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How do I detect malware on my iPad?
MacBook Air 13″, 11.1
What leads you to believe that you have malware on your iPad? Most of the people who think they have malware on their iPad or iPhone are suffering nothing more than symptoms of an issue that is easily corrected.
What leads you to believe that you have malware on your iPad? Most of the people who think they have malware on their iPad or iPhone are suffering nothing more than symptoms of an issue that is easily corrected.
There are no Antivirus Products available for iOS/iPadOS. Those that claim to provide AV protection are nothing more 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. Whilst traditional anti-malware products are not available, there are useful mitigations that can reduce your exposure to potential threats.
Browser-based attacks can largely be mitigated by installing a good 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.
Recently introduced are two new features - an additional Safari extension - and a “firewall” security measure that provides protection for all network aware Apps. More information can be found on the Developer’s website:
A further measure to improve protection is to use a security focussed DNS Service in preference to automatic DNS settings. This can either be set on a per-device basis in Settings, or can be set-up on your home Router. I recommend using one of the following services - for which IPv4 and IPv6 server addresses are listed:
Quad9 (highly 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, or other Content Blocker provides defense in depth.
There are advanced techniques to further “harden” iOS/iPadOS (such as using DoH, DoT and DNSSEC protocols) but these are perhaps beyond the immediate skills of novice users.
I hope this information and insight proves to be helpful.
If you haven't jailbroken your device, the chances that you have malware on it are so small as to be barely worth considering when troubleshooting. I agree with the previous poster: explain what specific problems you're having with your device.
If you're not having any problems, just stop worrying.
How do I detect malware on my iPad?
