An independent IT security firm deemed nearly two-thirds of Android anti-virus scanning software "not yet suitable for use as reliable products."
Out of 41 different Android anti-virus solutions tested last month, the German-based security institute AV-Test found that 34 scanners detected less than 65 percent of 618 different types of Android-specific malware.
Software from companies including AVG, Bitdefender, ESET, Norton and Trend Micro detected between 65 and 90 percent of malware. In the second bracket of solutions, detecting only 40 to 65 percent of malware, fell products from BullGuard, Comodo, McAfee, NQ, Total Defense and G Data, leading AV-Test to conclude that "these vendors may not yet have a sufficient infrastructure to collect a broad range of malware or they focus on a local market."
Of the 41 products, only seven scanners, from Avast, F-Secure, Lookout, Kaspersky, Ikarus, Dr. Web and Zoner, detected more than 90 percent of Android malware. Taking these products as well as those from the second tier, AV-Test said "you can trustfully choose from at least 17 products to protect your Android device."
Av-Test recommended choosing Android anti-virus software from this list, and considering mobile security solutions that offer backup and anti-theft protection as well. To add a much-needed layer of security and help your mobile malware software win the fight, it's important to download only Android apps from Google's official Android Market. Before you download an app, make sure to read the comments and reviews and check what permissions the app requests. If you feel an app is suspicious, don't download it.