Security is one of the major concerns for anybody who spends some time on Internet, regardless of the Operating Software, and Android based smart phones are no exception. Because of its open source aspect, it can very well be a breeding ground for malicious codes. Viruses and malwares easily creep into a smart-phone, when users are downloading numerous apps from random websites that offers “free Android apps”. In severe cases of virus and malware attacks, user’s private information and financial credentials are also compromised.

As with the case of any other type of computer systems, smart-phones also need failsafe security apps that can give their systems full protection. The app market has quite a number of security apps, each catering to smart-phones of different sorts. Here, we have compiled a list of top 5 security apps that cater especially the Android users.

1.  AVG Antivirus

Just like the free version for PC systems running Windows, the AVG antivirus is also available for Android smart-phones. Being one of the most popular antivirus, AVG’s Android version is as reliable as its PC version.  Here are some of the basic features offered by the software:

• Scanning of apps in real time.
• Scanning of all media files and OS root folders.
• Additional feature of “lost phone locator”.
• Provides backup and restore facilities.
• Efficiently eliminating tasks that slows or clogs the OS processor.
• Scheduled Scanning and enhanced security

Though AVG offers additional features such as the task killer and the privacy protector, it is also known to be also a battery killer. However, that shouldn’t be a problem if you know how to effectively manage battery usage.

2. Norton Antivirus – Beta Version

Norton’s antivirus for the Android phone is still in its Beta version, so the users can expect to see some bugs and couple of updates before the final version is released. Following are the main features of Norton Security package.

• Protection against mobile viruses, malware and other infectious threats.
• Prevents users from conducting harmful downloads
• Prevents the phone from being used during cases of theft and robbery.
• Provides users with the ability of locking their phones through a remote source and unlocking the phone effectively from un-authorized use.
• Excellent web protection feature that protects all personal information.

On buying the full version, you get a complete security package. Try the free version for a few days and if you’re satisfied, go for buying the complete version.

3. Lookout Mobile Security

This app is gaining popular grounds amongst the users, owing to its simplicity and high end security features. Being the recipient of multiple awards for mobile security, the Lookout Mobile Security app has the following essential features:

• Protection against phishing, malware, spyware and other dangerous viruses.
• Provides protection against identity theft and mobile banking fraud.
• Privacy Advisor feature advises users on which apps they should download, to prevent privacy attacks.
• Locking a stolen phone from a remote platform, rendering it useless.
• Excellent backup solutions for mobile data.
• File management features to help you manage files effectively.

You can download this application for free, the free version would provide you with basic security features, however to gain comprehensive protection, you’ll have to pay $2.99/month, which is not much.

4. LastPass

While using your Android phone, you’ll have to create multiple accounts, either for accessing emails, using mobile banking apps, purchases, and other such activities. In order to easily manage multiple accounts, users often make the mistake of using one simple password for it all. This, in itself, is a huge security risk. The solution is to use different passwords for the various accounts and this is where the LastPass security app comes in.

It works as a password server. All you have to do is set up multiple passwords that will be securely stored on the application servers. Whenever you would log online, login information will be automatically generated on the browser. Hence, you don’t have to face any hassles while logging in. Just like any other security application, in order to get the best of the app, you’ll have to buy the pro version, instead of the free version.

5. F-Secure Mobile

While browsing the internet from any of our devices, we are always at a security risk. While PC browsers have more solid software to protect your system from potentially dangerous sites, F-Secure Mobile is a security suite with similar features for smart-phones, it is meant specifically to alert and notify users of suspicious websites.

This security app is available for free and functions as preventive source that stops you from going to harmful web pages. The app has multiple versions, designed to suit different variety of phones.  It has version 7.0 for all Nokia Symbian phones and another 7.0 version for all Android phones. Version 6.2 is for Samsung phones, while 5.1 was for Sony Ericsson phones.

Remember, smart-phones are not as smart when it comes to the security and privacy. Apart from these apps, you are also equally responsible for the safety. Do not download apps from random sites and follow the basic security rules that apply to personal computing systems.