An expensive, albeit strong security app for Android has hit the markets recently. And no one can deny how badly Android users really need strong security safeguards to ward off all the android spyware, keyloggers, and other assorted malware which is just dying to get into your phone—if it hasn’t already that is. And so keeping that all in mind, long time player in the game of security, ESET, has released a mobile security application for Android.
Amongst the entire buzz about it, there have been claims that the app is just too expensive (you can purchase it for $10) and that the 30-day trial period that it promises backfires after a day or so. Some users have also complained that the purchase doesn’t even get registered and you end up losing your money anyway. Well, all of the claims seem to take away the idea of a grand android security solution and put it firmly in the realm of ‘not worth it’. So this is where we decided to investigate and see what we could make of it, value for cost wise.
The Trial Period
In fact, the trial period does stand. It without any hesitation downloaded onto our test Android device and all the features promised worked absolutely fine. No missing features, no faulty options, no real reason to complain. It was easy to get too. You can download it for your smartphone as well as your tablet direct from Google Play. So yes, no third party market for ESET. It comes certified from an official market and all those paranoid users can rest at ease; it is not a Trojan coming to plunder your private info and wallet at the same time. And using the same trial period, here is what we found when it comes to effectiveness in warding off the following threats to the Android:
- Android Spyware: Android spy software was installed which was meant to interact with the personal data stored on the phone, and yes, true to its word ESET instantly notified and blocked the app.
- Location Tracker: The app is extremely efficient at identifying if any sort of spyware is present on your device intending any sort of surveillance purpose. We installed a cell phone tracking software to hone in on the device’s location data. The ESET mobile app picked up on that too.
- Keylogger: Finally, we installed a keylogger, another bane of an Android user’s peaceful existence. And voila, right in the middle of installation the app identified it. However, there is a scenario(though far-fetched) in which a keylogger might get the better of ESET security. Since the device requires email ID and password to activate, if a keylogger has been pre-installed it may get to your credentials. But if it has been pre-installed, chances are it already has your email and password. Also, if a user installs the app and without running a scan sets up their privacy settings (remote wipe, remote lock, etc) then those settings would become compromised too. But let’s face it, in that scenario the user is more to blame than the app.
Value For Money
The app does indeed do what it promises. Three most vile of Android security threats are kept at bay. All the other features it promises are meticulously planned out and the best part is it comes with Anti-Theft security systems in case your Android gets lost. Those complaining of its price and fearing the features are faulty or exaggerated fail to see the need of it. Of course, if you think your privacy is worth less than ten bucks, feel free to stay away. But until cheaper options come out which provide the same features with the same efficiency, you should stop being a cheapskate and install this app.
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thank you