How to check your tablet for viruses
Many users believe that their tablet computer is completely safe during Internet sessions. However, the Android system operating on tablets is open source, which means it is weakly protected from the penetration of various malware that can steal information, block the operation of the device, etc. We will tell you how to detect the problem and effective ways to fix it in our article.
The content of the article
How to check if there are viruses on your tablet
There are a number of signs indicating a possible viral infection:
- unstable operation of the OS and individual programs, accompanied by crashes and slow response to user actions,
- Internet traffic has increased significantly,
- slow file loading, browser speed drops,
- appearance of extraneous messages when rebooting (dialog boxes with an offer to win a cash prize, etc.).
There are several ways to check.
- In online mode. Specialized sites (vms.drweb.ru, virus.total, etc.) contain free scanners. Select the appropriate tool, download and scan the file that you consider suspicious.
However, this method has disadvantages. Objects of a certain size are allowed to be loaded, and multiple items cannot be scanned at the same time.
- Directly on the tablet.To check the level of danger, you need to download an antivirus, this may be a trial version. The software can be found in the Play Market, where there are both paid and free applications.
On a note! Devices with Android above 4 have a built-in scanner that can detect the most common threats.
- Check via PC. You will need to connect the tablet to a desktop computer or laptop on which the licensed product is installed. When found, the tablet must be cleaned.
Important! To avoid additional problems, before connecting the tablet, enable a full scan of the computer itself using an antivirus. When it confirms that there are no problems in the system, you can connect the device and activate its full scan.
TOP 3 antivirus programs for Android
The leading positions are occupied by applications:
- Doctor Web,
- Kaspersky Internet Security,
- ESET Mobile Security.
Reference! The rating is determined by the number of downloads and user assessment of the level of effectiveness. Russian companies confidently hold the lead, and only the Slovak company ESET managed to win third position.
Let's briefly look at the advantages and disadvantages of software development.
Doctor Web, in addition to the commercial version, is also available in the free Light version.
Distinctive features of the freely distributed utility: it has the entire set of necessary tools, easy operation without loading the system. Effective detection of most types of threats, easy to manage, updates are released regularly. Disadvantages of free software: protection against spam and data theft is not provided (available in the premium version).
The Kaspersky Lab product has two modifications: paid software and a trial version designed for 30 days of use (with incomplete functionality). The program works in real time and performs full or partial scanning on demand. There is a module that detects fraudulent sites. If the device is lost, the program will determine its location, and blocking applications on the device will keep personal data intact. The databases are updated regularly. The trial product offers scanning and removal (treatment, quarantine) of detected problems.
Software from ESET is presented in two versions: a trial version, available for a month (with full functionality), and a paid program.
Important! After 30 days, the utility remains available, but with a limited set of features. You can search for and eliminate system vulnerabilities, malicious and spyware applications, conduct selective scanning, and use the anti-theft function if the device is lost.
The commercial version is supplemented with a module for detecting fraudulent sites, checking and protecting applications.
How to remove a virus from a tablet
The removal method depends on which threat detection method you used. Let's look at it in order:
If the gadget is running a downloaded and installed antivirus (commercial or trial version), then upon completion of the scanning process it will offer options for solving the problem. This could be completely deleting the file, disinfecting it, or quarantining it.
On a note! You can set a priority in the software options: the utility will automatically apply tools to eliminate detected threats and then only issue messages about completed operations, or request the owner’s consent to the measures taken.
When connecting to a PC, the procedure will be the same. Additionally:
In the device settings, select the “Use as a multimedia device” section, in the “My Computer” section we find and open the connected device. Launch the antivirus software and specify the tablet as an object to scan.
Antiviruses are configured by the manufacturer so that they operate in the optimal way in automatic mode. For example, malware is completely removed, files infected by it are treated (if possible), and components of the system itself are usually quarantined.
When using online scanners, the user receives a full report on detected threats. However, these tools can only provide a list of malicious elements; they are not capable of destroying them or treating the consequences of infection. The owner takes further actions independently: removes viruses and decides what to do with damaged files. It is not always possible to do this correctly, especially if there are problems with system components.
We looked at ways to detect viruses and methods to combat them. If the problem persists, then the system is seriously damaged and you need to call a technician or contact a service center.
