Why doesn't iOS get viruses?

iOS is a closed system. You can't download to it, or from it, unless it's within the tightly controlled Apple universe.

Here is a link to a recent article which offers a more comprehensive answer:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/timworstall/2012/06/04/apple-explains-why-ios-dont-n eed-no-steenkin-anti-virus/

Viruses, by definition, spread themselves by propogating across an operating system, compromising program after program. SInce the iPad doesn't allow apps to talk to each other, without direct intervention from the user, viruses can't spread on the iPad. In addition, 'normal' virus files are written for different operating systems and literally don't speak the language that the iPad understands.

Norton, as well as its competitors, salivate like Pavlov's Dog at the mere speculation of viruses for iOS (and Mac OS, for that matter). But the bottom line is that they have no product to offer that makes either system more secure. Particularly with iOS, it's core design and that fact that the user MUST take a specific, and heavily controlled action, to install ANYTHING on it provides a level of security they cannot match.

iOS does get Viruses...

As you can see by recent news events, iOS is quite susceptible to Zero Day exploits and hacks just like every other computer on the planet. 9.3.5 patches not 1, not 2, but 3 zero day exploits and there are likely more out there being hoarded by the NSA and other "Security" agencies who sell the exploits.

Here's one: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/26/technology/apple-software-vulnerability-ios-pa tch.html?_r=1

Here's technical analysis if you're interested:

https://www.lookout.com/trident-pegasus-enterprise-discovery?utm_source=blog&utm _medium=blog&utm_article=tridentlearnmore&utm_region=us&utm_segment=ent&utm_camp aign=trident

Granted Apple has patched it. Who knows how many more vulnerabilities still remain a secret. If you think an operating systems can be immune, you're really naive.

Strictly speaking, a zero day exploit is not a virus, it is a security vulnerability that may be used to insert malware or virus software, but the exploit itself is not a virus. The exploit is a weakness in the operating system with previously unknown and unintended functionality.

Of course any operating system, unless it is run in complete isolation from any and all outside connections, is theoretically vulnerable. iOS and OS X have historically shown themselves to be highly unlikely to become infected in normal real-world daily use. With iOS that is largely due to the sandboxed nature of the OS design. In OS X it is largely due to the application of a strict(er) permissions model that requires explicit admin permissions for many things, including any software installations.

IMO, Windows main problem historically has been that it has inherently been a highly permissive operating system, so software could run rampant without any input at all from the user or admin. This was argued to be favorable for user friendliness and usability, but it inherently made Windows a much more easily exploited target than other operating systems with a stricter permissions system. Note that almost all OS X vulnerabilities that have made it in to the wild have still involved actual naive user intervertion, with users entering their admin password to install or run downloaded content. And also note that WIndows 10 is moving towards a more restrictive permissions model out of the box (although still has a lot of catching up to do to eqaul the out of the box security of OS X or Linux/UNIX).

I guess what's important is 'how easy' it is to run malicious software is what's most important. It's difficult to hack iOS, that's why they pay a lot of money to those who discover exploits. Basically, you don't have anything to worry about unless your someone on the 'Blacklist'. Whereas Android has literally zero security measures lol.

Willie rom Boulder wrote:

The question was posed to me by a Norton Support Agent.

Isn't he supposed to be the virus expert?

Doesn't this make you really want to use and believe in Norton products?

I wouldn't. My experience with them has been far from stellar.

He should know why iPads are less vulnerable than other systems.

I agree with rbrylawsk. Safari is just awesome that way! if you want to see fr yourself try and go to any webstite and download a free item of music. Won't work!

Whenever I see someone says iOS can't get viruses/malware, I want to laugh so hard. But then I realize this is Apple discussion forum where their fans hang out.

what virus can infect un jailbroken ios devices ? in a case is reported a viral name is present.

Amen on that point. I would call it more abysmal instead of stellar.