With the introduction of Android v8.0 (Android Oreo) in August of 2017, among other OS improvements Google introduced its built-in malware protection for Android call Play Protect (dependent on Google Play Services 11 or later). Play Protect checks apps and APK files downloaded from Google Play or third-party sources, using real-time and on-demand scanners, while also providing safe browsing and device loss protections.
While built-in antimalware is a welcome addition in a dangerous Android Internet environment, Google Play Protect is not yet quite up-to-snuff, as shown in the recent tests performed by AV-Comparatives’ Mobile Security Review 2018 conducted in July and revised in August. In that test cycle, its protection rate was actually quite low (only a 51% catch rate among 2,604 recent malware samples tested.) It’s also not much help in Asian countries, nor in any other region where use of other non-Google-owned Android app stores is rampant; nor is it included in Android 7/7.1, 6.0, or 5/5.1, which retain the lion’s share of Android users (some 79%).
Android users clearly need better protection—and here, Trend Micro Mobile Security for Android steps up to the plate. It achieved 100%-protection rate in the same AV-Comparative tests, with no false positives, and received an Approved Mobile Product badge, standing securely among the five leading products in a field of twelve, while also having little effect on battery life (less than 3%). Achieving a rating of 100% protection is particularly good when you consider Trend Micro Mobile Security for Android has achieved this result in AV-Comparatives’ tests for the last four years running. They also acknowledge it to be “a comprehensive app offering malware protection, an anti-theft module [Lost Device Protection], and additional, helpful features for managing the device.” These additional helpful management features include a System Tuner and an App Manager, alongside the full-fledged functionality of a Security Scanner, a Safe Surfing function, a Wi-Fi Checker, Parental Controls, Social Network Privacy for Facebook and Twitter, and a Call Blocking function.
Visit AV-Comparatives’ Mobile Security Review 2018 to download a PDF of the review.
Visit Trend Micro Mobile Security for more information, or to buy the program for Android or iOS.
Click this link to watch a Video Overview of Trend Micro Mobile Security 10.
