Where do I go to report a virus?

I have a virus on my iPad, and I’d like to report it so Apple can fix this annoyance.

is there a place to report this issue?

iPad Pro, iPadOS 17

Posted on Jun 25, 2024 2:43 AM

Reply
6 replies

Jun 25, 2024 9:09 AM in response to E_Dragon

What, specifically, leads you to conclude that your iPad has been infected with a computer virus?


See >>> Recognize and avoid phishing messages, phony support calls, and other scams - Apple Support


If you see any pop-up messages - or are unsure of the source or provenance of a message or alert - do not respond to or engage with the message. Certainly do not, under any circumstances, attempt to contact anyone using the contact details that may have been provided within the message itself. If you need to verify that a message is from Apple, make independent contact with Apple Support.


Most scam alerts and warnings are designed to scare the unwary into giving away sensitive information - or to fool you into doing something that you shouldn’t - usually to defraud you financially.



Providing that your iPad has been kept up-to-date with system software updates, you should not be overly concerned for your iPad being directly compromised by 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.


Regardless of the installed version of iPadOS, there are useful mitigations that can be used to significantly reduce your exposure to risk.


If you have given your personal details to a malicious website, this may be the cause of attempted fraud. If necessary, change account passwords (including your AppleID Password) if you suspect that they may have been compromised. If you have cause to believe that your AppleID has been compromised, follow the advice outlined here:

If you think your Apple ID has been compromised - Apple Support


If you have exposed your Credit Card details, you may wish to contact the Card Issuer - who may cancel and reissue your Card as a precaution.



Threat Mitigation


Other than malicious websites that will attempt to capture information that you willingly enter, the majority of threats to which you will be invariably exposed will surface via web pages or embedded links within email or other messaging platforms. Browser-based attacks can be largely and successfully mitigated by installing a good Content and Ad-blocking product. One of the 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, often utilised by so-called AntiVirus products intended for iOS/iPadOS. Instead, all processing by 1Blocker 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 is blocked from download. The 1Blocker product has also recently introduced its new “Firewall” functions - that are explicitly designed to block “trackers”. Being implemented at the network-layer, this additional protection works across all Apps. Recent updates to 1Blocker has introduced additional network extensions, extending protection to other Apps.


A further to improve protection from exploits 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 - and in so doing extends the benefit of this specific protection to other devices on your local network. I suggest using one of the following DNS 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

2620:119:35::35

2620:119:53::53



Cloudflare


1.1.1.1

1.0.0.1

2606:4700:4700::1111

2606:4700:4700::1001



Security focused DNS providers intentionally "sink hole" known bad or malicious websites and resources - this providing an additional layer of protection beyond that provided by your device and its Operating System. These DNS services will, when used alongside 1Blocker or other reputable Content Blocker, provide defence in depth.


There are advanced techniques to further “harden” iOS/iPadOS (such as using DoH, DoT and DNSSEC). Apple has introduced its new Private Relay to its iCloud+ subscribers - in part employing ODoH (a variant of DoH) as an element of this new functionality. If you have subscribed to iCloud+, and have a device capable of running iOS/iPadOS 15.x or later, this feature is included. 




Jun 27, 2024 2:32 AM in response to stedman1

I’ve turned off every setting I’ve found even logging in and turning off all settings (that I never even turn on in the first place) relating to Google and I still get annoying pop up’s that ask if I want to sign in to web sites using google. I don’t have any extensions running in safari either, nor did to begin with .. Yet every time I have to log in some where I get that pop up. See below..…

Jun 27, 2024 2:50 AM in response to stedman1

As above that pretty much is a definition of a virus not asked for, self installed with something else, unwanted actions, unable to get rid of. Granted it would be just considered just a “annoyance “ virus but one none the less.

No the iPad is not jailbroken, so what is happing here came from the Apple App Store and no where else. Yes I did download it , but I have no choice on what features or control of of them, as with all apps it’s all or nothing then some limited control of how they are run on iOS .

Also I’m currently running 17.6

Jun 27, 2024 3:38 AM in response to E_Dragon

You probably have a gmail address or account. Disable the google pop-up sign-in prompt here:


1. Go to "My Account" : "Security" ( https://myaccount.google.com/security ) My account being you Gmail.

2. Click on "See all connections" link in "Your connections to third party apps & services"

3. Click on the gear at the top of the "Third party apps & services" page

4. Disable the "Signing in with Google" prompt


Probably do this for each of your Google accounts if you have multiple gmail addresses.

Where do I go to report a virus?

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