iPad virus?

Question

Level 1

0 points

iPad virus?

Interesting thing occurring on my iPad.

If I open a new tab in safari or open a link on a page, it goes to the wanted page. But then switches to a graphic saying something about "someone doesn't like you, and you f**ked up" it then goes to a website, either a phone tracking website or something called www.mylazysundays.com

This doesn't just happen on one website I visit, it occurs on numerous websites.

So a) is it some sort of virus?

Or b) something else?

And how do I get rid of it?

iPad, iOS 5.1.1

Posted on Jun 10, 2012 1:01 AM

Reply

Answer 1

King_Penguin

Level 10

334,336 points

Jun 10, 2012 1:05 AM in response to Kiwirimfire

I'm not aware of any viruses or malware for the iPad (unless your device is jailbroken).

Clear Safari's cache : Settings > Safari > Clear Cookies And Data and also Clear History

Then close Safari completely and do a soft-reset. To close Safari : from the home screen (i.e. not with Safari 'open' on-screen) double-click the home button to bring up the taskbar, then press and hold any of the apps on the taskbar for a couple of seconds or so until they start shaking, then press the '-' in the top left of the Safari app to close it, and touch any part of the screen above the taskbar so as to stop the shaking and close the taskbar.

To do a reset : press and hold both the sleep and home buttons for about 10 to 15 seconds (ignore the red slider), after which the Apple logo should appear - you won't lose any content, it's the iPad equivalent of a reboot.

Reply

Answer 2

JAbreu

Level 1

15 points

Jun 10, 2012 1:11 AM in response to Kiwirimfire

That sounds very odd...

There are no known viruses for the iPad. Try clearing your cookies and data from the Settings. From the home screen go to Settings > Safari> Clear Cookies and Data. If that doesnt do it you may want to restore your iPad using iTunes.

Reply

Answer 3

Kiwirimfire Author

Level 1

0 points

Jun 10, 2012 1:17 AM in response to JAbreu

Nah tried both to clear cookies and history. Also done the reset. Might have to open iTunes and reset that way. I am a novice when it comes to that. Anyone help me with some steps?

Thanks.

Reply

Answer 4

King_Penguin

Level 10

334,336 points

Jun 10, 2012 1:32 AM in response to Kiwirimfire

You've tried closing Safari via the taskbar as well ?

Reply

Answer 5

JAbreu

Level 1

15 points

Jun 10, 2012 1:38 AM in response to Kiwirimfire

Apple's knowledge base is currently down, otherwise I would link you to a support article detailing the steps.

Restoring your iPad will involve wiping your device of all data, lets backup your iPad before attempting a restore:

Open iTunes, plug in your iPad, on the sidebar (left side) your iPad should appear, right click (or option click on a Mac) on your iPad and select backup. A progress bar will appear indicating your backup progress. Upon finishing, right click your iPad on the sidebar again and select "transfer purchases" to transfer your apps and puchased content to your computer.

Once that finshes select restore from iPad summary screen. iTunes will first download the operating system software from Apple severs, prep your iPad for restore which will erase all data on the device, then reinstall the operating system. Upon completion your iPad will reboot, on your computer you will be prompted to select your backup. This will restore your data back to your iPad.

This process can take a while (30 min+) depending on how much data you have on your iPad.

Reply

Answer 6

Kiwirimfire Author

Level 1

0 points

Jun 10, 2012 3:32 AM in response to Kiwirimfire

OK strange thing...

I was doing the update, and got bored. I went on my iPhone to the same website I had the original problem on and the same thing occurred. So assuming it isn't the original website, and there is some sort of funny business going on, could in theory the "virus" jump from my iPad to my iPhone without me syncing both together?

I was syncing my iPad to iTunes, and doing the restore. But didn't touch my iPhone. And now both have the same "virus".

I use wifi at home and haven't checked my housemates iPads yet, i will tomorrow after work.

I will also try to use my phone using my cellular data tomorrow during work hours or try another wifi location.

That way it will cut my list of strange stuff to try to narrow down what is actually occurring.

Reply

Answer 7

Kiwirimfire Author

Level 1

0 points

Jun 10, 2012 3:50 AM in response to Kiwirimfire

Yet more odd stuff......

Used my pc (which I don't use much these days) and the same things occurred.

So as the pc has my iTunes on it which I sync to could it have jumped to that too?

Thenpc hasn't been hooked up to the net for a week or two, so it couldn't have originated there.

However could one of you guys check the link I have been having problems with?

http://www.hoyts.co.nz/Movies/Now_On_Sale.aspx After the page loads does it go anywhere else for you?

Thanks.

Reply

Answer 8

Jun 10, 2012 10:16 AM in response to Kiwirimfire

It sounds to me like the DNS Servers have been changed on your router. The DNS server is kind of like the phone book for the Internet directing the "www.xxxxx.com" to it's IP address for you. If the DNS server was changed to a bad one on your router it may redirect your Internet traffic to other places you do not want to go no matter what device you use.

You can change the DNS server in your routers settings or re-set it to factory settings which will erase any changes that may have been made. Search for instructions on how to do this on your router manufacturers web site. You should also study up on the security settings for you router which may prevent this from happening again. It would also be a good idea to scan all computers on your network with an up to date antivirus which may have had a hand in changing the DNS settings.

Reply