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I was thinking messenger has a virus because it was sending messages to all my contacts from me. But I also noticed I tried to delete calendars and reminders and it keeps coming back. I have the allow button on in settings to remove and reinstall so I don’t know what is going on.
iPad, iPadOS 15
Providing that you have not attempted to jailbreak your device - or have bypassed protections by side-loading third-Apps (if you don’t know what this is, then don’t worry about it), then it is highly unlikely that your device will have been infected with a virus or other malware.
Due to the system architecture of iOS/iPadOS, unless jailbroken, 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. Be wary of the myth that Apple devices are immune to malware; those that perpetuate this untruth simply do not understand the broader threat landscape.
However, on the basis of your description, there is a potential source of immediate issues with your iPad that you may need to check - this being for a vulnerability that is often exploited that gives the appearance of a malware infection. This involves your iPad/iPhone Calendar - the symptom being your Calendar appearing to have been populated with regular events that warn of malware infection or similar.
Calendar Infection
Whilst not a malware infection in the traditional sense, if this exploit is observed on your device, it is highly probable that you were manipulated (via a simple click on a website link) into “subscribing” an additional (unwanted) Calendar to your device - and this unexpected Calendar is exposing unwanted calendar events and sending you unexpected “adverts” or other warnings.
If you see this issue, you’ll need to check for what’s out of place...
iOS/iPadOS13 and earlier: Settings > Passwords and Accounts
iOS/iPadOS14 or later: Settings > Calendar > Accounts
Look for an “account” that shouldn’t be in the list of accounts - as this will likely include the Calendar that contains all the unwanted events. When/if you find the suspect account, tap - then select Delete Account. This should resolve this specific problem in its entirety.
Malware
Most alerts that you see are pop-up messages from websites - these being designed to scare the unwary into giving away sensitive information - or to fool you into doing something that you shouldn’t.
Due to the system architecture of iOS/iPadOS, as already outlined, 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 at risk.
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.
When using a good quality Content blocker, 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.
There are additional protections that can enhance protection further, such as using one of the better security-focussed DNS Services 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 address are included here:
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.
I hope this reassurance and guidance proves to be helpful in resolving any issues with suspect malware and malicious websites.
Providing that you have not attempted to jailbreak your device - or have bypassed protections by side-loading third-Apps (if you don’t know what this is, then don’t worry about it), then it is highly unlikely that your device will have been infected with a virus or other malware.
Due to the system architecture of iOS/iPadOS, unless jailbroken, 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. Be wary of the myth that Apple devices are immune to malware; those that perpetuate this untruth simply do not understand the broader threat landscape.
However, on the basis of your description, there is a potential source of immediate issues with your iPad that you may need to check - this being for a vulnerability that is often exploited that gives the appearance of a malware infection. This involves your iPad/iPhone Calendar - the symptom being your Calendar appearing to have been populated with regular events that warn of malware infection or similar.
Calendar Infection
Whilst not a malware infection in the traditional sense, if this exploit is observed on your device, it is highly probable that you were manipulated (via a simple click on a website link) into “subscribing” an additional (unwanted) Calendar to your device - and this unexpected Calendar is exposing unwanted calendar events and sending you unexpected “adverts” or other warnings.
If you see this issue, you’ll need to check for what’s out of place...
iOS/iPadOS13 and earlier: Settings > Passwords and Accounts
iOS/iPadOS14 or later: Settings > Calendar > Accounts
Look for an “account” that shouldn’t be in the list of accounts - as this will likely include the Calendar that contains all the unwanted events. When/if you find the suspect account, tap - then select Delete Account. This should resolve this specific problem in its entirety.
Malware
Most alerts that you see are pop-up messages from websites - these being designed to scare the unwary into giving away sensitive information - or to fool you into doing something that you shouldn’t.
Due to the system architecture of iOS/iPadOS, as already outlined, 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 at risk.
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.
When using a good quality Content blocker, 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.
There are additional protections that can enhance protection further, such as using one of the better security-focussed DNS Services 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 address are included here:
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.
I hope this reassurance and guidance proves to be helpful in resolving any issues with suspect malware and malicious websites.
Linny1010 Said:
"Maybe malware: I was thinking messenger has a virus because it was sending messages to all my contacts from me. But I also noticed I tried to delete calendars and reminders and it keeps coming back. I have the allow button on in settings to remove and reinstall so I don’t know what is going on."
-------
Troubleshooting Messages on an iPad:
There is no virus on your device. What you need to do is troubleshooting iMessages and iCloud. See here: Set up Messages on iPad - Apple Support
Re-Enable iMessage:
Hi.
It is quite unusual for iPad to get malware.
Have you tried to download any jail breaking applications recently?
If you haven't try restarting your iPad. This usually helps. Then, go to your iCloud account. You can access your account in the first tile in Settings. Then, go to iCloud and turn off iMessage. Finally, wait a few minutes or restart your iPad. Then turn iMessage on again. See if that helps.
Sincerely,
William
Maybe malware
