The 5 Best Security Apps (2023): Guarding Your Digital Life

Summary

Norton Mobile Security is the best security app of 2023. It ticks all the boxes by combining anti-malware, web protection, an identity theft scanner, and an unlimited VPN.

On top of that, it has a range of bonus features, including an app advisor, WiFi scanner, vulnerability scanner, anti-tracker, and SMS security checker.

Most importantly, its VPN doesn’t have a data limit. By contrast, all other antivirus apps have a VPN limited to a few hundred MB / day. When you frequently surf on public Wi-Fi networks, Norton’s unlimited VPN will keep you safe on those unsecured connections.

We, therefore, highly recommend Norton for anyone who spends a lot of time surfing, socializing, shopping, or banking on their phone. It is the best security app for both Android and iOS.

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Summary

Kaspersky is one of the best security apps that we’ve tested. Although its VPN is limited to 300 MB / day, whereas Norton’s VPN is unlimited, Kaspersky compensates by having a complete feature set and a slightly lower price.

It covers all the core features, including anti-malware, web protection, anti-theft tools, an identity theft scanner, a VPN, and a range of bonus features. These include a call filter, safe messaging, app lock, settings scan, parental controls, and app permissions scan.

Still, if you frequently surf on public Wi-Fi networks, we believe Norton is the better security app because its unlimited VPN will protect you on those unsafe networks.

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Summary

Bitdefender Mobile Security covers all the core features: Anti-malware, web protection, anti-theft tools, an identity theft scanner, and a VPN. However, it can’t match the security apps by Norton or Kaspersky.

Norton and Kaspersky have a more comprehensive range of security features, a better design, and a higher data limit on their VPN. While Bitdefender’s VPN is limited to 200 MB / day, Norton’s VPN is unlimited.

Unless you’re a big fan of the Bitdefender brand, we believe Norton and Kaspersky are better security apps.

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Summary

McAfee has a beautiful design and covers most of the features we want in a security app. It includes anti-malware, web protection, an identity theft scanner, and a VPN limited to 500 MB / day. But it lacks anti-theft tools, and its bonus features only include a Wi-Fi security checker.

We prefer Norton for its unlimited VPN for users who frequently use public Wi-Fi networks. And for users who want an affordable yet complete security app with anti-theft tools, we believe Kaspersky is a great option.

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Summary

Panda covers some security features, including anti-malware, a VPN, and anti-theft features. But it misses web protection and an identity theft scanner.

However, it offers a few bonus features, like a call blocker, app locker, and permissions scan. Especially the last one, the permissions scan, is a rare feature we would like to see more often in other antivirus apps.

On the plus side, the core of Panda’s offering (anti-malware, VPN, anti-theft, and the permissions scanner) is available in the app’s free version. This makes Panda the best free antivirus for android in our test.

However, if you’re willing to part with a few dollars, we believe that Norton offers better protection for users who frequently use public Wi-Fi networks, thanks to its unlimited VPN.

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Security app buying guide

Below we cover a range of topics:

• What is a security app?
• How does a security app work?
• Do Android devices need security apps?
• Do iOS devices need security apps?
• How do we test security apps?
• How to choose the best security app?
• What cyber threats can security apps protect you from?
• What cyber threats can security apps not protect you from?
• What security apps software have we tested?

Clicks the links to be taken to the one of your choice:

What is a security app?

A security app is a type of software designed to protect your digital devices from various threats, including malware, viruses, phishing attacks, and more. These applications aim to secure your devices and the data they hold, providing robust defense against cybercriminal activities.

Besides safeguarding your devices, security apps often provide additional features like secure web browsing, VPN services, password management, and sometimes even system optimization tools to enhance device performance.

For more, read our blog post on what antivirus software is.

How does a security app work?

Security apps employ several sophisticated techniques to provide all-around protection for your digital devices. They work by continuously monitoring, detecting, and eliminating potential threats before they can cause harm. These techniques may include signature-based detection, heuristic analysis, and behavior-based detection.

Signature-based detection

Signature-based detection is one of the most traditional methods that security apps use to identify threats. This technique works by comparing files on your device against a database of known threat signatures, or ‘definitions.’ A signature is like a digital fingerprint that uniquely identifies a specific piece of malware. If the software finds a match, it flags the file as a threat and takes action to neutralize it.

However, this method can only detect threats that have been previously identified and added to the database, making it less effective against zero-day attacks or new, unknown threats.

Heuristic analysis

To combat the limitations of signature-based detection, security apps use heuristic analysis. This method does not rely on known threat signatures; instead, it examines files and programs for suspicious behavior or code structure that might indicate a potential threat. Heuristic analysis can identify new or modified malware that has not yet been catalogued in the signature database, making it a crucial tool for catching emerging threats.

However, it may sometimes result in false positives, flagging harmless files as potentially malicious.

Behavior-based detection

Behavior-based detection, also known as anomaly detection, is another method that security apps use to spot threats. This technique monitors the behavior of applications in real-time. If an app starts to behave unusually—for example, trying to access protected files or modify system settings without permission—the security software flags it as potentially malicious. Behavior-based detection can detect zero-day threats and even file-less malware, which doesn’t write files on the hard disk, a feature that traditional detection methods might miss.

This method strengthens the defense offered by security apps, providing a multi-layered approach to your device’s safety.

For more, read our blog post on how antivirus software works.

Do Android devices need security apps?

Absolutely, Android devices indeed require security apps. While Android’s in-built security measures have improved significantly over time, they alone may not provide comprehensive protection against the myriad of ever-evolving threats that exist in the digital world.

Firstly, Android’s open-source nature and its vast, diverse user base make it an attractive target for cybercriminals. Secondly, the Google Play Store, despite its screening efforts, occasionally lets through apps with malicious intent, resulting in potential security risks.

Security apps can offer a robust layer of defense on top of Android’s existing security measures. They protect against a range of threats, including malware, phishing attacks, ransomware, and spyware. Security apps can also offer invaluable anti-theft features, allowing users to locate, lock, or wipe their devices remotely in case of theft or loss.

Furthermore, many security apps include VPN services for secure internet browsing, safeguarding user data from prying eyes on unsecured networks. They also frequently offer identity theft protection, monitoring the dark web for instances of your personal information being misused.

Considering the growing threat landscape and the increasing reliance on mobile devices for sensitive activities such as online banking, investing in a high-quality security app for your Android device is a wise choice to fortify your digital safety and protect your valuable data.

For more, read our blog post on whether Android needs a security app.

Do iOS devices need security apps?

Certainly. Despite the widely held belief that iOS devices are invincible to malware and other security threats, it’s not entirely accurate. Although Apple’s stringent app review process and the closed-off nature of the iOS ecosystem make it less vulnerable than its counterparts, no platform is completely immune to cyber threats.

Firstly, while it’s harder for malicious software to infiltrate the App Store, it’s not impossible. Cybercriminals are continually evolving their tactics and creating more sophisticated methods of attack. Additionally, even seemingly harmless apps can sometimes harvest excessive personal data or use it in ways you might not be comfortable with.

Secondly, iOS users aren’t immune to web-based threats. Phishing attacks, for instance, can occur on any device, regardless of the operating system. A security app can provide an additional layer of protection against such threats by warning users about malicious websites and securing personal data.

Thirdly, iOS devices can benefit from the extra features offered by security apps, such as VPN services that encrypt your internet connection, making it much harder for anyone to intercept your online activities. Similarly, security apps can offer identity theft protection services, monitoring for your personal data appearing in places it shouldn’t.

In conclusion, while iOS devices are indeed more secure by design, a quality security app can further fortify these defenses and protect against evolving threats. So, while perhaps not as essential as on other platforms, a security app on an iOS device can provide valuable peace of mind.

For more, read our blog post on whether iOS needs a security app.

How do we test security apps?

To evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of security apps, we follow a rigorous testing methodology that covers six key aspects, each assigned a different weight depending on its importance:

• Anti-malware protection (30%)
• Security and privacy features (30%)
• Speed impact (10%)
• False positives (10%)
• Price (10%)
• Ownership and reputation (10%)

This methodology allows us to provide a balanced and comprehensive view of each security app’s capabilities, price point, and the trustworthiness of its provider.

Anti-malware protection (30%)

The strength of the anti-malware protection offered by a security app is a key metric in our testing process, accounting for 30% of our overall assessment. We conduct rigorous tests to gauge the app’s ability to defend against malware attacks, relying both on our own in-house tests and analyzing results from AV-Test, an independent testing lab.

In-house testing

In our proprietary tests, we expose a test PC to hundreds of malware samples through a USB device. We then evaluate the app’s malware scanner to see if it can accurately identify and neutralize all these threats.

We also conduct dynamic testing, where we execute malware files and instigate ransomware attacks to assess the strength of the app’s real-time protection. The ability of the app to thwart these simulated attacks offers valuable insights into its real-world defensive capabilities.

AV-Test results

Alongside our own tests, we scrutinize the protection test results for Windows, Mac, and Android provided by AV-Test. This German-based independent test lab conducts rigorous examinations of security apps, providing an unbiased evaluation of their effectiveness against known and emerging threats.

These results supplement our findings, giving us a comprehensive understanding of each app’s anti-malware prowess.

Security and privacy features (30%)

The range and effectiveness of security and privacy features in an app make up 30% of our evaluation. We believe that a well-rounded security app should go beyond anti-malware protection and offer comprehensive tools to secure your digital life. Here’s how we assess each of these features:

Web protection (anti-phishing)

Web protection defends users against phishing attacks, which trick them into providing sensitive data like login credentials. We test this feature by attempting to access known phishing websites and see if the app blocks these effectively, thus ensuring safe browsing.

Firewall

A firewall monitors and controls network traffic based on predetermined security rules. We assess this feature by attempting to connect to different networks and evaluating the app’s ability to block or allow connections based on its settings.

Password manager

A password manager stores and manages users’ passwords securely. We test this by using it to create, store, and autofill passwords across various websites and noting its efficiency and security.

Virtual private network (VPN)

A VPN encrypts your internet connection, protecting your data from prying eyes. We check the app’s VPN feature for speed, data limits, and security protocols and use it to access geographically restricted content to assess its effectiveness.

Parental controls

Parental controls allow guardians to monitor and limit their children’s online activities. We test this by setting up various restrictions and monitoring features and evaluating their efficacy and ease of use.

Identity theft protection

This feature monitors the web for any unauthorized use of your personal information. We gauge its effectiveness by checking the breadth of its monitoring and the speed and thoroughness of its alerts.

Secure cloud storage (cloud backup)

Secure cloud storage allows users to back up their data securely. We evaluate the ease of use, speed, and security measures of this feature.

Anti-ransomware

Anti-ransomware tools prevent ransomware attacks that lock users out of their own data. We simulate ransomware attacks and gauge whether the app can prevent these and safeguard our data.

Dark web monitoring

Dark web monitoring alerts users if their personal information is found on the dark web. We assess this by checking the depth of the app’s monitoring and the promptness of its alerts.

By thoroughly testing these features, we provide a comprehensive evaluation of the security app’s ability to protect users from a wide range of threats and vulnerabilities.

Bonus features

An antivirus program can come with various entry-level functions, such as spam filters and secure browsers, and premium options like online storage with enhanced security. We consider the following bonus features worthy of your consideration:

• Ad Blocker
• Anti-theft
• Email protection
• File encryption
• File shredder
• Gaming mode
• Microphone protection
• PC maintenance features
• Secure browser (hardened browser to protect your online banking)
• Spam filter
• Startup optimizer
• Tune up tools
• Virtual keyboard
• Webcam protection

Speed impact (10%)

The speed impact of a security app refers to its effect on your device’s performance. Ideally, an app should provide robust security without significantly slowing down your device.

We use AV-Test’s performance tests as our guide in this category, which measures the impact of security apps on daily computer activities such as file copying, program installation and uninstallation, and launching applications. Lower impact on speed implies better performance.

False positives (10%)

False positives occur when a security app incorrectly identifies a safe file or program as a threat. This can lead to unnecessary alerts and even the deletion or quarantine of useful files.

To assess this, we look at AV-Test’s usability tests, which record the number of false detections during system scans and during daily usage of software downloaded from the internet. A low number of false positives indicates high usability.

Price (10%)

We also assess security apps based on their cost-effectiveness. While cost isn’t a direct indicator of quality, it is crucial to determine whether an app offers good value for money.

We consider both the features offered and the subscription price, noting significant differences between first and second-year prices. Security apps that offer robust protection and a host of useful features at a reasonable price score higher in this category.

Ownership and reputation (10%)

The ownership and reputation of a company are also crucial factors. While most companies strive to protect user data, there have been instances, such as the Avast scandal, where user data was sold through a subsidiary called Jumpshot. Such actions harm the company’s reputation and trustworthiness.

We closely scrutinize a company’s history, transparency, user reviews, and any incidents that could impact user trust. A company with a solid reputation and a commitment to user privacy and security is viewed more favorably in our analysis.

For more, read our blog post on how we test antivirus software.

How to choose the best security app?

Selecting the best security app requires careful consideration of various factors. Each element plays a crucial role in ensuring comprehensive protection for your digital life. Let’s dive into the specifics:

Reliable protection from malware

The primary function of a security app is to safeguard your device from malware, such as viruses, ransomware, and spyware. Consider the app’s detection rate and effectiveness in dealing with malware threats. This includes both its ability to detect known threats (signature-based detection) and its prowess in identifying new, unknown malware (heuristic and behavior-based detection).

Security updates

The ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats necessitates regular updates to keep your security app up-to-date and effective. An ideal security app offers frequent, automatic updates that bolster its defense mechanisms against the latest malware strains and hacking techniques.

Security features

The more security features an app offers, the better it can protect you against various threats. Look for features like web protection, firewall, VPN, password manager, identity theft protection, and more. The efficacy of these features and how well they integrate with each other can significantly impact the app’s overall security performance.

Performance impact

A good security app should protect your device without significantly slowing it down. The app’s performance impact should be minimal, allowing your device to operate smoothly while still ensuring robust protection.

Customer support

Effective customer support is crucial, especially when dealing with complex security issues. Look for security apps that offer prompt and helpful support, with multiple channels for communication (like email, live chat, or phone), and comprehensive self-help resources.

First-year and second price

Many security apps offer promotional pricing for the first year, which then increases significantly in the second year. Ensure you’re aware of the full cost and whether it offers good value for the services provided. An app might seem attractively priced at first glance, but it’s crucial to consider the price in the long run.

By paying close attention to these elements, you can choose a security app that offers robust protection, minimal performance impact, and great value.

Operating system

If you have a specific operating system that you would like to protect, we probably have a dedicated antivirus comparison for it:

• The best antivirus of 2023 – For all OS.
• The best antivirus for Windows 11 – For Microsoft’s latest desktop OS.
• The best antivirus for macOS – For Apple’s desktop OS.
• The best antivirus for Android – For Google’s mobile OS.
• The best antivirus for iPhone – For Apple’s mobile OS.
• The best antivirus with a VPN – For both security and privacy.
• The best VPN providers – For a dedicated privacy solution.

Click the links to be taken to your comparison of choice.

What cyber threats can security apps protect you from?

Security apps serve as a crucial line of defense, safeguarding users from an array of cyber threats. While it’s essential to note that no security app can guarantee 100% protection, the right software can significantly mitigate risks. Let’s delve into some of these threats:

Malware

Malware, or malicious software, is an umbrella term covering various harmful or intrusive software, including viruses, worms, trojans, and more. These programs can damage or disrupt your system, steal your private information, or gain unauthorized access to your device.

For more, read our blog post on malware or malware examples.

Adware

Adware is software that downloads or displays unwanted ads when a user is online. While often annoying rather than malicious, some adware programs can be intrusive and can pave the way for other malicious software to infect your device.

For more, read our blog post on adware or adware examples.

Botnets

Botnets are networks of private computers infected with malicious software and controlled as a group without the owners’ knowledge. Hackers use botnets to send spam emails, distribute malware, and launch Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks.

For more, read our blog post on botnets or botnet examples.

Keyloggers

Keyloggers are malware designed to record and store every keystroke a user makes on their device, often without their knowledge. This can lead to the compromise of sensitive data, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or other personal information.

For more, read our blog post on keyloggers or keylogger types.

Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a user’s files and demands a ransom to restore access. It can affect individual computers or entire networks, causing significant disruptions and potential data loss.

For more, read our blog post on ransomware or ransomware examples.

Rootkits

Rootkits are a type of stealthy software, often malicious, designed to hide the existence of certain processes or programs from normal methods of detection. They grant cybercriminals access to and control over a device, often without the user’s knowledge.

For more, read our blog post on rootkits or rootkit examples.

Spyware

Spyware is software that gathers information about a person or organization without their knowledge. This data is then sent to a third party, often a cybercriminal, without the user’s consent.

For more, read our blog post on spyware or spyware examples.

Trojans

Trojans are malicious programs that mislead users about their true intent. They often appear harmless or hide within legitimate software but can cause significant damage or allow cybercriminals to access your device once activated.

For more, read our blog post on trojans or trojan examples.

Viruses

Viruses are a type of malware that, once executed, replicate by modifying other computer programs and inserting their own code. They can harm your device’s software and data and may also be used to steal information or cause other types of damage.

For more, read our blog post on viruses or virus examples.

Worms

Worms are standalone malware that replicate without needing to attach themselves to a software program. They often exploit vulnerabilities in operating systems, spreading across networks and causing extensive damage.

A comprehensive security app can provide robust protection against these threats, shielding your device and sensitive data from unauthorized access and damage.

For more, read our blog post on worms or worm examples.

What cyber threats can security apps not protect you from?

While security apps play a crucial role in cyber defense, it’s important to note that they are not a catch-all solution. Certain cyber threats require user vigilance and cybersecurity awareness as the primary means of protection. Let’s take a closer look:

Phishing

Phishing is a cyber attack that uses disguised email as a weapon. The goal is to trick the email recipient into believing that the message is something they want or need — a request from their bank, for instance, or a note from someone in their company — and to click a link or download an attachment. What really distinguishes phishing is the form the message takes: the attackers masquerade as a trusted entity of some kind, often a real or plausibly real person, or a company the victim might do business with.

For more, read our blog post on phishing or phishing examples.

Online Scams

Online scams are fraudulent schemes perpetrated through the internet — including on social media, email, websites, and more. Scams can come in many forms, such as romance, lottery, and advance-fee schemes, among others. They aim to trick individuals into providing personal information or sending money. While some security apps may offer limited protection, avoiding online scams primarily requires user awareness and vigilance.

For more, read our blog post on online scams.

Social Engineering

Social engineering is the use of deception to manipulate individuals into divulging confidential or personal information that may be used for fraudulent purposes. This can take many forms, including phishing (as mentioned above), pretexting, baiting, and tailgating. Most of these attacks play on human psychology and curiosity. Security apps may have limited capability to detect such threats, and user education is the best line of defense.

For more, read our blog post on social engineering.

Zero-Day Exploits

A zero-day exploit is a cyber attack that occurs on the same day a weakness is discovered in software. At that point, it’s exploited before a fix becomes available from its creator. While some security apps provide protection using heuristic and behavior-based detection, these threats are particularly challenging to defend against due to their novelty and the lack of time for developers to create and distribute patches.

Although security apps can’t entirely prevent these threats, they can still offer some level of protection, such as identifying phishing attempts or suspicious behaviors. However, user awareness, regular software updates, and vigilant online behavior are equally important in mitigating these risks.

For more, read our blog post on zero-day exploits.

What security apps have we tested?

We have tested 28 iOS and Android security apps, ranging from entry-level free Android antivirus apps, to mid-range paid antivirus software and full-featured internet security suites.

As a general rule of thumb, even the best free iOS and Android antivirus app, like Avast One, cannot compete with the comprehensive malware detection offered by paid solutions, like Norton 360 Deluxe or Bitdefender Total Protection.

Below is the list of the 20 most important iOS and Android apps:

• Avast
• AVG
• Avira
• Bitdefender Antivirus
• ESET
• F-Secure
• Intego
• Kaspersky
• MacKeeper
• Malwarebytes
• McAfee Antivirus
• Microsoft Defender (Windows Defender)
• Norton Antivirus
• Panda
• PC Matic
• Sophos
• TotalAV
• Trend Micro
• VIPRE
• Webroot

The best antivirus programs are Norton 360 Deluxe, Norton 360 Advanced, and Bitdefender Total Security. By comparison, the other antivirus software cost too much, offer less capable protection from malware threats, or have no unlimited VPN access.