What is a significant limitation of antivirus applications on mobile phones?

Antivirus applications on mobile phones have several limitations, and one such significant limitation is their inability to effectively prevent attacks via Bluetooth. Mobile phones often utilize Bluetooth for wireless connectivity, which can be a vector for various types of attacks, including unauthorized access and data breaches.

While antivirus software is designed to detect and mitigate various forms of malware, including those that may come from downloaded apps or files, their capabilities in monitoring and preventing Bluetooth-specific vulnerabilities are generally insufficient. This is largely due to the nature of how Bluetooth operates, with many attacks exploiting vulnerabilities in the Bluetooth protocol itself or exploiting weaknesses in paired device security. Thus, while antivirus applications can provide a critical level of security, they are not comprehensive solutions against all attack vectors, particularly those involving communications protocols like Bluetooth.

In contrast, concerns related to battery consumption, the scope of security features, or user-friendliness are valid but typically pertain to user experience and interface rather than a direct incapacity to prevent specific types of attacks like those via Bluetooth.