iOS, Apple’s mobile operating system, is known for having strong security protections against viruses and malware. However, no operating system is completely immune to threats. There are a few types of viruses and malware that can impact iOS devices.
Key Takeaways
- iOS has strong built-in security features that make widespread viruses rare.
- The most common iOS threats are spyware, adware, and phishing attacks that require user interaction.
- Jailbreaking an iOS device weakens security protections and opens the device to more viruses.
- Using trusted apps, keeping iOS up-to-date, and avoiding suspicious links can help prevent infection.
How iOS Security Works
There are several key protections that iOS has against viruses and malware:
- Walled garden approach – Apple strictly controls what apps can be installed. Apps must be reviewed and approved by Apple before appearing on the App Store.
- Sandboxing – Apps are sandboxed, meaning they are isolated from each other and from the wider operating system. This limits the damage a malicious app can do.
- App signatures – iOS apps are digitally signed by developers. Modifying or tampering with apps breaks the signature, blocking them from running.
- Encryption – Data stored on iOS is encrypted. The encryption keys are hardware-bound rather than tied to software or usernames.
- Regular updates – Apple issues regular iOS updates to patch vulnerabilities as they are discovered.
These protections make widespread iOS viruses nearly impossible, especially viruses that can spread from device to device. Additionally, apps from the App Store undergo review for malicious behavior before distribution.
Spyware and Adware
The most common threats that impact iOS devices are spyware and adware. These malicious apps are often sideloaded from outside the App Store. They can gather data, track activity, display intrusive ads, and generally wreak havoc.
Some examples of iOS spyware and adware include:
- Pegasus – Developed by the NSO Group, this spyware can infiltrate iOS and Android devices and activate microphones, access messages, and gather information.
- Clicker Trojan – Malware that hijacks ad revenue by automatically clicking on ads running in the background.
- YiSpecter – Adware that abused Apple’s enterprise certificate program to allow installing without user consent on non-jailbroken devices.
These threats rely on users intentionally installing malicious enterprise certificates, sideloading apps, or jailbreaking their devices. They cannot infiltrate iOS devices through the App Store.
Phishing Attacks
Another common threat to iOS users is phishing attacks. These attacks use social engineering, fake login pages, and other tricks to steal personal information and compromise accounts.
Users may receive convincingly designed fake notification popups, texts, or emails that appear to come from Apple. These messages often urge the user to login to a fake page that steals their Apple ID credentials. Other times, users receive messages asking them to install a profile that grants the attacker device access.
As with malware, phishing relies on manipulating users into compromising their own security. Exercising caution around unsolicited messages and links greatly reduces the risk of phishing.
Jailbreaking Opens iOS to Viruses
Jailbreaking an iOS device involves using exploits to bypass Apple’s security policies and give users root access to the operating system. This allows installing apps outside the App Store and extensively customizing the device.
While some users jailbreak for greater personalization, it greatly weakens iOS security. Jailbroken devices are susceptible to a wide array of viruses and malware, including:
- Ikee Worm – Australia’s first iOS worm that spread between jailbroken devices using default SSH passwords.
- Podnuha Malware – Russian malware that stole user credentials from jailbroken devices.
- Jekyll App – Malware that obtained root access on jailbroken devices to steal personal data and passwords.
These threats take advantage of the weakened protections to directly infect jailbroken iOS devices and spread. Avoiding jailbreaking is the best way to minimize exposure to viruses on iOS.
Using Trusted Apps and Links
The best way to avoid viruses and malware on iOS is using trusted apps and links:
- Download apps only from the official App Store. Avoid third-party app stores and sideloading unknown apps and profiles.
- Check app ratings, reviews, developer information, and Apple’s background screening process before downloading.
- Exercise caution with unsolicited messages and links, which may be phishing attempts. Verify the source before providing any information.
- Keep iOS updated to the latest version to receive security patches.
- Use strong passcodes and Touch ID/Face ID to secure your device and Apple ID.
- Consider using a security solution to check for threats and block malicious websites.
Following these best practices minimizes the risk of malware. While iOS threats do exist, they predominantly require users disabling security features to be successful.
Summary
Here are some key takeaways on viruses that can impact iOS:
- iOS has built-in protections that make widespread viruses extremely rare.
- The most common threats are spyware, adware, and phishing attacks that require user interaction to succeed.
- Jailbreaking weakens iOS security and opens devices to a greater range of viruses.
- Using trusted apps, staying updated, and avoiding suspicious links provides the best protection.
- No mobile operating system is completely immune to threats, but exercising caution goes a long way on iOS.
By understanding the iOS threat landscape and taking appropriate precautions, users can confidently benefit from iOS’s core security protections against viruses and malware.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can iOS get computer viruses?
No, iOS cannot be infected by traditional computer viruses designed to spread on Windows, macOS, or Linux devices and networks. However, iOS is still susceptible to some forms of malware if security protections are disabled.
Can Apple devices get viruses?
Yes, Apple devices like iPhones, iPads, and Macs can become infected with viruses and malware in some circumstances. However, built-in security protections make widespread infections extremely unlikely without users disabling features or installing malware.
Can iPhone get virus from website?
Visiting a malicious website on iPhone cannot directly give your device a virus. However, websites may attempt phishing attacks or try to convince you to install malicious profiles or certificates that compromise security. Browsing reputable sites minimizes this risk.
Can iPhone get virus by text?
Text messages cannot directly infect an iPhone with a virus. However, texts may contain phishing links to malicious sites or encourage users to disable security protections. As always, exercise caution around unsolicited messages.
Can you get a virus from the App Store?
While extremely unlikely, it is theoretically possible for a malicious app to sneak into the official App Store undetected. Apple’s review process makes this very rare. Sticking to reputable apps from identified developers minimizes any risk.