ESET Mobile Security 1.1 (for Android)

Android is arguably the hottest untapped target for attackers these days, so it was only a matter of time before ESET, a veteran PC-based antivirus vendor, extended its protection to the Android operating system. ESET Mobile Security 1.1 officially launched in April at the low price of $9.99 a year.?

You get what you pay for. ESET includes average-performing antivirus and effective, if clumsy, antitheft protection. It also offers a simple, effective call/text blocking feature and a Security Audit informing you of the status of vital phone functions (battery, GPS, Bluetooth, etc.).

However, ESET Mobile Security lacks a couple now-standard mobile security features: a dedicated safe browser, and an app auditor informing you of invasive app permissions and ad networks. The latter aren't considered malicious in the traditional security sense, but if you store lots of sensitive information in your mobile device, you'll probably want to know if an aggressive ad network is pulling too much information.?

PC-like Interface
ESET ports the feel of PC security to your phone?lots of configuration settings. This makes ESET less intuitive and "invisible" as Lookout for Android ($2.99/month direct, 4.5 stars) or Bitdefender Mobile Security (for Android) ($9.99/year direct, 3.5 stars), but if you like having granular control over your mobile security, you'll prefer ESET's interface.

You can choose specific folders or file types to scan, determine what action to take when malware is detected, specifiy sections of the app to protect with your password, schedule updates, and so on. In Lookout, F-Secure Mobile Security 7.6 (for Android) ($39.99/year direct, 3.5 stars), McAfee Mobile Security 2.0 (for Android) ($29.99/year direct, 4 stars), and others, most of these settings are determined for you. In a mobile device, where it's tempting to just delete security apps, I prefer having the app determine the best settings every time. ?

Setup is quick and painless. Create an account with your email address, and you're good to go. Like with other mobile security apps, you have to enable ESET as a Device Administrator to use remote control tools, such as remotely locating your device.?

ESET also relies a lot on Trusted Friends?like emergency contacts?just to use some of its features. Trusted Friends will be alerted for password reminders and SIM card switch-outs (more on how this works later, and to use the app's remote controls you'll also need to send text-based commands from one of their phones. This does enhance theft protection, but it's an obstacle if you've simply misplaced your phone and your friends are out of town. We haven't seen any other mobile security apps impose such a limitation. Add to your Trusted Buddy list by manually entering their phone numbers, or by tapping names in your contact list.

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