What is an antivirus and how does it protect your cellular device?

In this day and age, our smartphones have become more than just communication tools—they hold sensitive information, personal data, and even financial details. With the rise in cyber threats and security breaches, protecting your mobile phone from malware, viruses, and other threats is crucial. That’s where a phone antivirus software comes in. But what is an antivirus, and how does it safeguard your device from potential threats? Let’s break it down.

Understanding Antivirus for Mobile Phones

Simply put, an antivirus for cell phones is a security tool designed to detect, prevent, and remove harmful software that could compromise your device. Just like computers, smartphones are vulnerable to malware, phishing attacks, and viruses that can steal data, slow down performance, or even cause financial loss.

A phone antivirus acts as a protective barrier, constantly scanning your device for any suspicious activity or harmful files. Whether you’re browsing the internet, downloading apps, or clicking on links, it works behind the scenes to ensure your device remains secure.

How Does an Antivirus Work on Your Mobile Phone?

You might be wondering, how does an antivirus work? The answer lies in its ability to detect and eliminate threats before they can cause damage. Here’s how it protects your device:

1. Real-time Scanning– The antivirus continuously scans new files, apps, and downloads for malicious content.

2. Threat Detection and Removal– It identifies known malware and suspicious behaviour patterns, then neutralises or removes them.

3. Web Protection– Many phone antivirus solutions come with web protection to block unsafe websites that might attempt to steal your data.

4. App Monitoring– Some threats disguise themselves as genuine apps. An antivirus ensures that only trusted applications run on your phone.

5. Anti-Phishing– It helps prevent cybercriminals from tricking you into sharing sensitive information through fake emails or messages.

By having an antivirus for cell phones, you add an essential layer of security that safeguards your personal and professional data.

Uses of Antivirus for Mobile Devices

The uses of antivirus software go beyond just preventing viruses. Here’s why having a phone antivirus is essential:

• Data Protection– Prevents hackers from accessing your personal information, including passwords and bank details.

• Improved Performance– Removes unwanted files and harmful applications that may slow down your device.

• Secure Online Transactions– Ensures that your online payments and transactions remain safe from cyber threats.

• Privacy Control– Blocks unauthorised access to your contacts, messages, and personal files.

With these benefits, it’s easy to see why an antivirus for cell phones is a must-have.

Advantages of Antivirus Software for Mobile Phones

Investing in a good phone antivirus comes with several benefits. Some of the key advantages of antivirus software include:

• Peace of Mind– Knowing that your device is constantly monitored and protected from threats.

• Automatic Updates– Regular updates ensure your antivirus stays ahead of emerging malware threats.

• Anti-Theft Features– Some antivirus solutions offer phone tracking and remote data wiping in case your device is lost or stolen.

• Battery and Performance Optimisation– Some antivirus tools help manage your phone’s resources efficiently, improving battery life.

Given the increasing number of cyber threats targeting mobile users, having a reliable antivirus for cell phones is no longer optional—it’s a necessity that you shouldn’t overlook!

Stay Protected with Vi’s Mobile Security Offer

At Vi, we understand how important it is to keep your mobile device secure. That’s why we offer Norton Antivirus with select mobile plans at no extra cost! With this powerful phone antivirus, you can enjoy comprehensive protection against viruses, malware, and cyber threats, giving you a worry-free digital experience. Here’s a look at some of our mobile plans that allow you to access Norton’s protection at no extra cost:

Postpaid:  

Price	Validity	Benefits
₹499 (Add-on)	1 year	-        Get Norton mobile security membership of 1 year with 20GB complimentary data.
₹451 (Vi Max 451)	Monthly	- 50GB with 200GB Monthly Rollover   - Unlimited Night Data (12 Midnight to 6 AM) - Unlimited Calls - 3000 SMS/Month           - Vi Games: Play Esports, Multiplayer games & more for free on Vi App           - Choose any 1 free from below:           - Vi Movies & TV: Top OTTs in one app (first 3 months free) - JioHotstar: 1-year mobile subscription           - Sony LIV: 360 days of mobile subscription               - Norton: 1-year Norton 360 Mobile Security cover
₹551 (Vi Max 551)	Monthly	- 90GB with 200GB Monthly Rollover           - 3000 SMS/Month           -Unlimited Calls   -Unlimited Night Data (12 Midnight to 6 AM) - Vi Games: Play Esports, Multiplayer games & more for free on Vi App           - Choose any 2 free from below:           - Vi Movies & TV: Top OTTs in one app (first 3 months free)   - Amazon Prime: 6-months trial with paid yearly auto-renewal - JioHotstar: 1-year mobile subscription           - Sony LIV: 360 days of mobile subscription           - SwiggyOne: 1-year access (two coupons of SwiggyOne quarterly membership)           - EazyDiner: 1-year access (two coupons of EazyDiner quarterly membership)           - Norton: 1-year Norton 360 Mobile Security cover
₹751 (Vi Max 751)	Monthly	- 150GB with 200GB Monthly Rollover   -Unlimited Night Data (12 Midnight to 6 AM) - 3000 SMS/Month           -Unlimited calls           - Vi Games: Play Esports, Multiplayer games & more for free on Vi App           - Choose any 3 free from below:           - Vi Movies & TV: Top OTTs in one app (first 3 months free)           - Amazon Prime: 6-month trial with paid yearly auto-renewal           - JioHotstar: 1-year TV+Mobile subscription           - Sony LIV: 360 days TV+Mobile subscription           - SwiggyOne: 1-year access (two coupons of SwiggyOne quarterly membership)           - EazyDiner: 1-year access (two coupons of EazyDiner quarterly membership)           - Norton: 1-year Norton 360 Mobile Security cover
₹1201 (REDX 1201)	Monthly (6-month lock-in)	- Unlimited Data, Unlimited calls           - 3000 SMS/Month           - Lock-in period: 6 months           - Additional benefits:           - International Roaming: 7-day i-RoamFree pack (worth ₹2999)           - Airport Lounge Access: 4 times per year (Domestic & International)           - Vi Games: Play Esports, Multiplayer games & more for free on Vi App           - Fully loaded with benefits:           - Netflix Basic: Watch on 1 device (auto-renewing at no extra cost)                    - Amazon Prime: 6-months trial with paid yearly auto renewal           - JioHotstar: 1-year TV+Mobile subscription           - Sony LIV: 360 days of TV+Mobile subscription           - SwiggyOne: 1-year access (two coupons of SwiggyOne quarterly membership)           - Norton: 1-year Norton 360 Mobile Security cover

Besides these, you can also get Norton Antivirus with our postpaid family plans that start at just INR 701 per month. Moreover, we also offer an INR 299 add-on for our INR 701 postpaid family plan that offers additional connectivity and data benefits. Subscribers using our postpaid services in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Odisha, Assam, North East, Jammu and Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh circles will be able to access Unlimited Data with the aforementioned plans.    

So, what is an antivirus, and why is it crucial for your mobile phone? Simply put, it’s a security shield that protects your device from cyber threats, ensuring your data stays safe. Whether you want to block malware, prevent phishing attacks, or optimise performance, having an antivirus for cell phones is a smart move.

With Vi, you get more than just a mobile plan—you get advanced security features with Norton Antivirus. Stay connected, stay secure, and enjoy the advantages of antivirus protection with Vi!

Want to make the most of your mobile experience? Now that you know how antivirus software protects your phone, why not explore how to level up your connectivity too? Learn what is eSIM, or check out our How to transfer eSIM from one phone to another. If you're an iPhone user, we've got you covered with how to activate eSIM in iPhone. Plus, don’t miss out on discovering benefits of eSIM to keep your device smarter and more secure.