In July 2019, we evaluated 20 mobile security products for Android using their default settings. When conducting our tests, we always used the most current version of all products. The products were allowed to update themselves at any time and query their in-the-cloud services. We focused on malware detection and usability, including performance and false positives. The products had to demonstrate their capabilities using all components and protection layers.
McAfee Antivirus & Security for Android (free, $29.99 per year) is the mobile component of the company's All Access (now McAfee LiveSafe) all-in-one suite and is free for All Access users. Even if you don't have All Access, McAfee is certainly attractive with its well-known name, high malware detection scores, pleasantly minimalist user interface, and enormous slew of security features. But I was disappointed that the app didn't live up to its incredible potential, and would recommend looking at lower-priced alternatives if you're not an All Access user.
Malware Protection
For evaluating mobile malware detection, PC Mag relies on the results of third-party testing labs. According to independent testing lab AV-Test, McAfee detected 99.6 percent of the 1,972 malicious samples used by the lab. This is well above AV-Test's reported industry average of 95.2 percent.
One big problem with the McAfee mobile security web portal is that Google Chrome marked it as potentially malicious during my testing. This could be enormously confusing for someone who just lost their phone, and doesn't inspire a lot of confidence in the service.
The anti-theft tools on McAfee's website are extensive, among the most voluminous of any security app I've tested. The mobile security website is broken into two sections: My Device, which covers the usual gamut of anti-theft tools (lock, wipe, locate, scream, etc.), and My Data, which handles your backup information. More on back-up and restoring features later in the review.
However, even when locked the device is still partly accessible to thieves. When locked, the notification tray is still accessible, leaving your messages open for perusal and allowing a thief to toggle airplane mode, GPS, Wi-Fi, and mobile data on and off. A thief can also access the app manager, viewing the apps currently in use, quitting them, and tapping to bring them forward. Anyone can also, albeit briefly, view the homescreen in a number of ways. Worse still, all the taps still count, so a fast-fingered thief might be able to pull off an attack like this one againstNorton Mobile Security that's since been fixed.
The McAfee mobile security website gives you access to your backed-up information in the My Data section. Here you can browse (and search!), delete, and export your contacts, text messages, and call logs. These are powerful features that I am a little wary of. On the one hand, it means you can always access your important information, and maybe even track what a thief is doing on your phone. On the other hand, a jealous spouse could spy on their partner by installing McAfee onto their partner's phone.
Along with anti-theft features, you can use the mobile security website to remotely trigger backup features as well. Contacts, text messages, and call logs and can be backed up remotely, though your other data must be backed up from your device.
In general I was very impressed with the privacy features included in McAfee mobile security. It really makes the app feel more like an all-in-one security suite, rather than just malware and anti-theft tools.
According to the app it only supports the default Android browser. This is a major shortfall, since Chrome is enormously popular and also standard on Nexus devices. Most other mobile security apps generally support at least two browsers.
Nearly Great
In many ways, McAfee gets it right. It has a near perfect malware detection score and includes powerful anti-theft tools, covering you from the two biggest mobile threats. Its slew of supporting security features is really impressive, particularly its backup options, app locking abilities, and support for multiple profiles. It has all the makings of a pricey, but worthy Editors' Choice.
McAfee brings a lot to bear with the third iteration of their mobile security suite. Now they need to refine the apps' tools so that they work perfectly, and integrate and refine the apps' design so that users can easily find and use those tools. With that in mind, I expect great things from the next update.
We installed McAfee mobile security on an iPad pro running iOS 15 and an Android 11 phone. We then ran it through its paces on a home wifi network on both devices, and exposed it to test files from the European Institute for Computer Anti-Virus Research (EICAR) and spyshelter.com. It detected 100 per cent of our test files.
1. Bitdefender: the very best mobile antivirus solution
You might be more familiar with bigger names, like Norton and McAfee, but don't count Bitdefender out. It's been our favorite antivirus for years, now, and its Android suite is the total package.
A mobile security plan gives you real-time Chrome browser protection, complete with anti-phishing system scans, so you'll be forewarned about any dodgy links or pages. Bitdefender can also take the reins with its Autopilot feature, which is capable of making intelligent recommendations for security actions depending on your system and typical usage pattern. Simply put, Bitdefender can help you avoid threats and make proactive choices about your security
This component allows you to remotely manage the data on the device. You can lock the device and it lets you display a message on the mobile device to request its return. It is also possible to track the location of your phone. You can remotely wipe all data on the phone or make a backup copy.
Egor Filimonov works in the Software & Services Group at Intel Corporation. He is a student of Lobachevsky State University in Nizhni Novgorod, Russia on the mechanic and mathematics faculty. His specialty is applied mathematics and informatics. His main interest is HPC (High Performance Computing) and mobile technologies.
McAfee Mobile Security Plus VPN is an all-in-one mobile security solution that combines the robust attributes of McAfee Mobile Security with the added benefits of a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Developed by McAfee, a leading name in cybersecurity, this comprehensive mobile security app provides enhanced protection for your smartphones and tablets, ensuring your online activities remain private and secure.
McAfee today announced that McAfee Mobile Security, a comprehensive solution for protection against unwanted programs, received a perfect score on the most recent mobile security test by independent research lab AV-Test.
More Than 100 Mobile Worldwide Partners
McAfee Mobile Security has been downloaded more than three million times in the Google Play store and is available in more than 30 languages to users across the globe. To date, McAfee has signed close to 100 mobile partnerships, including Verizon, Sprint, Airtel, Vodafone, NTT Docomo and SoftBank Mobile. McAfee is also working closely with Intel to expand its presence across emerging platforms and markets so that mobile users everywhere can enjoy the robust privacy protection features offered by McAfee Mobile Security and recently launched with Safaricom in Kenya.
About McAfee
McAfee, a wholly owned subsidiary of Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC), empowers businesses, the public sector and home users to safely experience the benefits of the Internet. The company delivers proactive and proven security solutions and services for systems, networks, and mobile devices around the world. With its Security Connected strategy, innovative approach to hardware-enhanced security, and unique Global Threat Intelligence network, McAfee is relentlessly focused on keeping its customers safe. .
Mobile devices are rife across modern businesses, with smartphones and tablets rich targets for exploitation and cyberattacks. Nearly half of organizations have been subject to a security incident involving a phone or tablet that led to data loss, downtime, or another negative outcome, according to the Verizon 2022 Mobile Security Index. Malware, social engineering, data leakage, and Wi-Fi interference are among the many mobile security risks organizations face, while novel technologies such as generative AI are predicted to create new opportunities for cybercriminals to target mobile devices.
On October 8, 2007, McAfee announced it would acquire SafeBoot Holding B.V. for $350 million.[67] SafeBoot provided mobile data security solutions that protected data, devices, and networks against the risk associated with loss, theft, and unauthorized access. Through the acquisition, McAfee became the only vendor to deliver endpoint, network, web, email and data security, as well as risk and compliance solutions. Gerhard Watzinger, CEO of SafeBoot, joined McAfee to lead the Data Protection product business unit.[68] The deal closed on November 19, 2007.
On May 25, 2010, McAfee announced a definitive agreement to acquire Trust Digital, a privately held online security company that specialized in security for mobile devices. The acquisition allowed McAfee to extend its services beyond traditional endpoint security and move into the mobile security market.[80] The acquisition closed on June 3, 2010.[81] The price for Trust Digital was not disclosed.[82]
On July 29, 2010, McAfee announced a definitive agreement to acquire tenCube, a privately held online security company that specialized in anti-theft and data security for mobile devices.[83] The acquisition allowed McAfee to complete its diversification into the mobile security space, and announce its plans to build the next generation mobile platform. The acquisition closed on August 25, 2010.
Whenever we talk about device security; McAfee is one of the most common security programs suggested by people. McAfee offers good security to the PC as well as a mobile device. McAfee Mobile Security gives the best security features for safeguarding your Android device.
aa06259810