Does My Tablet Need Antivirus?
A Reader Writes In With A Good Question…
Q: I think I know what your answer is going to be, but I thought I would confirm. This week I bought a Galaxy Tab tablet and I am wondering if it needs antivirus like a regular computer does. Thanks.
Carol B.
A: Carol,
Congratulations on your new Android tablet computer. Let me answer your question with a question: does your Tab connect to the Internet?
I have stated here before, and will repeat; criminals (aka “hackers”) and hostile governments/orgs have made the Internet a dangerous place to visit, and I recommend that any device which connects to the web have security installed – and that means an “antivirus”.
Tablets and smart phones are not “immune” from “rogue” applications, spyware, etc.. No digital device is.
I do not yet own a tablet, but a quick look in the Galaxy Tab user’s forum suggests an equal split with folks recommending AVG Mobile (free) and Lookout Mobile (free) to their fellow Tab users. (Also, you may want to refer to 15 Mobile Security Tools.)
{note: If you have been using an Android tablet PC, and have an antivirus you’d care to recommend (or, infection story), please share it with us by leaving a Comment. Thanks!}
Something like over 10 million Americans had their identities stolen last year (and the year before) (and the year before) (and the year before). I’m glad you wrote in.
Today’s quote: “The world is in a constant conspiracy against the brave. It’s the age-old struggle: the roar of the crowd on the one side, and the voice of your conscience on the other.” ~ Douglas MacArthur
Copyright 2007-2011 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved.
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• About Tech Paul
I am a Retired computer & network technician. I used to think the machines were pretty cool. Now I don’t.
They’re anything but.
I regularly posted how-to’s and tricks & tips and general computing advice here starting in 2007. (Use the Search tool to find answers. But be aware, many are rather dated.) Sometimes I answered (your) specific questions in an article if I believed the answer was generally helpful to “everyone”. All the writing you see was my own, typos and all. There always is/was an implied “IMHO” in what you see here.
Note: You are responsible for using this blog and its content. I am in no way liable for any losses caused by user error, viruses and/or other malware, hardware or software failure, or any other conceivable reason.
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