30 Security Apps: All You Need To Know About Android Security
There were over 3.6 billion smartphone users at the end of 2020, which is expected to grow to over 4 billion users by 2023. With all these growing numbers of smartphone usage, the concern for online and offline security is raising high. Smartphone security is a large area of technology today. Most devices and apps are encrypted to keep them safe. But when connected to the internet, they sometimes need extra care to keep your device and data safe.
When we think of security apps the thing comes to our minds are mostly antivirus and cleaner apps. But there is a variation of apps for many security performances like securing passwords, keeping files confidential, secure browsing or VPN apps, and private messengers. Here we will try to get you to reintroduce some of the most effective apps for keeping your security high.
There are many different types of apps that ensure your online and offline security. We can classify them as the following types :
- Password Manager Apps
- Authenticator Apps
- Permission Manager Apps
- Secure Browsing Apps
- Data Consumption Tracker Apps
- VPN Apps
- Secure Cloud Storage
- Secure Messanger Apps
- Find My Device Apps
- Antivirus Apps
Password manager Apps
These apps helps you to keep track of all passwords you has for different apps and login into one. These apps usually helps the user making new unique passwords, remembers all the login informations of different accounts of different websites apps or sevices.
Password managers are a must for them who have to log in several platforms in multiple times. Using the same password everywhere is not safe and remebering all the different ones is never easy. These password managers are best to perform remeber, keep safe and safeguard all your password. These are some of the best password managers available:
1. One Key - Offline Password Manager
One Key is a simple and safe offline password manager that enables you to store all your passwords encrypted in one place on your device. It has features like Access all encrypted data with a single MASTER PASSWORD, Strongest Encryption using AES-256 bit algorithm, Backup/Restore capable, Password Generator Feature lets you create strong passwords. The app has an easy-to-use interface and it's completely ad-free.
2. Bitwarden Password Manager
Bitwarden makes it easy for the user to create, store, and access all passwords. The app uses an encrypted vault that syncs across all the users' devices. It has features like Strong encryption, Two-factor authentication, Password generator, and Password auditing and breach monitoring.
The source code for Bitwarden is hosted on GitHub and everyone is free to review, audit, and contribute to the Bitwarden codebase. It has both free and premium versions.
3. MYKI: Offline Password Manager & Authenticator
MYKI stores the user's sensitive information and keeps it with the user only. It keeps information offline, away from cloud servers. MYKI is a full-fledged 2FA Authenticator that enables the user to easily access and autofill 2FA tokens while you log in.
It has features like Remote Session Autofill. Groups & Folders, Data Breach Monitoring, and many more. With MYKI users can Create strong and unique passwords for all of their online accounts.
Keeper Password Manager, Norton Password Manager, RememBear: Password Manager and Secure Wallet are some more good password managers.Authenticator Apps
Two-factor authentication is a popular security tool right now. It has been proved to be one of the most effective ways to keep accounts safe. Multi-factor authentication is an electronic authentication method in which a device user is granted access to a website or application only after successfully presenting two or more pieces of evidence to an authentication mechanism: knowledge, possession, and inherence.
Many of the services and social media offer two-step authentication to keep user accounts safe. There are some apps that help you make your own security system inside your device. These are some of the Authenticator Apps available:
1. Google Authenticator
Google Authenticator generates 2-Step Verification codes on the users' device. It has features like Generate verification codes without a data connection, Dark themes available, Transfer accounts between devices via QR code, and some more.
It is probably the most popular two-factor authenticator app. You have to set it up individually on every single device you use.
2. 2FA Authenticator (2FAS)
2FAS Authenticator is a free application for Two Factor Authentication (2FA Authentication) which generates Time-based One-time Passwords (TOTP) and PUSH authentication. It has features like Two Factor Authentication, 2FAS Backup, Authorize with Touch ID or Face ID, and some more.
It is available for both iOs and android. With the 2FAS Backup system, users can store all their Keys in the cloud and access them when needed.
3. Authenticator Pro
Authenticator Pro generates Two Factor Authentication (2FA) codes for online accounts. It supports TOTP, HOTP, mOTP (Mobile-OTP) and Steam. It has features like Compatibility, Backup / Restore, Import, Categories, etc.
It is an open-source application. It is free. Authenticator Pro is a legitimate Google Authenticator replacement with WearOS support.
Aegis Authenticator, Authy, TOTP Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator are some other dependable authenticator apps.
Permission Manager Apps
Many apps and services ask for permissions for different purposes. But giving extensive permissions to apps or other platforms can be damaging to online and offline security. Malicious apps will probably misuse the permissions you grant it by installing it.
There are some Permission Manager Apps that perform the duty of securing the process of giving permissions to different authorities. These are some permission manager apps.
1. Permission Manager
Permission Manager by Risebrice is an app that tracks and manages app permissions. It has features like List dangerous permissions which app requested, Grant or deny app permissions for each application, Display granted permission when opening application, Quick access special permission.
2. Bouncer - Temporary App Permissions
Bouncer gives you the ability to grant permissions temporarily. It restricts the app to work in the background which is also good for battery life as well as security. Bouncer can be used for both purposes but as the user use apps throughout the day they will be in the foreground a lot of the time. The best part about the Bouncer app is it does not have access to internet permissions.
3. Permission Manager For Android
Permission Manager For Android by Morsol Technology is an app that helps to track permissions and manage app permissions. It is an app for all android users for whom personal information and mobile security are the priority. It has features like Quick access special permission, List dangerous permissions which app requested, Display granted permission when opening the application, Scan for apps using only safe permissions and no risky permissions from permission app, and some more.
App Permission Manager (Shexa Technolabs), Permission Manager X are some more permission Manager apps.
Secure Browsing Apps
Secure browing is an important part of offline and online security. The safest browsers are those that offer a range of strong data protection features and make them easy to use. Many sites can track users these days and users want to take active steps to prevent it. There is some secure browser that offers maximum safety for internet users. These are some secure Browsing Apps:
1. DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser
DuckDuckGo is one of the most trusted secure browsers. The app restricts all kinds of tracking from every source. That gives you maximum privacy while browsing. But it doesn't slow the speed of browsing. It has features like Tap Fire Button, Burn Data, Escape Online Tracking, Enforce Encryption, and some more.
2. InBrowser - Incognito Browsing
InBrowser is an incognito/private browser for Android with TOR and video support. It is another safe browsing. This browser never shows any third-party ads and never keeps the tracks of the user's activity. LastPass can automatically fill in passwords in InBrowser. Stay secure with strong passwords without any hassle.
It has features like The Onion Router (TOR) support via Orbot, Deep integration with LastPass, Tabbed Browsing, and some more. It has a maximum browsing experience as it doesn't show any third-party ad.
3. Tor Browser: Official, Private, & Secure
Tor Browser for Android is the only official mobile browser supported by the Tor Project, developers of the world’s strongest tool for privacy and freedom online. Tor Browser isolates each website you visit so third-party trackers and ads can’t follow you. Any cookies automatically clear when you’re done browsing.
Its core technology was developed by the U.S. Naval Research Lab and D.A.R.P.A. It has features like BROWSE FREELY, RESIST FINGERPRINTING, BLOCK TRACKERS, and some more. Tor is a system enabling its users to communicate anonymously on the Internet.
Frost+ Incognito Browser, Cake Browser, Firefox are some more secure browsing apps.Data Consumption Monitoring Apps
Some apps may consume more data than others. It may be because they are running in the background. Keeping the track of your data consumption sometimes keeps the security level good. Some apps monitor data usage on your mobile device.
These apps will give you an idea of what apps are consuming your data bundle and that helps you plan your internet usage. These are some data consumption tracker apps:
1. GlassWire Data Usage Monitor
GlassWire is a data usage monitor for Android devices. This app monitors mobile data usage, data limits, and WiFi network activity. The app doesn't show any third-party ads. It doesn't share or contribute the data it counts from a user's device. Key features of the app are GlassWire’s data alert, Data Plan, Block apps, and some more.
GlassWire’s data manager features work great with many different mobile data providers and telecoms worldwide including Verizon, T-Mobile, Vodaphone, AT&T, Sprint, Magenta, and Jio.
2. DataEye | Save Mobile Data
DataEye saves mobile data and battery by managing your mobile data traffic and helps discover the latest Offers. Key features of DataEye are ACCESS AMAZING OFFERS, KNOW WHERE YOUR DATA GOES, GO GLOBAL. It helps identify the apps that use the most data. It doesn't show any third-party ad. Data eye is a data-saving app.
3. Data counter widget: Data usage manager / monitor
Data counter widget is an app that works both as a data usage manager and data usage monitor. This app keeps track of how much network traffic the device uses. Home screen widget, Roaming usage, Internet speed screen, and quick settings tile, Internet speed test are some of the key features of the app. Data Counter is a widget that gives the device's overall data consumption rate.
AirDroid, MiXplorer Silver, Solid Explorer, Data Monitor are some more data consumption monitoring apps.VPN Apps
A virtual private network aka VPN is a private network across a public network and enables users to send and receive data across shared or public networks as if their computing devices were directly connected to the private network.
VPN apps are one of the most essential parts of cybersecurity. VPN is getting popular every day. To stay anonymous or to connect with many websites VPN is a must for many users. These are some VPN apps:
1. Thunder VPN - Fast, Free VPN
Thunder VPN is a free VPN service app. It is available for a while now. Thunder VPN encrypts the device's Internet connection so that third parties can’t track any online activity, making it more secure than a typical proxy.
A large number of servers, high-speed bandwidth, Smart choose a server, Tiny size with high performance, No usage, and time limit are the key features of the VPN app.
2. ExpressVPN
3. NordVPN – fast VPN app for privacy & security
NordVPN is one of the better-known VPNs. The app is downloaded over 10 million times. It is a reliable option with many features. Strong VPN encryption for top-grade security, Unlimited data for internet freedom, VPN auto-connect for effortless online protection are some key features of Nord VPN.
Mozilla VPN, VyprVPN, SpeedVPN, Signal Secure are some more VPN apps available.Secure Cloud Storage
Keeping files in cloud storage can be threatening to your security. Only secure cloud storages are safe to use. It is not enough to entirely rely on your computer’s hard disk drive. As it can break down or crash anytime or you can mistakenly delete some files fixing it. Cloud storage is easy to keep files and sharing files is easy with cloud storage. These are some cloud storages
1. Google Drive
Google Drive is a safe place to back up and access all your files from any device. Easily invite others to view, edit, or leave comments on any of your files or folders. Safely store and access your files anywhere, View your content on the go while offline, Use your device’s camera to scan paper documents these are some key features of google drive.
Google Drive is secure, as Google encrypts all files while they're being transferred or stored. Google accounts get 15GB of storage free, shared across Google Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos.
2. Dropbox: Cloud Storage to Backup, Sync, File Share
Dropbox lets anyone upload and transfer files to the cloud, and share them with anyone. Back up and sync docs, photos, videos, and other files to cloud storage and access them from any device, from everywhere. Automatically upload videos and photos from your camera roll to cloud photo storage, Easily send large files by copying and pasting a link, Sync folders on your PC or Mac to Dropbox with computer backup these are some key features of dropbox. Dropbox is designed with multiple layers of protection, distributed across a scalable, secure infrastructure.
3. MEGA
MEGA offers 50 GB of free storage for all registered users. MEGA provides user-controlled encrypted cloud storage and chat through standard web browsers, together with dedicated apps for mobile devices. Mega is designed as end-to-end data encryption using AES-128 and TLS.
The app is easy to use and users can organize files as needed. Synchronizes across all your devices and browsers, 2FA support, Administrative reports & analysis, are some key features of mega.
Nextcloud, Microsoft OneDrive, Autosync, Amazon Drive are some more Secure Cloud Storage services.Secure Messanger Apps
We use different Messanger Apps every day. We share our personal and professional texts and files with our friends, family, and co-workers. Keeping this chat informations secret is an important part of a secure online experience. Most messaging apps are end-to-end encrypted and mostly secure. These are some top-rated security-centric messenger apps:
1. Signal
Signal is a cross-platform centralized encrypted messaging service. Signal uses standard cellular telephone numbers as identifiers and secures all communications to other Signal users with end-to-end encryption. Signal has been installed on more than 50 million Android devices.
Screen Security, Screen lock, Incognito Keyboard, are some key features of Signal. Signal argues that even they can't read your texts. It is ad-free.
2. WhatsApp Messenger
WhatsApp from Facebook is a FREE messaging and video calling app. It’s used by over 2B people in more than 180 countries. It is known to be one of the most reliable, and private messenger available. It has features like audio and video texts, audio and video calls, and regular data sync.
Messages on WhatsApp are end-to-end encrypted as they're sent and protected by phone security. User can send documents up to 100 MB with WhatsApp.
3. Telegram Messenger
Telegram is the fastest messaging app on the market, connecting people via a unique, distributed network of data centers around the globe. Telegram provides end-to-end encrypted voice and video calls. Telegram surpassed 500 million monthly active users.
It was the most downloaded app worldwide in January 2021. Cloud-based messages Secret chats, Instant View 2.0 are some of the features of Telegram Messenger.
Wire, Wickr Me, Silence are some other secure messaging apps.
Find My Device Apps (Phone Tracker Apps)
You never expected to lose your smartphone but it happens. Finding the lost device is the only solution to this problem. By finding it back you get back all your information stored in the device. Phone tracker apps can help you find your lost device. These are some Find My Device Apps (Phone Tracker Apps):
1. Find My Device by Google
Find My Device helps you locate your lost Android and lock it until you get it back. Use indoor maps, Play a sound, Erase the device or lock it these are some key features of the Find My Device App by Google. It has minimal app permissions.
2. Find My Phone
Find My Phone is another free phone tracker app. With the app user can find a lost, stolen or missing device, can track & locate Android tablets, and some more. The app’s navigational assistance can guide you to the device, making retrieval quick and easy. Find My Phone has over 10 million downloads.
3. Where’s My Droid
Where’s My Droid is one of the best phone tracking apps available. Find phone by making it ring/vibrate, Remotely wipe phone data, Notification of changed SIM card or phone number are some key features of the app. The app is easy to use and known to be effective. It has over 10 million downloads.
TrackView, Life360, Glympse, FamiSafe thse are some more device tracker apps.
Antivirus Apps (Cleaner Apps)
Antivirus apps are now a widely known and popular type of security app for android users. There are many antivirus apps available. Many of them are free. But here to remember that many free antiviruses or cleaner apps have been proved to be malicious and harmful for the device. These are some popular antivirus apps:
1. AVG AntiVirus Free & Mobile Security, Photo Vault
AVG AntiVirus is probably the most popular antivirus app for android. Boost speed by killing tasks that slow down your device, Lock sensitive apps with a PIN, pattern, or fingerprint, Scan Wi-Fi networks for threats, Get insight into the permission level of installed apps are some key features of the AVG AntiVirus. The Hack Alert of the app warns if your passwords are compromised.
2. Avast Antivirus – Scan & Remove Virus, Cleaner
Avast is a trusted and reliable antivirus service for all digital devices. The Avast app is focused on android security. Antivirus Engine, File scanner, Hack Check, Web Shield, Virus Cleaner are some of the key features of the app. The Avast Antivirus Engine Automatically scans for viruses and other kinds of malware, including spyware, Trojans, and more.
Web, file, and app scanning provides complete mobile protection. Advanced Hack Alerts always keeps you updated about the cybersecurity of your device.
3. Kaspersky Mobile Antivirus: AppLock & Web Security
Kaspersky Internet Security for Android is a FREE-to-download antivirus solution. It has strong malware protection. Background check, Anti-Theft, Anti-Phishing, Web filter are some key features of the app. Kaspersky Mobile antivirus for Android scans downloaded apps for malware, ransomware, phishing, spyware, and other infections using a background check to give you outstanding virus protection, guarding your devices against threats. The free version is available but it will not automatically scan new apps on the free version.
McAfee Mobile Security, Lookout Mobile Security, Bitdefender Antivirus Free are some more popular antivirus apps.
Conclusion
In this post, we tried to cover a wide range of security apps for different purposes. These are the apps you might need to have a secure smartphone experience. Smartphone security methods are updating every day and it is a never-ending process that you always have to keep up with. Hope you enjoyed the post. Thank you for reading.