It’s been few years since Norton released the Mobile Security application for Android. Since then there are a lot of improvements and changes in the user interface. The Norton Mobile Security Lite is available for Android for free that offers limited features such as app scanning . You can purchase the license separately for the full version, activate it to enjoy enhanced Anti-Theft, Call and SMS Blocking and Backup features. The app was launched for iPhone and iPad last year. You can use the same key to activate premium Norton services for iPhone or iPad.
The license key comes in a large pack that lists the features of the app.
If you are not sure how to download, the inside of the cover has the download instructions.
Let’s get into the app. Once you download the application you get option on the bottom to sign in and upgrade or enter the activation key on the bottom. The Lite version lets you find your lost devices on a map with remote locate, protect your devices against malware, Lock your device via SMS text command, Control security for all your devices through one website and more.
The premium feature lest you Lock or wipe the device remotely, trigger an alarm to find the device, send customized messages to the device remotely, sync contacts to the cloud and restore is across devices, prevent phishing on websites and ability to instantly lock your phone if the SIM card is removed.
The SMS back up and restore feature is much useful. Since this is inbuilt, you don’t have to search for a separate app to back them up. Another important feature is the Call and SMS blocking feature. When you enable this feature, the caller gets a busy tone, and you get their number as missed call log. It also has SMS blocking feature that doesn’t show the SMS in your inbox, if it’s block. This feature might not work on some external applications.
The web protection feature blocks phishing sites automatically on the default Android browser. The setting has several options including option to enable Norton Community Watch that automatically forwards security information to Symantec. There is a security lock that enables lock feature that would require you to enter a password to enter the app. If the security lock is enabled you can’t uninstall the app. The security Wipe wipes the device automatically after 10 failed unlock attempts. You can also enable the option to automatically lock the device if SIM card is removed or changed.
The device scans each application you install for malware. It can also run scheduled scans on daily, weekly or monthly basis. The Anti-theft feature lets you lock your device remotely, scream, locate, view sneak peek from the device’s camera and remotely wipe it.
You get a small card on the package that has formats of commands that you can send from other registered device to your device along with your secret password. There is also a command for remote scream, but it’s not mentioned on the card.
The web UI could be accessed from mobilesecurity.norton.com. You can login with your credentials to lock or unlock the device and remotely control the device. You can also edit your 4 digit pass code using it. The Sneak Peek option takes photos using the front-facing camera of the device. You can view the last 10 photos that were taken with Sneak Peek in the Web UI.
The Scream option makes an audible sound even the device is in silent mode. This would be much useful to find the device if you are near it.
Conclusion
Overall, the Norton Mobile Security is a great app that protects your Android devices free from malware, and at the same time lets you locate it when it’s lost. The main concern is the need for data. If the data is off, it can find only the last location when the phone had data connection. If you are using an Android phone the Norton Mobile Security LITE for Android is more than enough, but if you need extra security features, get the full version from in.norton.com.
Pros
- Anti-Malware
- Anti-Theft with remote lock and Sneak Peek
- Security lock and SIM card Lock
Cons
- No SMS backup