In an earlier report we covered  AV-Test’s latest research, which featured the best mobile security apps.  The findings came from the rowing issue regarding Android’s weak security such as the recent adware spaming or the Google Wallet security flaw, but nothing catastrophic has hit Android users.  Yet.

With increasing attacks on Android devices, you can’t help but think that everyone is out to get Google’s wildly popular mobile platform, and if you’re a Fandroid this could be really bad news.  So how are you going to keep your device safe from more devastating attacks when only 7 out of 41 virus scanners are 90% effective?

The following are AV-Test’s top 7 security apps:  Avast Mobile Security, Dr. Web Anti-virus Light, F-Secure Mobile Security, IKARUS Mobile Security Lite, Lookout Mobile Security,Kaspersky Mobile Security Lite, and Zoner AntiVirus Free.

AV-Test is quite impressed with Lookout Mobile Security, since it’s purely a mobile security software unlike others that transitioned from PC to  mobile security.  Lookout recently released the Ad Network Detector- an app that helps users understand if they have an ad network on their phone “that [is] capable of pushing out-of-app ads to the default Android notification bar, placing generically designed icons on the mobile desktop, and changing browser settings, like bookmarks or homepage.”

Aside from Lookout’s Ad Network Detector, others also came up with their own security offerings such as Voltage Security’s Mobile Plus – a comprehensive initiative to extend the company’s existing mobile security solutions to protect the new generation of mobile devices, applications and data; and McAfee’s Enterprise Mobility Management, which includes significant security updates for enterprise customers to enable ‘bring your own device’ practices in the enterprise. With EMM 10.0, IT professionals will have improved control to identify, secure, and assign policies to both employee- and business-owned smartphones and tablets.

Making Android safe

Though malware threats on Android devices have significantly increased, it doesn’t mean that you should abandon your  device or mistrust the OS all together.  SAP and VMware actually announced at the recently concluded Mobile World Congress that they will be partnerning with Android OEMs to deliver a more secured platform for corporate use.

SAP chief information officer Oliver Bussman insisted that Android-based mobile devices are safe to use for business purposes, and that the debate over whether the platform is a safe option for companies should come to an end.

“Really, there are all the tools to manage the entire lifecycle of Android and in a much more advanced way than Apple,” Bussman said.

Also, developers aren’t giving up on their search for ways to keep the Android platform and other platforms secured.

Security apps keep coming

Nevertheless, Android’s shaky security has lead to a steady rise in new security apps. BlueSprig, the “fresh” alternative to software, announced the launch of AirCover, a new personal security app and location tool for iOS and Android devices that protects users from loss, theft, viruses, malware and other threats to mobile devices, while ensuring the safety of family and other loved ones via GPS tracking, user check-ins and emergency alerts. The app is available for free download from the iTunes App Store and Android Market.

“Smartphones have become integral tools to everyday life, allowing people to go new places and do new things while staying closely connected with family and friends,” said Jason Johnson, CEO of BlueSprig.

“AirCover is a powerful personal security app that helps you protect all the important information you have on your phone while giving you the peace of mind that loved ones are safe as well.”