File Shredder is a powerful software to help you get rid of all kinds of sensitive information, so you don't have to worry about someone else recovering it later on. Pros Algorithm options: With File Shredder, you can choose the type of shredding algorithm you'd like it to use. Options include Simple One Pass, Simple Two Pass, DoD 5220-22.M, Secure Erasing Algorithm with 7 Passes, and Guttman Algorithm 35 Passes. Shredding free disk space: Another handy tool this app contains is the Free Disk Space Shredder. This allows you to purge any remnants of files you deleted previously from your computer, making them unrecoverable, even though you can't shred them directly. Cons Broken link: The Help file for this app included a link to more detailed information about the various algorithms available, but repeated attempts to follow that link were unsuccessful.
No progress bar: It's impossible to know how long a shredding event will take once you've initiated it through this app. There is no progress bar or timer to give you a sense of how well or quickly the app is working. Bottom Line File Shredder lets you destroy files permanently to help you keep your personal information safe. Its various algorithm options let you choose exactly the level of security you're comfortable with, and the ability to shred free disk space as well provides an extra level of protection. This app is completely free to download and use without limits.
Mcafee Mobile Security Android
. Pros Top-tier malware protection. Robust backup and restore features. Numerous customization settings. Fine-grain options for remote wipe. Lock individual apps.
Multiple profiles to hide apps. Call and SMS filtering. Cons Lousy lockscreen leaves your device exposed. Confusing user interface. Wonky, incomplete SMS commands.
Awkward recovery of media backups. Occasional bugs. Bottom Line A heavy hitter in desktop security brings top-tier malware protection to Android in an app brimming with features, but is held back by its execution and price. McAfee Antivirus & Security for Android (free, $29.99 per year) is the mobile component of the company's (now McAfee LiveSafe) all-in-one suite and is free for All Access users. Even if you don't have All Access, McAfee is certainly attractive with its well-known name, high malware detection scores, pleasantly minimalist user interface, and enormous slew of security features. But I was disappointed that the app didn't live up to its incredible potential, and would recommend looking at lower-priced alternatives if you're not an All Access user. Despite the slow pace, McAfee doesn't have a big impact on system performance.
With only a McAfee scan running, the Usemon app reported that 60 to 70 percent of the system's processing power was in use (Usemon reports 5 to 23 percent in use with no other apps running). There was little practical impact as well: I didn't see any stuttering or slow down while playing during a system scan. Rebooting my with McAfee installed took only three seconds longer than normal—hardly noticeable at all. In addition to scans, McAfee provides real-time protection, scanning each new app as it is downloaded. When McAfee detects malware, it triggers a pop-up window that includes very detailed information about the suspicious application. The app's main page also changes, making it obvious and easy to deal with new threats without having to run another (lengthy) scan.
In general, McAfee does a good job of keeping you informed about what it's doing and how to improve your security. Software Analyst Max Eddy is a Software Analyst, taking a critical eye to Android apps and security services. He's also PCMag's foremost authority on weather stations and digital scrapbooking software. When not polishing his tinfoil hat or plumbing the depths of the Dark Web, he can be found working to discern the 100 Best Android Apps. Prior to PCMag, Max wrote for the International Digital Times, The International Science Times, and The Mary Sue. He has also been known to write for Geek.com. You can follow him on.