question on Android tablet security

[mr__ed]

I purchased an RCA tablet yesterday at Walmart. i,'m just learning to use it (I'm used to Windows XP). the tablet is using Android 4.2, Jelly Bean if that's important. there are 8GB memory. question is, what kind of protection such as firewalls & antivirus are available? thanks for your help (I'm typing this on the tablet so sorry for any punctuation errors).

[wa8yxm]

And the Apple IOS systems are becomming more popular with hackers as they take over the portable world so even there you do not have security.

In any case, why hack your single device when they can hack your bank, or Harbor Freight, or ____ and steal thousands of accounts in mear seconds.

Lookout is a security program for portable tablets
AVG and I think AVAST are also out there

I think McAffee has an android program but I do not care for that company an dnever have.

Nortion likely has one too... I am not in favor of Norton but at least.. They are "likeable".

Norton and McAffee charge you see. I like free anti virus apps.

[Redsky]

There is no real protection with Android or Windows devices. You can minimize the damage by not putting personal information on the tablet and by not using it for credit card and similar transactions.

If security is important, spend the extra bucks for an Apple iPad or computer. There is a reason that the majority of US corporations are buying their employees iPads and not the much cheaper Android tablets.

[mr__ed]

Well, I returned the tablet today. It worked fine for the most part but it wouldn't let me load an important program. I learned that the program required an Android system with a 4.3 version of the OS. My tablet was only 4.2.2. Upon return the clerk at WM mentioned that a number of them were returned for essentially the same reason. Perhaps the low price was due to the unit being an older model.

I'd really like an ipad but the $300 tag is a little more than I'm willing to pay for the Apple name.

I'll probably return with more questions if and when I get another tablet.

[mr__ed]

I downloaded the AVG program so now I'm protected. The tablet is working well but I'm still in a learning curve.

[wa8yxm]

If the tablet has GPS capability consider a package such as Lookout, (I think that is the name without grabbing my 'droids) this now only has virus protection but it also has a "Find my droid" feature that can be very handy and which has failed me twice so far (both times I found the thing by other means, one of them dumb luck).

You can also get programs such as Avast or AVG or others. Just go to the play store and search on 'Antivirus" and see what pops up.

YES, there are virus writers out there writing for Driod.. My daughter proved it when her phone "Caught a cold".. She does not believe in good anti-virals, which is why I have this nifty netbook to type on "If you can get it working it's yours" Took me about 15 minutes. (Yes, I got LUCKY on that one)

[WoodGlue]

It's ok to have more than one antivirus-security program running on your android at a time. No conflicts.

WoodGlue

[mr__ed]

ramsgm wrote:
Go to the "Play Store" search for antivirus, check the reviews, choose one you like that is highly rated for your device. I have been using Lookout Pro for a while both on tablets and androids with Jelly Bean with no problems. I also have antispam, call loggers, caller id, cloud backup, and a digital leash (phone tracker)program installed. Maybe it's a little over the top, but the best protection you can have is, in my opinion, always the way to go in today's vulnerable IT environment.

Is it OK to have more than one antivirus program running? It's my understanding that it's not a good idea to do this on regular computers and laptops.

[ramsgm]

Go to the "Play Store" search for antivirus, check the reviews, choose one you like that is highly rated for your device. I have been using Lookout Pro for a while both on tablets and androids with Jelly Bean with no problems. I also have antispam, call loggers, caller id, cloud backup, and a digital leash (phone tracker)program installed. Maybe it's a little over the top, but the best protection you can have is, in my opinion, always the way to go in today's vulnerable IT environment.

[WoodGlue]

USAFBILL wrote:
Do you have to sign up with Google E Mail in order to down load apps and run them?

No, you'll need some kind of email address though, usually.

WoodGlue

[WoodGlue]

TrustGo is a highly rated app! It also has a web based control panel:

TrustGo Security

Also, Nod32 is also a good mobile app:

Eset Nod32 Mobile App

WoodGlue

[USAFBILL]

Do you have to sign up with Google E Mail in order to down load apps and run them?

[mr__ed]

Thanks, friends for your input. Doing a little more experimenting I did notice some security related apps. This is a fairly new tablet from RCA. I'm going to check further to see if there is a built in firewall.

[MrWizard]

"google play" is the store/website to get your apps

there is an icon/link already on the table to take you there

then just search anti virus and pick the one that appeals to you (after you read the reviews)

avast, avg, and many others have Android versions available

[donn0128]

Go to the app store and start searching. Youll find dozens of free and low cost apps