Mobile devices are susceptible to viruses just like your desktop computers. Malware writers target mobile apps to steal your data including your identity, which could make you a victim of identity theft without your knowledge. This article lists five great antivirus mobile apps you can install for free or a low monthly fee.

The Android operating system has strong internal security, but it’s susceptible to malware just like any device. Malware suitors have specifically targeted smart phones since people are increasingly more dependent on them for-personal storage. Most people have some type of financial app running on the Android device, and the passwords used on their phone sometimes match passwords used online. Most people don’t run antivirus on their Android devices, so it’s easier for a malware programmer to install and ruts malicious software on mobile devices rather than PCs. Instead of leaving your smart phone or tablet vulnerable, install one of these antivirus apps to protect your information.

AVG Antivirus Security

AVG Antivirus has a free and pro (paid) version. The free version has basic security features that you’d expect from a free app. It blocks malware from running on your device, and it has an anti-theft feature that protects your stored information. It also detects phishing sites and sends a warning if you’re about to open a malicious website in the Android browser. Tine downside to the anti-phishing feature is that it’s only compatible with the Android browser, which is probably not your browser of choice. If you decide to upgrade from the free version to the paid version, you can choose a yearly or monthly subscription.

McAfee Antivirus App

McAfee is a notorious name in antivirus software. It used to be the only contender for Norton’s in the early years of antivirus creation. McAfee became clunky on desktop computers, which is why many customers bailed from the desktop version. Some people complain that the mobile app version has the same issue, but McAfee is one of the better antivirus apps on the market. If you can handle some slow performance, this antivirus app is the best of the bunch. McAfee software will actually lock down your device if an attacker attempts to uninstall it. Of course, it also locks you out if you don’t remember your pin, so make sure your pin is something you remember well.

Kaspersky Internet Security

If you just want basic antivirus protection with no bells and whistles, Kaspersky Internet Security is the app you want. The free version has very limited features but protects from most malware. The app doesn’t interfere much, so it doesn’t slow your Android device like other antivirus apps. One advantage that Kaspersky has over other antivirus apps is that it includes cloud security. If you store projects or documentation in the cloud, this antivirus program protects from cloud malware and phishing.

Avast Mobile Security and Antivirus

If you don’t have a lot of money to spend on monthly or yearly antivirus subscriptions, Avast is an affordable solution for mobile app antivirus. Even if you do decide to pay for the software, you’ll pay half of what you’ll pay for other antivirus apps. You cars get Avast for as low as $15 each year while some antivirus software costs you $55 each month. Avast also has firewall protection, so you know when a hacker is trying to upload software from your mobile device to a third-party server.

Comodo Mobile Security

Comodo is probably the favorite among other free antivirus programs. This app has more capabilities than some of the paid apps. You can lock software with a password, back up your pass, optimize your system and block text and call messages. The software includes anti-phishing and privacy protection, so you get much more with Comodo than other-antivirus software. It’s free software, so you don’t get some of the support options you get with paid apps, but it’s worth the savings if you just want app and data protection.

There are several other apps on the market, so if you don’t choose one of these, at least choose something to protect your apps and data. Don’t wait until you have a virus to learn your lessors. Install antivirus software before you lose your identity and information to malware hackers.