App review – AirCover Security

Android is the most popular mobile operating system, and not without good reason. However, its open source nature makes it prone to threats and related security concerns. But if there’s disease, there’s medicine too – and that comes in the form of a variety of security applications available from a large number of software developers. One such developer, BlueSprig has created the AirCover security app for Android. AirCover focuses on providing an all-in-one solution for most security-related needs, with features such as an antivirus, anti-theft, web protection, privacy, performance optimisation and call / SMS blocking. Let’s find out how well the app fares. First and foremost, AirCover is a lightweight install with a total download size of about 4-5 MB depending on the OS version. Installation is quick and very little input is required from the users for setup. The integrated antivirus is frugal on resources and is backed by regular definitions updates. Performing a quick scan of the device just takes a minute or two depending on the number of apps installed. Any malicious app is flagged automatically, along with a recommended action. AirCover has a very useful feature called Privacy Advisor that scans all installed apps for the type of access they have and flags the ones that can potentially lead to identity or information loss. However, the security app keeps suggesting action against Facebook and other social media apps as they require access to information, identity as well as data on the device… but this can be easily ignored. While browsing the web using your Android device, the app continuously monitors for malicious web links and provides real-time protection and alerts. Another useful feature of the application is the call and SMS blocker, which simply ignores messages and calls from any blacklisted number. The blocked caller gets a busy tone while blocked messages are moved to the app from the SMS inbox automatically. A yearly subscription of Rs 1,200 plus taxes unlocks additional functionality. Users get remote access to their Android device which allows them to locate devices on a map and block access. If the anti-theft feature is enabled, the front camera captures an image of anyone who tries to turn off the security on the device, which is then sent to the registered email address. Additionally, premium users also get access to latest antivirus databases that are also automatically updated, something which free users have to do manually. The ‘Privacy Protection’ feature allows the app to block access to information for several apps and then there’s the App Vulnerability Scan, which reveals potential threats any apps might pose for the device. AirCover premium also features a contact backup system and allows users to access their contacts from the web-based module. While AirCover offers a great deal of useful features for both free as well as premium users, the bottom-line is that it provides a complete suite of security solutions in one lightweight package. The developers have tried to include many useful features in the free version itself, but those who wish to have additional security for their devices can pay for extra peace of mind. AirCover runs quietly in the background and does not affect device’s performance significantly. Any threat or potential hazard is promptly tackled and notified to the users. All this makes AirCover a great security app for Android devices. Editor’s Ratings : 8/10 Pro’s : Lightweight install, light on resources, offers all-round protection Con’s : Premium features are a tad pricey Download Link: AirCover Security