Reasons to Pay for a Mobile Security App

As more and more cybercriminals recognize the value of developing attacks targeting mobile devices, more and more mobile device users are looking to equip their mobile devices with comprehensive security. Yet, while most users are willing to pay for high-quality antivirus solutions on their computers, users often rely on free apps and other unpaid options to keep their mobile devices safe.

Unfortunately, free mobile applications have their limitations, especially when they operate in the field of cybersecurity. Here are a few reasons why all users should strongly consider paying for a more robust mobile antivirus tool on all mobile devices:

Paid Solutions Offer More Advanced Features

Often, unpaid security solutions offer a single basic security service that gives users some form of protection against simple mobile threats. Unfortunately, mobile threats are no longer simple. As the number of mobile users has risen, cybercriminals have developed more sophisticated methods of attacking mobile devices, and today, only advanced security features are likely to keep users totally safe. However, because advanced features take resources and expertise to develop into mobile apps, they tend to be available only in paid security solutions.

Unpaid Solutions Solve Individual Security Issues

Rarely does a free security app function as a comprehensive mobile security solution. In addition to offering a basic level of security, unpaid mobile security apps typically only provide one security service. As a result, it is not uncommon for users to have a multitude of free apps on their phones, patchworking together a semblance of cohesive security. Unfortunately, because different apps are not designed to work together, mobile devices are likely to suffer from vulnerabilities that can lead to successful attacks. Users interested in security that can provide all-in-one protection need to invest in antivirus for Android devices.

Paid Solutions Include Network Protection

Traditional computers typically remain connected to a single home network for the entire duration of their use. In contrast, mobile devices move around, connecting to various public and private networks. A mobile device that is infected with mobile malware has the potential to spread that malware more rapidly amongst other devices on the networks it connects to. Therefore, workplaces that maintain BYOD policies might want to cover paid security solutions on employees’ devices to reduce their risk of succumbing to an expensive attack and data breach.

Unpaid Solutions Rarely Provide Customer Support

Few mobile device users are cybersecurity experts. When a mobile user wants to ensure the security of their device, they may need help from a cybersecurity expert in downloading, installing and choosing settings for their security app. Unfortunately, free apps rarely come with useful options for user support. Some unpaid security solutions may give users the opportunity to email a helpdesk, but responses may take days or weeks to come back and may not be particularly helpful. Paid security solutions can afford to keep a customer service department well-staffed, so users are more likely to receive immediate and valuable support.

Paid Solutions Can Have Family Protection

In 2023, the average age that an individual receives their first smartphone is about 11 years, but many parents introduce tablet computers to their kids around age 2. Children are using mobile devices in greater numbers, and parents need to do what they can to keep their little ones — and their devices, data and networks — safe. Fortunately, many paid security solutions include parental controls, which allow adults more control over where, how and when their kids are using mobile devices. Until children have more aptitude in identifying and avoiding online threats, this feature is essential for families.

Unpaid Solutions Cannot Keep up With Evolving Threats

Mobile malware is relatively new, and it is certainly still evolving. Just as malware targeting traditional computers continues to gain complexity, mobile malware is anticipated to become exceedingly sophisticated in the coming years — and unpaid solutions are unlikely to keep up with the break-neck pace of development. Paid security tools are more likely to receive frequent updates that enhance their ability to maintain safety in the face of emerging threats, but unpaid security apps will only become less effective in time.

Mobile devices are more difficult for cybercriminals to attack — but rates of mobile malware are undeniably increasing. Investing in a high-quality mobile security tool is the only way for users to ensure the safety of their devices and data into the future.