Do Samsung tablets need antivirus in 2025?

Your new Samsung tablet puts a world of entertainment, work, and connectivity at your fingertips – but it could also expose you to cyber threats. While Samsung includes robust security features in its tablets, many users wonder if these built-in protections are enough.

According to Google’s Android Security & Privacy Year in Review, threats like malware and phishing continue to target Android devices, including tablets. This raises an important question for every Samsung tablet owner: Should you add extra protection beyond the default security features?

Let’s cut through the confusion and examine whether you actually need antivirus software on your Samsung tablet, what risks you face, and how to best protect your device.

What are Samsung’s built-in security features?

Samsung tablets come with multiple layers of security protection right out of the box. At the core, these tablets run on Android, Google’s operating system, which includes several key security features:

Google Play Protect: This free, built-in security service runs automatically on your tablet, scanning all apps on your device daily. According to Android Central, Play Protect scans over 100 billion apps daily, checking apps from the Google Play Store and other sources. It works continuously in the background, scanning apps both before you download them and regularly afterward to ensure they remain safe.

Samsung Knox: Beyond Android’s protection, Samsung adds its own security platform, Knox. This military-grade security system starts working at the chip level, meaning security is built into the hardware. Knox creates a secure environment for your data by:

• Encrypting your personal information
• Protecting against unauthorized software modifications
• Creating a separate, secure space for sensitive apps and data
• Monitoring for real-time security threats

Regular security updates: Samsung provides regular security patches for its tablets, typically monthly or quarterly, depending on the model (learn how to update your Galaxy tablet here). These updates fix newly discovered vulnerabilities and strengthen existing security measures.

Secure folder: Many Samsung tablets include a Secure Folder feature, which creates a private, encrypted space to store sensitive apps and files. This adds an extra layer of protection for your most important data.

The risks of malware on Android devices

Android devices, including Samsung tablets, face real security challenges despite these security measures. According to Kaspersky’s latest findings, attacks on mobile devices reached almost 33.8 million in 2023, marking a 50% increase from the previous year. The most prevalent threat was adware, constituting 40.8% of all detected threats. However, cybercriminals use various types of malicious software to target users, often distributed through:

Deceptive apps:

•  Banking trojans disguised as legitimate apps
•  Fake antivirus programs that actually contain malware
•  Seemingly harmless games that hide malicious code

Common attack methods:

•  Phishing emails and text messages that mimic trusted companies
•  Malicious ads that redirect to harmful websites
•  Public Wi-Fi networks that can be used to intercept your data
•  Drive-by downloads that install malware without your knowledge

The risk of infection increases significantly when users:

• Download apps from unofficial sources outside the Google Play Store
• Click on links from unknown senders
• Skip important system updates
• Connect to unsecured public Wi-Fi networks without protection

According to McAfee’s research on mobile threats, hidden apps are the most active mobile threats facing consumers. Even legitimate-looking apps can pose risks. For example, some calculator apps, photo editors, performance boosters, and games request unnecessary permissions to access your contacts, messages, or location data, potentially compromising your privacy.

Real-world impact

These threats aren’t just theoretical. Common consequences of malware infections include:

• Unauthorized access to your personal information
• Theft of banking credentials
• Unwanted ads and pop-ups
• Slower tablet performance
• Increased battery drain
• Unauthorized in-app purchases

Benefits of additional antivirus protection

While Samsung’s built-in security features provide a good baseline protection, dedicated Android antivirus software offers enhanced security features that can significantly improve your tablet’s defenses:

Real-time protection: Advanced antivirus apps monitor your device for suspicious activity, blocking threats before they can cause damage. For example, Bitdefender’s mobile security solution detected 99.9% of Android malware in AV-Test.org’s recent test results.

Web protection: Most antivirus apps include web protection features that:

• Block malicious websites before you visit them
• Protect your banking activities
• Alert you to phishing attempts
• Scan links in emails and messages
• Shield you from cryptocurrency mining scripts

Advanced privacy features: Modern antivirus solutions go beyond basic malware protection. They also offer:

• App privacy audits that reveal which apps access your personal data
• VPN services for secure browsing on public Wi-Fi
• Safe browsing extensions
• Anti-theft features to locate, lock, or wipe your device remotely

System optimization: Many antivirus apps include tools to:

• Remove unnecessary files and cache
• Monitor battery usage
• Close memory-hogging apps
• Identify apps that drain resources

Regular updates: Unlike built-in protections that update with system patches, dedicated antivirus apps update their threat databases multiple times daily, ensuring protection against the latest threatware.

Top recommended antivirus for Samsung tablets

Based on our independent testing and research on the best antivirus for Android, these antivirus apps offer the best protection for your Samsung tablet:

1. Norton Mobile Security

Norton leads the pack with a perfect detection rate in recent tests. Their mobile security solution provides comprehensive web protection to guard against malicious sites and downloads. The app advisor feature helps identify risky applications before they can harm your device, while the built-in Wi-Fi security scanning ensures safe browsing on public networks.

2. Bitdefender Mobile Security

Bitdefender impresses with its 99.9% malware detection rate while maintaining minimal impact on battery life. Their solution includes comprehensive web protection against malicious sites and sophisticated anti-theft features to help locate your device if lost or stolen. The included VPN service adds an extra layer of security for public Wi-Fi usage, and its unique Account Privacy feature monitors for data breaches.

3. TotalAV Mobile Security

TotalAV delivers solid protection with real-time scanning and WebShield technology for safe browsing. The included VPN service helps secure your connection on public networks, while their device optimization tools help maintain your tablet’s performance. Their data breach monitoring service alerts you if your personal information appears in known breaches.

Key features to consider: When choosing an antivirus solution, look for regular virus definition updates and minimal battery impact. The interface should be user-friendly, and the app should use system resources efficiently. Responsive customer support and compatibility with your tablet model are crucial factors.

Remember that even the best antivirus is just one part of a complete security strategy. Keep your tablet updated with the latest system patches, download apps exclusively from the Play Store, and be cautious with app permissions. Strong, unique passwords using a password manager and avoiding suspicious links and attachments will enhance your security.

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