Cloud scanning
Many security apps send information about your apps or files to a company server for analysis. This can catch new threats fast, but it means your app list or file details leave your phone.
On-device scanning
With on-device scanning, the app checks apps and files locally using a stored set of rules and signatures. Less personal information leaves the phone.
The trade-off
On-device scanning needs regular rule updates to stay current. Cloud checks can be faster for brand-new threats. Many good apps combine both, so the real question is what is sent and whether you can see it.
What to ask any antivirus
- Does it upload my app list or files?
- Does it include third-party analytics or ad SDKs?
- Can I see what network requests it makes?
Psylinks AV
Threat detection, risk scoring and data storage happen on the device. The app mainly uses the network to download threat rules, and it includes a built-in transparency log of the network requests it makes. Details are in the Psylinks AV privacy policy.
Frequently asked questions
Is on-device scanning less safe?
Not inherently. It depends on how often rules are updated and how good the detection is.
Does on-device mean fully offline?
Not always. Updating threat rules needs the internet.