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I’m new to Apple using the 2020 iPad. I’m used to Windows which needs malware & virus protection. I’m getting conflicting answers from Apple and others that say I DO need it so installed Emsisoft but Malwarebytes doesn’t provide coverage for IOS and recommended Bitdefender but I can’t figure it out and am not sure if that’s the right program. Definite answers would be appreciated.
iPad Air, iOS 12
There are no Antivirus Products available for iOS/iPadOS. Those that claim to provide AV protection are largely “snake oil” - and should generally 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. The myth that Apple devices are immune to malware risks is a fallacy perpetuated by those with little understanding of threat.
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.
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.
An example of commercial products for malware protection are Norton LifeLock for iOS. These operate by filtering your network traffic via an external network proxy; the internet connection being routed via VPN to an external network proxy. The Norton product operates, in part, using techniques similar to those that I have already described. In exchange for a service subscription, Norton LifeLock can provide a degree of protection from some threats.
There are other advanced protections such as DoH, DoT and DNSSEC, but these are perhaps beyond the capabilities of a novice user to configure.
I hope this information proves to be helpful.
There are no Antivirus Products available for iOS/iPadOS. Those that claim to provide AV protection are largely “snake oil” - and should generally 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. The myth that Apple devices are immune to malware risks is a fallacy perpetuated by those with little understanding of threat.
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.
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.
An example of commercial products for malware protection are Norton LifeLock for iOS. These operate by filtering your network traffic via an external network proxy; the internet connection being routed via VPN to an external network proxy. The Norton product operates, in part, using techniques similar to those that I have already described. In exchange for a service subscription, Norton LifeLock can provide a degree of protection from some threats.
There are other advanced protections such as DoH, DoT and DNSSEC, but these are perhaps beyond the capabilities of a novice user to configure.
I hope this information proves to be helpful.
Do I need virus/malware protection on my IPad?
