and tablet from virus, phone hacking, malware, spyware, and Trojans; besides uninstalling malicious apps to protect your phone. It also ensures safe downloading with real-time app scanner that helps to block insecure apps during downloading. NQ web shield also promotes safe browsing by protecting you from phishing, fraud, harmful sites and malware to ensure safe web-surfing.

NQ Mobile Security & Antivirus scans and alarm if spyware is installed on your phone; and also protects mobile payment and transactions on your phone.

9.  Norton Mobile Security

Norton Mobile Security antivirus protects your Android phones and tablets from theft, loss, malware and viruses. Just SMS text to remotely lock your lost or stolen phone. This app also helps you locate your lost or stolen device remotely. Moreover, you can scan your new apps, app updates and SD cards for privacy risks, malware and greyware. Easily control the protection for all your devices through one website. This security app also has the feature to activate a "scream" alarm to quickly find your missing device.

10.  AVG Antivirus

AVG Antivirus helps you combat viruses and malware that are increasingly becoming prominent on the mobile web. Besides running scans manually or set up automatic daily or weekly scans easily, so that malware does not infect your device; it also offers loss and theft protection by helping you track and control your smartphone remotely. It also features a 'Shout' function which can be enabled to raise an alarm by maximizing the volume of your ring tone (to help identify and locate your phone) even if the phone is set to 'Silent Mode'.

11.  Seal App Locker

Seal App Locker can protect any application easily with a password or a pattern, making it impossible for anyone to access them. This easy-to-use security app comes with unique features like integrated plugin for Locale, Tasker, Auto Protection feature, and much more. Seal offers protection to all apps like Google Mail, Messages, Handcent, Angry Birds, Task Killer, Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn (except widgets). Integrated with built-in auto protection, Seal detects dangerous apps automatically and put them on the protection list.

12. Super Security

Super security is an all-in-one application that offers provides cloud based antivirus engine to help you get rid of malware. Integrated to robust features like Task Manager, Strongbox, Software Manager, anti-malware, Real time monitor, live update, etc. this security app for Android provides strongbox to hide your sensitive data.

13.  Kaspersky Mobile Security

Kaspersky Internet Security for Android offers easy-to-use, solution that is optimized to protect both Android smartphones and Android tablets from Internet security threats. It includes superior anti-theft protection anti-malware protection, web protection and Privacy Protection, so as to control what others can see or access when they pick up your smartphone. It also offers Call & Text Filter, which allows your smartphone to only receive the calls and texts authorized by you.

Which is your personal favorite?

Author Bio
Hariot is an expert Android application developer currently working with a leading mobile application development company renowned worldwide for its excellent services and an internationally admired team of professionals. She also loves to write regarding latest happenings in Android app development.