tablet security

madlyn

do i need internet security and anti virus for a tablet?

Knarf44

Some say yes, some no. There is a risk but small from apps available from non-official sources ie not from Google Playstore or Windows store.

You could take the view that better to be safe than sorry so if you browse the Playstore or Windows store depending on which tablet and operating system you are using, you'll see some familiar names eg Avast, AVG, Kaspersky, etc.

Perhaps the best facility these apps offer is that related to what you can do to track your tablet should you lose it or it gets stolen.
My recommendation would be to first, have a look at a website called https://www.avtest.org or https://www.avcomparatives.org. I can't remember which one does regular independent tests of all antivirus programs on all operating systems including android.

Assuming you are using an android tablet you'll find that many of the free antivirus apps available give similar levels of protection.

Hope this helps.

WTFH

What tablet do you have? That will make a difference to the need for anti virus or the best to use.

madlyn

i have a samsung galaxy tab 3.

JJ_Egan

Free from the Play store Avast av .

bod1467

I've installed Malware Bytes on my Nexus 4. Not bothered with Avast or similar.

JJ_Egan

I just like the Avast per app firewall .

wiogs

bod1467 wrote: »

I've installed Malware Bytes on my Nexus 4. Not bothered with Avast or similar.

Just so that others may be aware malwarebytes is not an anti virus programme.

cmonthedons

I would have thought that anti virus would have been just as important on a tablet as it is on your pc or smartphone.
if you spend time online are the risks not exactly the same?

tronator

cmonthedons wrote: »

I would have thought that anti virus would have been just as important on a tablet as it is on your pc or smartphone.
if you spend time online are the risks not exactly the same?

AFAIK all exploits require the installation of a dodgy app. So "common sense" is the best antivirus for a smartphone, at least for me.

And always check the permissions the app wants before installing. A flashlight app that needs access to your GPS and contacts can't be good...

cmonthedons

never mind apps. general internet use is surely as vulnerable on tablet as pc and antivirus would be advisible.