With tablet sales exploding in the marketplace, you can bet that cyber criminals and hackers are ready to pounce on the opportunity find vulnerabilities in tablets- and many already have. Global tablet sales grew 37 percent to 47.6 million units in the third quarter according to Venture Beat.  With this type of opportunity, hackers are simply fishing where the fish are.

The type of malware found on tablets is different from malware on PCs because of each device’s different capabilities. Android has been the target of the majority of malware threats with 92 percent of all detected mobile malware being on Android. This is because of Androids popularity and users failing to follow some simple rules. At this point,  reports say there is no known malware found on Apple Tablets. However, Apple computers have been the target of malware and their tablets have the potential for security vulnerabilities in the future.

According to ZDNet, Android users are partial to blame for security problems. Users open themselves to malware through visiting bad websites, downloading apps from third party app markets, installing malicious programs that appear to be safe, do not update their software and fail to utilize antivirus.

Do you need Antivirus for your tablet?

Yes. Tablets and other mobile devices need an antivirus software. They also can provide additional security measures such as locating your device if it is lost or stolen.

Here is a list comparing mobile antivirus:

How to Protect Your Device and Data

– Only visit trusted websites  

Pornography, suspicious sites and click-through advertising are among the top sources of mobile malware.

-Only download apps from your device’s default app marketplace.

Third party app markets are prone to malicious programs. Default marketplaces such as Google Play and Apple have more regulations for apps that are provided through them.  Still, use caution when downloading from default marketplaces as malicious programs have made their way Google Play.

– Look at permissions and app reviews before downloading

Does the app have good reviews? What permissions is the app asking for? Be wary of developers that do not have anything to say about permissions; they are likely malicious.

-Update your software  

When updates are available, use them. This allows security patches to come into effect and will prevent a large majority of vulnerabilities.

-Use Antivirus  

Your device does need antivirus. Look at the table above and decide what is best for you.

 -Backup your data

In the event that your device is compromised, have backups in place so you can restore your data.

The bottom line is that mobile malware is just beginning and you need to protect your devices from the threats.