F-Secure Mobile Security for Android review
F-Secure Mobile Security for Android brings you a full security suite that includes reliable anti-theft protection for ensuring your data never gets in the wrong hands -- not even if your device is stolen -- as well as safe browsing, parental controls, application privacy ratings for quickly reviewing application permissions, and a thorough albeit somewhat slow virus and malware scanner.
Pros
Well made and dependable: Everything about F-Secure Mobile Security for Android, from the no-hassle setup to the professional-looking interface with its clean lines and appealing icons smacks of good quality. This is a polished app.
Powerful anti-theft feature: You can easily locate your stolen or misplaced smartphone and remotely lock it, sound an alarm, or erase sensitive data from it by sending an SMS to the device. These features can work even if the thief removes the SIM card from your device.
Application privacy ratings: The app lists and ranks the apps installed on your device, grouping them into three categories depending on whether they have few, some, or many privacy issues, and enabling you to install any of them with a single tap. For each app you get a privacy/permissions summary that shows you whether the app can read your messages, see or hear you, or know your location.
Cons
Subscription-based service: To enjoy all of its features beyond the initial 31-day free trial, you have to pay $9.99 for a 6-month subscription. On the Play Store you'll find apps that offer similar features at a better price.
Scanning takes time: On our Nexus 7, a full device scan took slightly over two minutes. Other scanners do their job in 30 seconds or less.
Bottom Line
Because it includes easy-to-use, reliable Parental Controls, Safe Browsing, and Application Privacy Ratings, F-Secure Mobile Security for Android can be a convenient one-stop solution for your essential security needs, so that you won't have to use separate apps to enjoy these important security features. It's an especially useful app, if you want to avoid data theft.
