Certo AntiSpy vs herdProtect

Certo AntiSpy is an Android security app that scans for spyware, stalkerware, viruses, trojans, and other suspicious activity. Checks include keyloggers, rooting, device administrator privileges, and apps using accessibility features to monitor activity. Most detected threats can be removed with one tap; cases needing manual action come with instructions. Intruder features can alert users to access attempts, trigger an alarm, or secretly take a photo. A privacy audit identifies apps using sensitive permissions, including camera, microphone, and location, so users can revoke access. Breach Check searches the dark web for accounts or passwords that may have appeared in data breaches. Premium Plus includes Certo Secure VPN, which the product page says encrypts browsing connections, including on public Wi-Fi. Certo says scan analysis happens locally, files and app data are not uploaded to its servers, and removal requires user approval. The Android app runs on phones and tablets with Android 7.0 or later and does not require a computer to scan. The free AntiSpy plan costs nothing and includes spyware detection, threat removal, and a privacy audit. Paid monthly plans are $4.99 a month for Premium and $8.99 a month for Premium Plus; Premium yearly is $27.99 a year.

herdProtect is a free Windows desktop scanner intended to provide a second opinion alongside an existing antivirus product. Its cloud scanner uses 68 anti-malware engines, checks active files and auto-start locations, and can send unknown files for remote analysis. The site says that analysis of unknown files takes 5 to 30 minutes. Scans are on demand, with no real-time protection and no scheduled-scan option. Detected threats can be quarantined, but remediation is manual. Reports and other communications between the computer and herdProtect servers are encrypted. The service does not accept one-off or batch file uploads for analysis. The maker says downloads are not currently being distributed and invites interested users to email for a waiting list. Use is intended for personal, non-commercial purposes unless otherwise specified. Support is limited and listed at [email protected].