Is there a virus protection software available for the ipad 2?
IS there any form of virus protection softward available for the ipad 2? Have seen AVG etc for ipad 2 talked about.
Not at this time.
20 replies
There aren't any viruses for iOS devices, so nothing to protect from.
It's not strictly correct to say there are no viruses or to be more accurate 'malware' for i-devices as there are, hence the last 2 iOS updates which were patching various vulnerabilities.
Apple has a policy of never discussing security issues as they like to pretend that their products are totally immune, but they aren't.
There are already security software packages for MAC but Apple actually have refused to negotiate with McAfee and other security software makers on any i-appliance protection, so just hope and pray that someone doesn't sit down and purposely write something nasty for iPads and iPhones, and if they do, that Apple issue a speedy iOS update to address the situation before your i-whatever is bricked. An expensive brick that would be indeed.
I know that because I'm an Admin at McAfee forums and am privy to internal documentation.
mikefromhalesworth wrote:
Have seen AVG etc for ipad 2 talked about.
That isn't protection software per se, it's called AVG Livekive and is backup software downloadable as an App. The other one is Family Protection, for surfing safely. Neither are antivirus.
There is Intego VirusBarrier, which at first glance seems to be the only actual virus protection software that I have seen for i-devices, but I haven't researched that deeply into the subject.
It's not strictly correct to say there are no viruses or to be more accurate 'malware' for i-devices as there are
There isn't. Provide links/proof if there are.
If you really are an admin for McAfee then you should know what a virus is, and that there are none for iOS. If there were a virus for iOS it would be all over the news. It is also true to say there is no malware for stock iOS devices. If you've jailbroken your device, then maybe so, but you've purposefully put yourself at risk.
hence the last 2 iOS updates which were patching various vulnerabilities.
Yes, just like any OS, there have been vulnerabilities that, potentially, could be used for malware purposes, but iOS has been available for over 4 years and still not one virus or malware breakout. If you knew anything about the way iOS works, and how apps get approved, installed and run, you would know why a virus is virtually impossible, and even a trojan is very unlikely.
Apple has a policy of never discussing security issues as they like to pretend that their products are totally immune, but they aren't.
Like lots of companies, Apple don't discuss security vulnerabilities BEFORE they are fixed, because that would be irresponsible and make it easier for hackers to exploit. Apple have never pretended their products are totally immune. Use your brain, if Apple thought their products were immune, why would they release regular security updates?
Companies like McAfee make money out of spreading FUD and making people believe they have to fork out lots of money for so-called "protection" that in most cases they don't need and doesn't work for unknown issues anyway. And now they're trying to prey on uninformed Windows users, who after years of being subjected to the real threat of viruses and malware now think they need the same for iOS devices.
There is Intego VirusBarrier, which at first glance seems to be the only actual virus protection software that I have seen for i-devices, but I haven't researched that deeply into the subject.
It's quite clear you haven't researched it at all. If you had, you'd know it's next to useless and provides no protection whatsover due to the sandboxed nature of iOS. Again, its just another money-making scam disguised as a service.
There's a difference between malicious code and virus and you said viruses, that's why I was careful to alter my wording to 'malware'. Yes no viruses targetting iOS devices are out there as far as we know, but it's probably only a matter of time as MAC users once crowed about how they were immune, until they were first hit.
When I mentioned I am a McAfee admin I was referring to the fact that Apple refused to negotiate with McAfee and ilk regarding possible software for iOS devices nothing more.
As you obviously consider yourself the expert here, I will now bow out.
I agree, however, that on further investigation that Intego product's advantages appear nebulous at best.
MAC used in all caps is short for Media Access Control.
And Mac users were first hit with what? A virus? If so, Mac users have still not been hit so can still "crow" about it - 10 years and running.
I think what you are referring to was the recent phishing scam only - not a virus or even malware - just a phishing scam to get a credit card for anti-virsus software that was absolutely worthless. Primarily targeted at former Windows users who came from an environment with constant virus, adware, and spyware concerns with that swiss cheese for security garbage that is Windows.
As I don't own a Mac (does that now meet with your approval?) I was only speaking from what I have read in many independent publications and I don't work for McAfee by the way - simply a senior trying to offer suggestions and help whereever. I volunteer on their forums, and on many others.
However as an iPad2 owner I was simply interested in what was being discussed.
You Apple fanatics are so rude at times, I must say.
It really matters not to me if you all want to go on believing whatever it is you want to believe.
I'm out of here.
Who is being rude?
You Microsoft sheep get your undies in a bind so easily.
I believe and rely on facts.
Good, I wish you luck.
Top 10 Fun Facts About iPad Security
http://www.esecurityplanet.com/trends/article.php/3936411/Top-10-Fun-Facts-About -iPad-Security.htm
Saddith wrote:
Top 10 Fun Facts About iPad Security
http://www.esecurityplanet.com/trends/article.php/3936411/Top-10-Fun-Facts-About -iPad-Security.htm
A descent read, but it's important to note that the article was published in July of last year and some of the information is dated.
A few points to make about virus and other malware and iOS (and to some degree Mac OS). These are generalizations and my opinion, imwouldn't expect anyone to take them as gospel, just adding to,the discussion.
- Myth: It is impossible for a iOS or Mac OS product to have an issue with viruses or malware. Patently false. HOWEVER, because of the nature of the core structure of both OSs, iOS especially, it is extremely difficult to get such code on the system without the cooperation of the user (i.e. the user taking direct action).
- Myth: there are no viruses for iOS or OS because the market share is too small for those that write such code to bother with. Not simply false, but total bull ****. Look at the sales figures. see the above statement.
- Apple ignores malware threats and covers up vulnerabilities for marketing purposes. Just looking at a history of OS updates for any given period of time proves this to be nonsense.
- Any device connected to the Internet could be vulnerable to some sort of malware. Quite true, and the best protection is monitoring your own behavior.
And, going by what I've seen, while iPads may be largely immune to things installing on them, they are vulnerable to browser hijacks, hacked sites and other 'outside' threats. Now while the bad site you're directed to may not be able to install anything on your device, you can still get stuck until you clear your cache.
So iPads - like any other device, OS or Android or computer - are vulnerable to bad sites and browser hijacks.
Honestly, I feel it's just a matter of time before there is an iOS virus or targeted malware attack. The market share is growing and there are too many hackers out there vying for the bragging rights of being the first to accomplish that feat. It's literally a race to see who wins, the company or the hackers, and users are collateral damage.
Just my two cents. Although it isn't about iPads, you all ARE talking about Apple operating systems, so I thought I would bring it up to date as this was in the news last week or two.
And I own 5 Apple products, so I'm not tooting their horn OR denying there could ever POTENTIALLY be problems. But...I wouldn't say Apple denies it, IMHO I would say Apple does preventative maintenance, which is common sense.
Is there a virus protection software available for the ipad 2?