Need to remove Malware or Trojan from iPhone 4

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Level 1

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Need to remove Malware or Trojan from iPhone 4

Hi there,

I've noticed when surfing using Safari on my iPhone 4 the URL/Page jumps to an unwanted URL, usually a site offering video services, medial treatments or cut price electricals! I'm sure you can use your imagination.

I'm pretty sure the malware was distributed via a shared folder/file in dropbox. I've removed the offending file/folder however I am still getting the issue with Safari. How would you recommend removing this issue?

I have updated the iOS of my phone and looking into anti virus software but nothing seems to do the job?

Many thanks in advance and please let's not turn this into a discussion about can iOS or Mac OS get viruses, I want to solve an issue not start a heated debate.

Cheers

iPhone 4, Mac OS X (10.7)

Posted on Jan 30, 2013 2:46 AM

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Answer 1

ckuan

Level 10

120,788 points

Jan 30, 2013 3:01 AM in response to itakesmack

Unless your iPhone was hacked or jailbroken, there is nothing to worry about.

Check your Settings > Safari >

Accept Cookies > Never or From visited

Clear History

Clear Cookies and Data

Fraud Warning > ON

Block Pop-ups > ON

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Answer 2

itakesmack Author

Level 1

0 points

Jan 30, 2013 3:44 AM in response to ckuan

Well the phone isn't jailbroken and I doubt it was hacked. However my security settings are as you suggested above, the only difference is that Accept Cookies > from visited

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Answer 3

ckuan

Level 10

120,788 points

Jan 30, 2013 3:50 AM in response to itakesmack

Do uou have the latest iOS 6.1?

If so, check Settings > General > About > Advertising > Limit Ad Tracking: ON.

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Answer 4

wjosten

Level 10

95,345 points

Jan 30, 2013 3:55 AM in response to itakesmack

I suspect a JavaScript issue. So, Settings>Safari>Clear Histoty>Clear Cookies & Data, then turn off JavaScript, then Advanced>Website Data>Edit>Remove All Website Data. Try now. If OK, turn JavaScript back on.

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Answer 5

thomas_r.

Level 7

32,001 points

Jan 30, 2013 4:17 AM in response to itakesmack

As has already been pointed out, this isn't malware of any kind. You won't find any anti-virus software for the iPhone, either, because the same security measures that keep the malware out prevent anti-virus software from being possible. (No app you can install would be capable of scanning your entire phone for theoretical malware, due to sandbox restrictions.)

As to what it could be, see Eliminating browser redirects and advertisements. That page is written from a Mac-centric point-of-view, but most of it is also applicable to any other device.

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Answer 6

ddkilzer

Level 2

344 points

Jan 30, 2013 2:03 PM in response to ckuan

ckuan wrote:

Do uou have the latest iOS 6.1?

If so, check Settings > General > About > Advertising > Limit Ad Tracking: ON.

This setting only affects iAd. It has nothing to do with advertising that appears on web pages in Safari.

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Answer 7

ckuan

Level 10

120,788 points

Jan 30, 2013 3:20 PM in response to ddkilzer

Yeah right, but it's not just iAds, anyway, I am saying about tracking in general.

Restrict or reset Ad Tracking: Go to Settings > General > About > Advertising. Turn on Limit Ad Tracking to prevent apps from accessing your iPhone’s advertising identifier. For more information, tap Learn More.

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