Malware on iPad or possible wifi compromise please help

Any product, designed for iOS/iPadOS that claims to be a virus-scanner is nothing other than “snake oil” - and should be avoided.

Due to the system architecture of iOS/iPadOS, unless jailbroken (don’t go there!), your iPad is not susceptible to traditional malware infection per-se. However, as with all computer systems, there are still vulnerabilities and exploits to which you remain vulnerable.

Browser-based attacks can largely be mitigated by installing a good, trusted, Content and Ad-blocking product. One of the very best and most respected within the Apple App Store - designed for iPad, iPhone and Mac - is 1Blocker for Safari.

https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/1blocker-for-safari/id1365531024

1Blocker is highly configurable - and crucially does not rely upon an external proxy-service of dubious provenance. All processing takes place on your device - and contrary to expectations, Safari will run faster and more efficiently.

Unwanted content is not simply filtered after download (a technique used by basic/inferior products), but instead undesirable embedded content blocked form download. A further benefit on metered services, such as cellular connections where you data may be capped or chargeable, this not only improves speed but also saves you money.

Without wishing to sound like an advertisement, which it isn’t, a high proportion of otherwise inescapable risk when using your Safari browser, or linking to external sources from email, is effectively mitigated before it even reaches you.

A further measure to improve protection is to use a trusted Recursive DNS Service in preference to automatic settings. This can either be set on a per-device basis in Settings, or can be set-up on your home Router. I strongly recommend using one of the following services - for which IPv4 and IPv6 server addresses are listed:

Quad9 (recommended)

9.9.9.9

149.112.112.112

2620:fe::fe

2620:fe::9

OpenDNS

208.67.222.222

208.67.220.220

2620:0:ccc::2

2620:0:ccd::2

Cloudflare+APNIC

1.1.1.1

1.0.0.1

2606:4700:4700::1111

2606:4700:4700::1001

Use of the above DNS services will help to shield you from “known bad” websites and URLs - and when used alongside 1Blocker, provides defense in depth.

Simple facts...

As stated above - due to the system architecture, unless your iPad/iPhone is jailbroken, your device cannot be “infected” by a traditional computer virus. I’ll not bother with issues with side-loading Apps, as, if you don’t know what it is, this won’t be a concern.

You can protect yourself from a significant proportion of browser and web-based threats by following the guidance above. A good Content Blocker and trusted DNS will protect you from the bulk of attacks that you can do anything about.

For you concerns for your router, your biggest defence is to ensure that you keep its firmware up-to-date - and that you disable management from the internet. See your router manual for details.

Last but not least, always keep your iOS/iPadOS version as up-to-date as possible. Many system security vulnerabilities are patched by system software updates.

If you follow this advice, whilst nobody can ever guarantee total protection (regardless of any defences you have), you’ll have provided a very good level of protection. Relax and enjoy your iPad.

Your WiFi network, is it password protected? If you never jailbroken your iPad, it cannot get malware, viruses.

Relax! None of that is going to happen if you are careful not to click on questionable links or download programs from sites other than the Apple Store. Use common sense and enjoy your iPad instead of making yourself miserable expecting those unlikely events to occur.

Hello,

It is not possible for iPad to contract a virus or any other type of malware.