The announcement comes after a recent Bitdefender study of 836,021 free Android apps revealed that 35% of these can access user locations, while almost 3% can leak e-mail addresses, 5% can locate and open photos on users' phones and 10% can read contact lists.
Awarded for best malware detection and usability by independent security testers, the new Bitdefender Mobile Security for Android uses cloud-based technology to warn device owners of malicious websites, phishing and fraud while helping users find, wipe or lock missing devices easier and faster. Privacy Advisor points out intrusive apps that collect sensitive data such as browsing history, bookmarks, contacts lists, messages and calendar entries or that view saved photos.
"Modern mobile phones are less of a phone and more of a mobile computer and the unchecked use of apps can pose a serious risk to the owner's privacy," states Catalin Cosoi, Chief Security Strategist at Bitdefender. "Once data is accessed, the phone's owner has no control over who sees it and how it is used."
Bitdefender Mobile Security for Android also indicates which applications use billable device functions, including making phone calls or sending text messages, helping users make informed decisions about privacy and data security.
Bitdefender Mobile Security for Android is now available for download at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bitdefender.security and can be tested for free for 14 days.
For a full list of Bitdefender 2014 features and benefits by product, please visit http://www.bitdefender.co.uk or follow Bitdefender on Twitter for daily malware alerts.
About Bitdefender®
Bitdefender is the creator of one of the world's fastest and most effective lines of internationally certified internet security software. The company is an industry pioneer, introducing and developing award-winning protection since 2001. Today, Bitdefender technology secures the digital experience of around 400 million home and corporate users across the globe.
Recently, Bitdefender won a series of important awards and accolades in the global security industry, including "Product of the Year" by AV-Comparatives, "Best Repair 2012" by AV-Test, "Editor's Choice" and "The Best Antivirus for 2013" by PC Mag, that confirmed the antivirus software's leadership status among security products.
More information about Bitdefender's products is available from the company's security press room. Additionally, Bitdefender publishes the HOTforSecurity blog, where readers can find stories from the underworld of internet fraud, scams, malicious software - and gossip.
