AVG launches its first security software for tablets

INSECURITY FIRM AVG Technologies has launched security software for Android devices, AVG Mobilation for Android, which it claims is the first antivirus option designed for tablets.

The software builds upon AVG's Antivirusfree for Android, which only deals with smartphones. Now AVG is delivering similar protection for tablet computers, which seem set to boom this year with the launch of a number of Android tablets to rival Apple's Ipad.

AVG Mobilation for Android will protect tablets by scanning apps, settings, data and media files for viruses and malware. AVG claims it can perform all of these scans in real-time.

It also comes with a backup feature that can make copies of contacts, call logs, bookmarks, messages and installed applications, which are then stored on an SD card.

An "app locker" feature allows apps to be password protected, which effectively amounts to a parental control system for non G-rated apps.

AVG found that a whopping 89 per cent of smartphone users were remarkably complacent about security on their devices, unaware that apps can transmit payment information without the user's knowledge or consent.

It also said that 91 per cent of users are unaware that financial apps can be infected with malware designed to steal credit card numbers and other banking information.

While the study was specific to smartphones, we are almost certain that tablet users are just as complacent, most of whom probably won't even consider using antivirus software. µ