Tag Archive for: protect

Top Antivirus Alternatives to Google Play Protect


In the ever-evolving digital landscape, Android devices have emerged as a prime target for malicious actors. Despite Google’s efforts to fortify its platform with Google Play Protect, recent studies reveal that this built-in security measure falls short in comparison to other antivirus solutions. As of February 14, 2024, Android users are strongly advised to consider alternative antivirus options to safeguard their devices and data.

Google Play Protect: An Inadequate Guard

Google Play Protect, a security feature pre-installed on Android devices, is designed to detect and eliminate harmful apps. However, recent findings from AV-TEST, an independent organization specializing in IT security and antivirus research, expose the deficiencies of this shield. In a six-month endurance test, Google Play Protect demonstrated a significantly lower malware detection rate than its competitors, leaving Android users vulnerable to a multitude of threats.

Top Alternatives to Google Play Protect

In the quest for optimal protection, Android users have access to a plethora of free antivirus software options. Let’s explore some of the leading choices:

  • AVG Antivirus: With over 100 million downloads on Google Play, AVG Antivirus offers robust protection against viruses, malware, and privacy intrusions.
  • Norton 360: Mobile Security: This comprehensive security solution boasts advanced features such as a smart firewall, web protection, and app adviser.
  • Avast Antivirus: Avast provides real-time protection, ensuring that your device remains secure from the latest threats.
  • Dr. Web Security Space: Recognized for its high detection rates, Dr. Web offers a reliable defense against various malware.
  • Kaspersky Antivirus & VPN: Kaspersky’s combination of antivirus and VPN technologies guarantees privacy and security across multiple fronts.
  • Lookout Security & Antivirus: In addition to antivirus protection, Lookout provides features such as identity protection and safe browsing.
  • Bitdefender Mobile Security: Bitdefender’s antivirus engine and comprehensive security tools ensure top-notch protection for your Android device.
  • ESET Mobile Security & Antivirus:…

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The top 3 ways to protect your new devices online


Cyberattacks are at an all-time high, and with the cost of dealing with a cyberattack doubling last year, their ramifications are more intense than ever. With your ISP and government trying to track your IP and internet activities, malicious actors devising schemes to infiltrate your device with malware or steal your sensitive data using phishing attacks, you absolutely need to wrap your devices with foolproof safety nets using the best VPN, the best antivirus, and the best password manager.

However, with so many security software on the market that release updates left, right, and center, you need a reliable team of experts that regularly test VPNs, antiviruses, and password managers first-hand—and TechRadar’s in-house experts do just that.

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Browser Mistakes Tech Experts Say You Should Stop Making To Protect Your Device From Hackers And Viruses


You may spend more time thinking about your apps these days — which apps are more likely to sell your data, which apps are killing your battery power, etc. But your browsers like Safari and Google Chrome may continue to fly under the radar a bit more. If you’re like most of us, you may take advantage of your browsers and assume they’re just there and that they require zero maintenance or thought. But this isn’t the entire truth. 

What you aren’t doing to your browser could be contributing to putting you at greater risk for hackers and viruses. Tech experts say these are the top browser mistakes you should stop making. 

Not Updating Your Browser

Browsers are similar to apps in that both need to be updated whenever updates become available. Your browser may show signs of little issues, like bugs, that can make it more vulnerable to hackers and viruses. App developers will release updates when they discovered problems with the apps, and downloading these updates can ensure your app is safer and more secure. If a browser update becomes available, make sure you download it ASAP.

Saving Passwords In Your Browser

 

At first, it seems like an extreme convenience. Your browser offers to save your passwords, and what could go wrong? At worst, this will allow you to not have to keep track of yet another complex password. But think of this from the perspective of a hacker who gains entry into your phone or computer — you’ve handed them your most important passwords on a silver platter when you save them in your browser. Even if a website asks to save your password in your browser, don’t give into the temptation.

Never Clearing Your Cookies and Cache

 

Your browser can get loaded down fast with information from websites that it stores in its cookies and cache. Although this isn’t an immediate security problem or one that leaves you more vulnerable to hackers, not clearing your cache can result in glitches when you visit certain sites and it can slow your device down. Resolve this by clearing your cache in Safari by going to Safari > Preferences > Advanced tab > Preferences > Empty Cache. On Chrome, go to More > Clear Browsing Data.

 

Keep these three browser mistakes in mind when…

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Here Are 3 Android Security Tips To Protect Your Data


Updating your Android operating system is an incredibly vital yet often overlooked security measure, as security patches often accompany Android updates. Software developers constantly battle with hackers trying to exploit security gaps in a device. Once an exploit is made known to the software developers, it is often patched in an update soon after. This is why it is crucial to keep your device up to date.

These updates are not just reactionary either. Security updates can bring data protection and preventative security features. You should make it a habit to check if you have a security patch available at least once a month, as sometimes it won’t initiate automatically. To Install the newest security updates for your Android device, follow these instructions:

  1. Open your Settings app.
  2. Scroll down and tap Security and Privacy.
  3. Select System and Updates under the Settings tab.
  4. Tap Security Update to open a popup informing you of what version you are running.
  5. Tap the Check for Update button at the bottom right-hand side of the display.
  6. If an update is available, select Install.

The security update option on select Samsung devices can be found on the Security Updates page under Biometrics and Security in the Settings menu. You may be out of luck with an older Android device, as security updates will cease after some time. For example, Google offers seven years of OS updates on its Pixel 8 line, while most manufacturers offer two to four years of security updates. It may be time to upgrade if you have a phone that no longer receives updates.

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