Could Your Tablet Have Malware? Signs To Look Out For

Your tablet keeps freezing mid-episode. You plug it in twice a day now instead of once every few days. There’s an app called “System Cleaner Pro” on your home screen, and you’re pretty sure you never downloaded it.
Turns out malware on tablets is more common than most people think. Mobile threat detections went up 50% in recent years — phones and tablets both.
But tablets are easier targets because nobody’s really watching them. They just lie in your house, logged into everything important, and most of us don’t think twice about tablet security until something happens.

Why tablets attract malware

Tablets exist somewhere in between phones and computers. It’s a perfect device for watching Netflix, doing some online shopping, or banking while on the couch. Yet most of us don’t bother installing antivirus software on tablets and skip those pesky system update notifications. 
Cybercriminals know this. And once you connect to that unprotected airport Wi-Fi, there’s nothing that’s stopping them from installing malware on your devices. The problem is that most tablet users often don’t even realize that malicious software was installed until it’s too late.

Warning signs you shouldn’t ignore

Malware doesn’t announce itself with a flashing neon sign. The symptoms can be subtle at first, then suddenly everything goes sideways:

• Your battery dies way too fast. Malware running in the background eats up processing power, which drains your battery. If your tablet used to last all day and now barely makes it to lunch, something might be wrong.
• Apps crash constantly or don’t open at all. Sure, apps crash sometimes. But if multiple apps are behaving strangely and freezing regularly, malware could be interfering with normal operations.
• Pop-up ads show up everywhere. And we mean everywhere — even when you’re not browsing. Adware is a type of malware designed to bombard you with advertisements, and it’s one of the most common infections on tablets.
• You notice strange network activity. If you run an IP address lookup and see connections to unfamiliar locations, that could mean malware is communicating with remote command centers.
• The tablet runs hot even when idle. If malware is working in the background, that extra activity generates heat, and your tablet might feel warm to the touch when you’re not using it.
• You see apps you never downloaded. This is an obvious signal. If you see apps on your home screen and you have no memory of installing them, that’s malware making itself at home.

What malware does to your tablet, and what can you do?

Malware isn’t designed to simply overheat your tablet or drain the battery. The goal is usually theft or control. Some malware steals passwords or credit card numbers.
Other types of malware track your location and can even access your camera or microphone without permission. Then there’s ransomware, which locks your device and demands payment for unlocking it.  
But it’s not completely hopeless — these outcomes can be avoided. If you suspect your tablet has malware, try not to panic and:

• Go offline. Turn off mobile data or Wi-Fi to prevent malware from sending out your personal information or downloading more malicious files.
• Check app permissions. Sometimes the malware is hiding inside a real app. If a simple Sudoku game asks for permission to use your camera, delete it.
• Run a security scan. If you’re using an Android tablet, install a well-reviewed mobile security app from the official app store and run a full scan. Yes, you should’ve done this earlier. But do it now anyway.
• Boot into Safe Mode. This Android-specific feature stops third-party apps from running and helps to identify malicious software. If you’re unsure how to turn the Safe Mode on, look up the specific steps for your tablet model.
• Delete suspicious third-party apps. Go through your app list and delete anything that you didn’t download yourself. 
• Factory reset as a last resort. If nothing else works, back up your files (no apps) and reset to factory settings. 

Keep in mind that getting rid of malware fixes the immediate problem. Keeping it from coming back requires different strategies.

How to keep your tablet safe?

The best-case scenario is not needing a cleanup or a factory reset in the first place. Install those system updates when they pop up — they patch security vulnerabilities that malware exploits.
Only download apps from official stores, and even then, check reviews before installing. And maybe reconsider connecting to unsecured public Wi-Fi without using a VPN for protection.
Remember, your tablet knows a lot about you — bank accounts, emails, photos, browsing history. Treating it like it doesn’t matter, just because it’s not your phone or laptop, is exactly what makes your tablet vulnerable. A little paranoia goes a long way.