
As they also pointed out in their report, “detection rates of 90 – 100% should be easily achieved.”
Out of the 200+ “security” apps tested, only 85 had a detection rate of over 30% and no false positives. Even worse, only 56 apps managed to score above AV-Comparatives’ informal detection target of 90%. Avira Antivirus Security for Android blocked all 2.000 threats, scoring the perfect 100% detection rate with no false positives.
As an independent testing organization, AV-Comparatives took the unusual step of defining what a security app should NOT do as opposed to the usual testing perspective of just measuring the results. It is clear that they see this flood of ineffective “security” apps as a threat to the reputation of other Android antivirus apps. Here is their list of NOTS:
When it comes to picking an Android security app, it’s a jungle out there. AV-Comparatives recommends avoiding the user ratings as most of these are based on the user experience and not the malware detection abilities. After all, those apps they tested all had a review score of 4 or higher on the Google Play Store. In addition, users should be highly skeptical of the download counter.
Just remember, when it comes to security apps – and many other things in life – reputation matters. So do results. And independent testers – especially when they exercise the ability to call a spade a spade – are incredibly valuable.