Anti Spy Android Is DEKRA MASA L1 Certified Again - Verified App Security Based on OWASP (2026)

Spyware is one of the most insidious threats on Android. It disguises itself, runs in the background, and doesn’t “just” go after data, it goes after privacy: location, microphone, camera, chats, photos, contacts - often without victims noticing at all.

That’s exactly why one question is critical for security apps in particular: Can you really trust this app - technically, too?

We’re happy to prove that once again: Anti Spy Android has received the DEKRA MASA L1 validation.
And because trust is strongest when it’s independently confirmed, this fits our standards perfectly: Anti Spy isn’t just a highly specialized spyware scanner, it’s also verifiably tested.

What Is DEKRA MASA L1, and Why Does It Matter?

MASA stands for Mobile Application Security Assessment and is a program of the App Defense Alliance (ADA) that evaluates mobile apps against established security requirements. At its core, MASA aligns with OWASP MASVS Level 1 (Mobile Application Security Verification Standard), a recognized baseline standard for secure mobile applications.

Important: MASA is not a “marketing badge,” but a structured assessment program. DEKRA describes MASA L1 as an evaluation of essential security controls i.e., a security foundation every app should meet, whether it processes banking data or “only” falls into Tools & Utilities.

Regularly updating this assessment for Anti Spy is a deliberate part of our quality standard: MASA certifications are only valid for one year; after that, recertification is required.

The New DEKRA Validation 2026: What Exactly Was Tested?

The current validation is clearly documented in the DEKRA report:

• Product / Package: com.protectstar.antispy.android
• App Version: 6.7.5
• Validation Type: Level 1 – Verified Self
• Platform: Android
• Issue Date: 2026‑02‑20
• Test Method: Security evaluation based on a limited set from the OWASP MASVS standard (within the ADA/MASA framework)

“Verified Self” is a defined MASA assurance level: the lab performs automated scans (including static analysis) and supplements them with a structured questionnaire in which developers confirm requirements as Yes/No/N/A and, when needed, provide supporting evidence.

What the Report Confirms (Technically)

An anti‑spyware app must not only detect threats—it also has to be robust against common app vulnerabilities itself. That’s exactly what MASA addresses. The report documents numerous requirements as “Pass,” including key areas such as:

Secure Data Storage & Privacy Fundamentals

The report includes requirements that help ensure sensitive data isn’t accidentally stored outside the app sandbox or exposed in logs. This also includes correct UI and keyboard handling for sensitive input.

Cryptography Based on Best Practices

Among other things, the assessment checks that the app relies on proven cryptographic implementations, avoids algorithms considered insecure, and generates randomness using a sufficiently secure random number generator.

Network Security (TLS & Certificate Validation)

The evaluation also covers whether data transmissions are consistently encrypted via TLS, whether TLS settings follow current best practices, and whether certificates are validated correctly.

Android Security Architecture: Permissions, Inputs, Exports

MASA also examines whether an app requests only the permissions it truly needs, validates and - if necessary - sanitizes input from external sources and users (e.g., via UI, intents, custom URLs, and network sources), and does not export sensitive functionality without protection.

Release Hardening & Code Quality

This area focuses on ensuring the app is built as a release build, doesn’t ship with debug artifacts or “backdoors,” and has relevant security features of the toolchain enabled.
In short: DEKRA MASA L1 validation confirms that Anti Spy Android not only protects you, but is also implemented cleanly and securely according to defined OWASP criteria.

App security is the foundation but for Anti Spy, what users ultimately expect in everyday use is detection performance. In the AV‑TEST product review report (January 2024), Anti Spy 6.0 Android was tested and listed as certified.

What Sets Anti Spy Android Apart, Beyond “Just Scanning”

Many solutions on the market are all‑in‑one antivirus products. Anti Spy is intentionally positioned differently: a specialist built to counter surveillance.

To do that, Anti Spy combines two approaches (dual engine): a classic signature component plus AI‑based detection. Protectstar describes this as the interaction of Deep Detective™ and Protectstar™ AI CLOUD to uncover both known spyware and new, cleverly hidden spy tools.
In practice, that means: you get a solution that doesn’t explain spyware in theory, it makes it visible in real life. The app is intentionally kept simple: one tap on “SCAN” is enough to check your device. Another point that matters to many users: privacy isn’t a “feature,” it’s a principle. Anti Spy is positioned with “no data sharing, no trackers.” In other words: protection without unnecessary data collection.

Anti Spy vs. Antivirus: Why Specialization Makes Sense

Many people understandably ask: “I already have an antivirus app—do I still need Anti Spy?”
The honest answer: it depends on what you want to protect.

Antivirus apps are often broad (trojans, ransomware, phishing, etc.). Anti Spy focuses specifically on spyware, stalkerware, and surveillance tools threats that are designed around privacy invasion and covert control. That’s exactly why Anti Spy can be a meaningful complement, even if you’re already using antivirus protection.

Why We Rely on Independent Testing

The security market is full of promises. What matters is proof.

• AV‑TEST shows how well Anti Spy performs in realistic malware scenarios.
• DEKRA MASA L1 confirms the app itself is built securely according to OWASP‑based criteria.

In this context, Protectstar describes Anti Spy as the world’s first and only anti‑spyware app certified by both AV‑TEST and DEKRA.

Conclusion: Protection Is Good, Verified Protection Is Better

With the current DEKRA MASA L1 validation (February 20, 2026, Anti Spy Android 6.7.5), we reinforce a standard we’ve followed from the start: Anti Spy should not only detect threats, it should itself be a product you can trust with your smartphone’s security in good conscience.

If you want to actively protect your privacy on Android - against spyware, stalkerware, and hidden surveillance - Anti Spy is built for exactly that.