We have once again tested security products for smartphones running
Google's Android operating system. Our report covers details of the
products made by leading manufacturers. Smartphones represent the future
of modern communications. In 2013, more than 1 billion smartphones were
sold, a further milestone in the advance of these devices1. A study
published by Facebook emphasises the importance of smartphones in our
lives; about 80% of users make use of their smartphone within 15 minutes
of waking up each day. At the same time, the traditional function of a
telephone is becoming less and less important. The high quality of
integrated cameras means that the smartphone is increasingly used for
photography. As well as with photos, users trust their devices with
their most personal communications, such as Facebook, WhatsApp and
email. This brings some risks with it, as such usage makes the
smartphone interesting for criminals, who attempt to infect the device
with malware or steal personal data. There is also the danger brought by
phishing attacks. These days, the use of security software on a PC or
laptop is seen as essential. However, many smartphone users do not yet
have the same sense of responsibility, even though their devices store
personal data, private photos, Internet banking information or even
company data. As modern smartphones are often expensive to buy, they are
also an attractive target for thieves. Top-quality smartphones cost
several hundred Euros. As it is not possible to physically prevent them
from being stolen, they must be made less attractive to thieves.
Consequently, many of today's security products contain not only malware
protection, but also highly developed theft-protection functions, which
make the device less attractive to thieves (e.g. by locking the device),
and help the owner to find it again.
