Adload virus on iOS device

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Adload virus on iOS device

My ISP told me they've registered unwanted activity in my network, and appearently I've got an Adload virus on one of my iOS devices (either iPhone 13, or iPad Pro) which I can't seem to get rid of.

I've already installed Avast (from the App store) and I've reset both my iPhone and iPad and so did my husband. I've also changed the Wifi password just in case someone outside of my family is using it.

Now they've informed me again there is an infection in our network and they're basically threathning us to shut down their service for us.

I really don't want to go through the procedure of resetting all my iOS devices again. I got shut out of my offices Microsoft 365 and lots of other 2 step authenticating stuff went completely haywire. Took me days to get back up and running.

Today I've visited an Apple dealer and they said it is basically impossible to have a virus on your iOS device.

My ISP is being very unhelpful, they tell me to download a virusscanner for iOS (which doesn't even exist) and that's it.

So:here's my questions:

How to get rid of this thing without having to start all over again on my iPhone etc

And: does anyone know of an app which would cause this? I'm only using app store apps and this problem has been going on since december 2023... we're pretty decent surfers, no obscure websites because Avast is supposed to protect us from that.

iPhone 13, iOS 17

Posted on Feb 14, 2024 6:03 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Mac Jim ID

Community+ 2026

Level 10

91,326 points

Feb 14, 2024 6:33 AM in response to SaZz

Avast or any other AntiVirus does not protect against anything on your iPhone and I would recommend deleting the app. As long as your device is not jailbroken you cannot get a virus. The only way it would be jailbroken is if you actively did it or the device was purchased used from someone that did it. It would not be something that you could do accidentally. It might be time for another ISP if they are unable to help. They should be able to tell you exactly what device is consuming the data. If they have a web portal you may be able to check data usage yourself.

There are some apps that consume large amounts of data and can also do it when you are not using them. To identify an app that may be out of control, I would start with social media apps and try to force close those or shut off Background Refresh on them.

Close an app on your iPhone or iPod touch - Apple Support
Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh, and try shutting the switch off for the app.

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Answer 2

Feb 14, 2024 8:17 AM in response to SaZz

Do you have a Mac, or only iPad and iPhone?

Is your ISP for WiFi the same as your Cell provider?

Were you able to confirm with your ISP by phone that the message you received was not a phishing attempt to get you to provide your password from the link they provided?

Did your ISP notify you from an email or text message?

Is your ISP that sent you the message identifiable by your email address, for example @comcast.net?

Are you using a free VPN service?

For background, AdLoad is malware, but can only be installed on a Mac or PC by downloading the software inadvertently. Usually it will be from a site that claims to scan your computer after telling you that it detected a virus. The malware will redirect sites you visit and pop up a large number of ads on every page you visit. This is easily removable on a Mac or PC, but will not be able to be installed on an iPad or iPhone even by clicking a link to download software from a website. There have been phishing attempts claiming you have a virus in order to get you to install additional software or provide personal/financial information.

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Answer 3

SaZz Author

Level 1

4 points

Feb 14, 2024 7:46 AM in response to Mac Jim ID

Thanx! It's definetly not jailbroken, I got it new. As I did with my iPad, and my husbands iPhone is new from his job.

I don't think data consumption is the problem, also my 4/5G data usage has been normal.

They've sent me some kind of link where I can check what is going on, but it doesn't make any sense to me.

As you said: time for a new provider. Which is a shame because they've never let me down until this popped up.

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Adload virus on iOS device

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