Android app warning over dodgy virus detectors that DON’T work – uninstall these apps now

ANDROID phone owners are being warned to stay well away from a set of popular apps on the Google Play Store.

Hundreds of dodgy antivirus apps have been flagged for providing a shocking lack of protection to users.

They were wheedled out by antivirus testing firm AV-Comparatives.

Their security buffs put 250 Android apps through their paces by throwing malware at them – and the results were astounding.

"Some of the Android security products in our test blocked so few of the malware samples – in some cases literally none – that they cannot reasonably be described as anti-malware apps," authors of the study wrote.

Of the 250 antivirus apps tested, just 23 managed a 100% detection rate of malware samples.

Just over half (138) picked up 30% or less of the viruses thrown at them.

Even more shocking is that most of the limp apps had a four or five star rating on the Google Play store.

Advising how to choose an effective antivirus app, AV-Comparatives said: "When it comes to choosing an Android security app, we recommend considering the following factors.

"Using user ratings is clearly not effective, as the vast majority of users will give their rating based solely on the user experience, without having any idea as to whether the app offers effective protection. Some other reviews will have been faked by developers.

"Similarly, the number of downloads can only be a very rough guide; a successful scam app may be downloaded many times before it is found to be a scam.

"A recent ‘last updated’ date also does not seem to be a good quality indicator, as many low-scoring apps had relatively recent updates."

They recommended only using apps from well-known, verified and reputable vendors.

"As well as participating in tests by independent test institutes, such vendors will have a professional website with contact information and a privacy policy.

"It should also be possible to try the app – typically a few weeks’ trial use is allowed – before purchasing.

"Users can then assess the usability and any additional features of the product.

"A number of vendors make very effective free versions of their apps; generally these are more likely to display advertising than the paid version, though this is not always the case."

Here's a list of the apps that got a 100% malware detection rate: AhnLab, Antiy, Avast, AVG, AVIRA, Bitdefender, BullGuard, Chili Security, Emsisoft, ESET, ESTSoft, F-Secure, G Data, Kaspersky Lab, McAfee, PSafe, Sophos, STOPzilla, Symantec, Tencent, Total Defense, Trend Micro and Trustwave.

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