What security is needed for android tablet or phone

msfortune

I've just bought an android tablet and have an android phone. I'm going to be working in Australia soon and want to be able to use free wifi safely on both these devices before I go and while I'm first there. I don't have wifi at home so was going to use my local mcdonalds wifi to set the tablet up with skype, etc, but I want to make sure I have relevant security measures on it. I will mainly use wifi for skype, email, some internet research and if I can make it safe enough then internet banking would be useful too. Please could you recommend what (pref free) security I should use to protect from hackers and the like.

Thank you

bod1467

If you're using public wifi hotspots then the best you can really do is to make sure that any sensitive activity (e.g. online banking) is via a secure transport ... like HTTPS. Whatever website or app you use for such activity should have something in its description to tell you if it uses HTTPS - on a browser you may see the padlock symbol to denote a secure connection.

bcl999

I have AVG on mine. It is free. I have no idea at all how good it is but have been using for past 9 monyhs and no problems.

DCFC79

Avast is fine.

msfortune

I currently use the free microsoft security essentials antivirus and malwarebytes on my home pc, would these work on my tablet and/or phone too? Do I also need anything additional like hotspot shield (I found this on another thread, but don't understand if I need it or not)?

Thank you I don't know what I would do without your invaluable help:A

wallbash

https://www.preyproject.com

Tiggy_Wiggy

I have AVG on mine. I don't understand why you would spend a few hundred quid on something and not protect it anyway you can?

msfortune

Tiggy_Wiggy wrote: »

I have AVG on mine. I don't understand why you would spend a few hundred quid on something and not protect it anyway you can?

Totally agree, I just bought my tablet for £79, but still want to protect against viruses, hackers, etc. I think I used AVG previously to installing microsoft security essentials on my home pc and when I get to mcdonalds the first job is to get the right protection needed on there.

john1

I have two main apps installed for security

Hotspot Shield for Android is a VPN for when using public WiFi access for browsing, e-mail, text messaging, to protect identity, IP address and traffic sniffing as well as to stop web tracking.

Sophos Mobile Security for Anti Malware /Virus protection, Loss and theft protection and additionally text and call spam blocking.

Beware though Sophos MS requires deactivation if uninstalling. Easy if you go through simple procedure as per website instructions see http://www.sophos.com/en-us/support/knowledgebase/2350/1294/117456.aspx

Sophos is free no ads. whilst Hotspot is basic ad. supported with subscription for enhanced services.