Is there a totally free anti-virus program?
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Loyanetter wrote:
Is there an absolutely free virus removal app, virus scan app, or a virus protection app I can use for my iPhone 12?
What little malware is around is very rare and targeted, based in available information.
Anti-malware detection and removal is built into iOS.
Some of the usual scams use advertisements seeking to convince a user their device is compromised when it isn’t, and seeking to convince the user to DO SOMETHING! and to load some unnecessary or problematic app.
More than a little of the add-on anti-malware — what some of the sketchy ads are advertising — is getting hard to distinguish from malware, too.
Some more general background reading:
Apple Platform Security - Apple Support
If you believe you are at higher risk, there is some guidance here:
About Apple threat notifications and protecting against mercenary spyware - Apple Support
You don't seem to understand the question. Security updates will never go away and you should be grateful the Apple takes security seriously with constant improvements.
None of the info you posted would be stopped by any anti-virus software. So, the answer to the OP's question remains the same. Do not install any anti-virus software!
Puppydog73 wrote:
I am worried about my phone because all this stuff keeps popping up
What sort of “stuff”?
Web pop-ups with advertisements with fake “scans” or “(3) viruses detected!” or “hacker!” and other such direly-phrased advertising are quite common, for instance.
There can be other issues too, and those too often from installed apps. Are there any installed add-on security apps, or add-on VPN apps or ad-blocker apps installed here? If so, remove all that, restart your iPhone, and test again.
And, you can expect it to continue.
There are hundreds or more of scams going on all the time that are trying to trick users into believing that "13 virus infections have been detected on your phone" when your phone is just fine.
Lately, most messages that I've seen are now saying that "16 virus infections....."
Next week, it will probably be "20".
Even if an app to detect viruses is "free", it is not worth the money, since all it will do is slow down your phone and eat up more battery. But, go for it if it makes you feel better.
But....your phone will not be better.
Hi Wacoochee1,
Some antivirus companies such as Avast have anti-virus apps for iPhone. However, if you are receiving pop-up threats while browsing the web, just dismiss them by closing the browser tab, they hold no harm. However, if your professions puts you at risk of sophisticated attacks, I would refer you to lockdown mode on iPhone, iPad and Mac devices.
I have left the link here:
Harden your iPhone from a cyberattack with Lockdown Mode – Apple Support (UK)
Loyanetter wrote:
Is there an absolutely free virus removal app, virus scan app, or a virus protection app I can use for my iPhone 12?
As above, no such product is required for your iPhone. It does NOT have a virus.
22Retire wrote:
How can I check if there is a virus on my iPhone?
You can not check your phone for something that does not exist...
Tany_2315 wrote:
No I don’t have,what should I do?
If you have iPhone or iPad or macOS, you already have anti-malware already installed and already running.
Please see the other replies here.
Avast, the iPhone is generally well protected
Antivirus is a complete waste of resources on an Apple device. All it will do is bog things down.
loodolif wrote:
Avast, the iPhone is generally well protected
Avast is not necessary and is just a waste of money.
No
What's happening with your iPhone that indicates that it has a virus? It's very unlikely that it does, as iPhone is very secure!
The answer is simple. Yes there is free anti-virus and No you should not install any anti-virus. Never.
Mickey-mouse-90 wrote:
Some antivirus companies such as Avast have anti-virus apps for iPhone.
And they are just a waste of money.
22Retire wrote:
How can I check if there is a virus on my iPhone?
Your iPhone already checked for malware. It does that.
For details and such, please see the existing replies in this thread.
Is there a free anti-virus for iPhone?
