Symantec Releases Free Security Software for Android
by Andrew Cunningham on August 11, 2011 3:56 PM ESTSymantec, well known for its extensive lineup of security products on both the Windows and Mac platforms, today released Norton Mobile Security Lite, a freeware security product aimed at devices running Google's Android OS.
Like desktop antivirus software, Mobile Security Lite scans downloaded files (and, optionally, files on inserted SD cards) and compares them against an automatically updated definitions database in order to detect malware. It also helps to secure your data by offering you the ability to lock your phone remotely. Symantec claims that the product does all of this without slowing your device down or draining its battery, though your mileage may vary.
Norton Mobile Security 2.0, a paid version available for $2.99 a month or $29.99 annually, adds to this feature set the ability to locate your phone and to wipe it remotely, among a few others.
Android's ability to install and run apps from just about anywhere is well-liked by fans of the platform, but this openness also leaves Android devices open to a growing malware threat. As smartphones and tablets become more prevalent (and thus, bigger targets), they'll have to worry about many of the same security concerns that plague more traditional PCs today.
Norton Mobile Security Lite is available for free from the Android Market, and requires an Android device with version 2.x of the software and 1.8MB of available storage.
Source: PC Mag
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kylesama - Friday, August 12, 2011 - link
I installed this app on my HTC ThunderBolt, and the security of this app was great. However it does drain ALOT of battery from your phone. With LookOut security I usually go from 100% 7am to around 70% 11pm. With this Norton app I went from 100% 7am to 29% 11pm. All in all this is provides your phone with norton quality security, however at the cost of your battery life.My T-Bolt has an extended battery and juice defender so don't blame the T-Bolt's bad battery life, its the app.
AaronS - Saturday, August 13, 2011 - link
If Languy99's reviews on youtube are to be believed, Norton is utterly useless as an antivirus on Android. It caught 1 of the 22 sample thrown at it.garkon8 - Monday, August 15, 2011 - link
I've been using the AVG free version for about a year. I am pleased with the small footprint. But, it has never detected any threats on my phone.