Samsung Note 10.1 - Antivirus?

Steve_xx

I just got me a Samsung Note 10.1 tablet and was wondering about antivirus software for these. Do I need it, and if so, which one?

GunJack

if it's Android, look at Avast!'s offering

Steve_xx

GunJack wrote: »

if it's Android, look at Avast!'s offering

Thanks I will do. Yes it is Android. I wasn't sure whether or not protection was needed for these devices as I've not heard anyone talking about having any virus problems with them but I guess they must be as susceptible as any pc?

Johnmcl7

No, I wouldn't say they're as susceptible as a PC. The main source of infection is through applications you install so you need to be careful particularly if installing an application outside of an application market. Google are meant to be scanning the market applications and removing those with malware but it can't be guaranteed so always keep an eye out for anything suspicious when downloading applications particularly the permissions. If the application seems to need far more permissions than you think is necessary then I wouldn't install it or check online to see if there are any known issues with that application. Some developers explain why they need the permissions the application has requested which can be handy but not many do this unfortunately.

John

Steve_xx

Thanks for that very useful information. Could you explain a bit about the permissions you mentioned and how when they occur? Presumably this is at the point of downloading?

I assume that you would advocate the use of some antivirus software too?

DCFC79

Yes I second the avast option.

re the permissions i believe these are listed on the page for the app before you download it

Johnmcl7

Steve_xx wrote: »

Thanks for that very useful information. Could you explain a bit about the permissions you mentioned and how when they occur? Presumably this is at the point of downloading?

I assume that you would advocate the use of some antivirus software too?

Yes, when you choose to install an application from the Google store it will then show you a list of permissions the applications require after which you can either confirm you want to install an application or you can go back. You can tap each of the permissions and it will tell you what that actually means. Some applications will need a lot of permissions like Skype as it's tightly integrated across the phone whereas a simple game should only need to modify the memory and keep the phone display on (although some want a couple more if they have adverts)

I don't think there's been any malware outbreaks on the Google store recently but the previous ones were usually where the malware writers took a popular game or application and offered what appeared to be the same application but with the malware. These malware versions required intrusive permissions (accessing phonebook, dialling premium rate numbers I think - haven't seen one myself) which was a giveaway something wasn't right.

So I'd just be cautious installing applications you're not sure about and have a check online if you want to ensure the application is legimate. The store is a bit better now as it shows which are top rated developers and how many downloads the application has, so those from big developers with a lot of downloads should be fine.

John

Steve_xx

Johnmcl7 wrote: »

Yes, when you choose to install an application from the Google store it will then show you a list of permissions the applications require after which you can either confirm you want to install an application or you can go back. You can tap each of the permissions and it will tell you what that actually means. Some applications will need a lot of permissions like Skype as it's tightly integrated across the phone whereas a simple game should only need to modify the memory and keep the phone display on (although some want a couple more if they have adverts)

I don't think there's been any malware outbreaks on the Google store recently but the previous ones were usually where the malware writers took a popular game or application and offered what appeared to be the same application but with the malware. These malware versions required intrusive permissions (accessing phonebook, dialling premium rate numbers I think - haven't seen one myself) which was a giveaway something wasn't right.

So I'd just be cautious installing applications you're not sure about and have a check online if you want to ensure the application is legimate. The store is a bit better now as it shows which are top rated developers and how many downloads the application has, so those from big developers with a lot of downloads should be fine.

John

Many thanks for that explanation of what's what. I have a much better understanding of it now as a result. Thanks for taking the time to respond.

wazza

Was also also looking for protection for the phone. Is AVG better than Avast?

chrislynch

I use AVG and have always found it be very good. On to my fourth phone now and, touch wood, never had a problem.

Steve_xx

chrislynch wrote: »

I use AVG and have always found it be very good. On to my fourth phone now and, touch wood, never had a problem.

Thanks for that. I used AVG on my laptop once and it was ok for a while but then seemed to be not so good. I tried to remove it in order to have Antivir, but it was a nightmare to get rid of it. I think I had to reset the laptop back to its factory setting befor I could get rid!