Certo AntiSpy vs Spybot – Search & Destroy

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.

Spybot – Search & Destroy is Windows security software focused on finding and removing spyware, adware, tracking software, keyloggers and other unwanted software. Its Free Edition includes anti-spyware scanning and removal, a rootkit scan, System Immunization and Startup Tools, for private, non-commercial use; the private-use license does not cap device count. System Immunization blocks access to sites associated with malicious or unwanted software, tracking cookies and browser plugins identified as malware. The maker lists Internet Explorer, Opera, Firefox and Chrome for that feature. Rootkit Scan checks the file system, registry and process-related lists. Paid editions list features including automatic signature downloads multiple times per day and task scheduling. Live Protection monitors newly created and running processes and blocks malicious processes before they start. Command-line tools cover scans, immunization, cleaning and updating, with use in scripts and scheduled tasks described by the maker. The product page also describes FileAlyzer for file analysis and RegAlyzer for browsing and changing the registry. Startup Tools can alter registry and other system settings, so the maker advises care.