There have been many major security liabilities with mobile devices recently. Naturally, the mobile industry is focused on improving security as much as possible – and so should be the public.

People take their mobile devices everywhere and use them all the time. This has made them put their guard down and think that they are completely safe even on public WiFi. Well, this couldn’t be further from the truth, and the reason why security is such a hot topic is that users get too relaxed.

If you want to avoid repeating the same mistakes, go over the following proven ways to protect your tablet.

Tablets are most vulnerable to corrupted apps

According to Statista, the number of mobile app downloads across the world surpassed 200 billion in 2018. This means that the average tablet user will download quite a few apps throughout the year. That includes third-party app store downloads as well. The main problem is that most people don’t pay attention to where the apps are coming from.

First of all, you need to make sure that you are always downloading apps from a verified, official source. There are many clone apps that are actually used to steal your data and resources when started. Even some legitimate apps can get infected with malicious software as well.

Apps simply have to be updated regularly and used responsibly, or they can become infected without users even noticing. With enough time, hackers might acquire all your sensitive information. Apps on tablets are a great threat and need to be taken seriously.

In this regard, the safety measures are similar to those recommended to smartphone users.

Using unsecure Wi-Fi is a major concern

Tablets become a liability when connected to unsecure Wi-Fi connections. Cybercriminals might be snooping around them, looking to steal your data or break into your device. Even though Android tablets have built-in security features, they aren’t all that helpful.

This is why it’s necessary to take matters into your own hands if you want to keep your device safe. First of all, avoid sharing sensitive data on public Wi-Fi and never use it for work or to do something important, like logging in to your bank account.

Ideally, if you can, it would be best to avoid using public networks altogether. However, if you can’t, you can get a virtual private network solution, which can work on tablets, computers, and mobile devices. VPNs are very useful, as they encrypt your data and protect your privacy online. Even if you are on a public network, VPN will make it difficult for someone to see what you are doing.

So, the same safety habits apply to both tablets and smartphones when it comes to public WiFi.

Antivirus software is a must

Regardless of whether we’re talking about a PC, phone or tablet, good antivirus software is a must. As we mentioned earlier, the built-in features are usually very slim, especially with Android tablets, and you shouldn’t rely on them.

There are also fake antivirus tools that are actually malicious software designed to harm you. Remember that when looking for third-party software! Additionally, consider all the features and the price before making a choice.

There are free antivirus solutions available out there but, in most cases, they are unreliable. You can find trial offers from reliable vendors, and if you like, you can use them before you make your decision. It’s also a good way to see whether the software is any good without wasting money.

Choose a good secure password

Most people think that having a password is more than enough to keep their tablet safe, but there’s more to it. Anyone can grab a tablet off you or take a peek while you are in the bathroom. Your tablet requires much better password protection than a computer that stays in your house all day.

How can you create a complex password? Make sure it is not logical at all, has more than 12 characters, and contains different symbols, numbers, and uppercase letters. You should also use a two-factor authentication protocol to enhance security further.

Most tablets also have the option to set a pin code. This is how you can make it more difficult for someone to turn your device on and access its information. Also, make sure that you switch on the auto-lock feature and make it quick so that someone doesn’t take advantage of your negligence in public.

Simply put, when it comes to security, tablets have some of the strengths and weaknesses of both computers and smartphones. Tablet security measures are very similar to those on a PC or a smartphone. They just combine different features from both sides. In the end, make sure to learn how to use the web safely and avoid putting yourself in danger.