Free anti-virus for tablet

abibee

On a security forum I look at, the one recommended was Sophos free version. Who am I to disagree.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sophos.smsec&hl=en_GB

Coveredinbees!!!!

I haven't got an antivirus on my tablet I never even thought about it, I better get one.

pricew1970

Another vote for AVG , use it on pc's, laptops, phones and tablets. Have done for years.

Lumstorm

Coveredinbees!!!! wrote: »

I haven't got an antivirus on my tablet I never even thought about it, I better get one.

The reason you never thought about it is maybe due to them not being needed.

dipsomaniac

have never used av software on phones/tablets or even windows netbooks (it's the first thing i uninstall).

as long as you know what apps/programs you are installing you don't need it

got more chance of an unrooted device being run over by a steam roller than losing data from a virus imo

amugofjava

I personally don't bother with anti virus software for my Android devices. In all honesty, I'm not sure what benefit they would provide me. If you are not someone who installs apps from anywhere other than the Google Play store you'll probably be OK. Plus, Google also scans apps on, including those on your devices for malware and security issues.

JJ_Egan

As you say you will probably be OK .
Personally knowing the threats that could apply to Android i prefer a more secure approach .In my case i am rooted suited and booted on all models .

dipsomaniac

JJ_Egan wrote: »

knowing the threats that could apply to Android

can you expand on this as i haven't yet seen a good reason to install av on unrooted android

wongataa

There is no point installing AV on an Android device. It couldn't do anything if you did manage to get a nasty on it.

It is hard to get something to infect an Android device and if you have not rooted the thing it is pretty secure by default.

Every app has to be specifically allowed to be installed by the user. In doing so the user allows the app whatever permissions the app has requested. As every app has been allowed to do what it wants to do at the moment of install another app, say AV, cannot stop another app doing what it wants to do.

AV apps for Android are pointless and will most likely just drain the battery more quickly by running all the time. They also take up space. There are no benefits.

If you only install apps from a reputable source, such as Google Play, then you are as protected as can be source wise. The user then just has to apply some common sense and no install dodgy apps.

If you have a rooted device than other things come into consideration but you should know what you are doing if you have rooted as if you don't then you are unlikely to need to have root access.

roddydogs

Pretty obvious, but its the "Naughty" sites that usually contain the viruses