If you have a new Microsoft Surface tablet you may be concerned about how secure your data would be and if you needed to install antivirus protection. You may also wonder if there were any free security or antivirus software available for Surface. Let us try to find the answers here.
Antivirus protection for Surface
Microsoft Surface RT tablets, run on the Windows RT operating system which is ARM-based, as a result of which, the typical malware which is written for the standard Windows desktop operating system, may not work, and hence will be ineffective in infecting these tablets.
Moreover, it is not possible for users to install the regular desktop software on them. Only Windows Store apps can be installed on them. Microsoft protects the Windows Store and ensures a high security standard for the apps made available for download there. Nevertheless, you will have to be careful in ensuring that PUP’s do not creep in when you go on to install apps.
Malware written for ARM devices are limited in their attack capabilities and they usually exploit applications and emulators that run on them. However, it is possible that malicious scripts could be downloaded via the Internet, a compromised web page or an email. So although Windows Defender will keep you protected, you cannot afford to let your guard down. It is worth mentioning that Java and Flash are the two most commonly used attack vectors and they allow malware to run on almost any device including ARM devices. So make sure that all your apps, OS, etc, is patched at all times.
And what about malware infections that may creep in, via USB pen drives? The AutoPlay functionality has been disabled on Surface, and hence the malware will not execute automatically.
Considering all these factors, the built-in Windows Defender should be good enough to protect it. In any case, as mentioned, you cannot install third-party security software on it. You can install only Windows Store apps.
For Microsoft Surface Pro tablets, while Windows Defender does a fine job, you may install third-party security software if you wish, just like you do on your Windows 10/8.1 laptop or PC. Surface Pro runs on the standard Windows operating system, which allows you to install 3rd-party desktop software and hence you can use any antivirus software to protect your Surface, and take the usual precautions to secure Windows.
Just a little note. There is no Surface 3 to my knowledge, just Surface Pro 3
Yes. Thanks. :)
We all know, he meant Surface 3 as Surface Pro 3!
When writing and explaining the difference between a Surface and a Surface Pro, I’d think it is possible that not everybody knows that difference, and therefore it is confusing when he mentions Surface 3 in the headline. If the point is that the author is writing about Surface Pro 3, then why explain a bunch of stuff about the Surface (not pro) 1 and 2.
Easily put: The Surface Pro 1, 2 and 3 need antivirus, either the one that comes with it in the Windows Defender, or another 3rd party. The Surface or Surface 2 doesn’t.
Nope we know the difference, you are just asshole!
If you feel
that you’re at higher risk of infection due to your browsing habits, by all
means go and get whatever software makes you feel safe, various free antivirus
software’s are available in the market such as AVG, Avira, Avast and Microsoft
essentials, just know that antivirus protection services of AskPCExperts can do
virus scans for you out of the box.
Totally agree with you – I think Mine is the a_hole
what about surface 3 it is windows 10
is it in need for antivirus
If it has Windows Defender installed, you o not need a third party solution…