Q: how can I get rid of a virus

There are some ideas and additional links within this user tip; however

some of the issues with a 'ransomware' scam can result in allowing a

real attack once you've let them into your device. Otherwise, its a bluff.

Phony "tech support" / "ransomware" popups and web pages

Most items I've happened across deal with OS X and a few mention iOS.

There is an article about how to deal with adware issues in Safari, that

depend on being able to start the device with the browser off, so it does

not keep finding the same web address, then you may disable the source.

• Stop pop-up ads and adware in Safari - Apple Support

The notice of an attack usually is a bluff, in iOS and OS X; when you act on

the item like they suggest, to call a phone number or click a button to allow

further access, the issue escalates; in that the attacker gets access to the

device and to any method of payment offered for their 'cure' to the attack.

So the scam is to get people to think the answer is the warning, but that is

fake; so acting on it with faith is the quicksand.

Perhaps you can start the device with the browser disabled (or extensions off)

to see if you can follow through with ideas presented in above links.

Those ideas had helped others in the past, and avoidance is the best cure.

Good luck in this matter!

Hopefully, you have the device backed up, either to iCloud or by using iTunes.  You'll likely need to do a Restore using iTunes, and then restore from your latest backup.  The Restore gives your device a fresh start.

Also, this security compromise may have been through your Apple ID, so be sure to go here

https://appleid.apple.com

and change your password to a strong one.  And optionally enable two-step verification, which make your account more secure (because you need to use a second device or passcode to verify your identify).

screwedd wrote:

 

I accidentally downloaded a virus. My device is frozen , cannot access the internet.The virus demands payment of $500 to unlock the screen . How can I get rid of the virus

I'm curious... how exactly did you manage to download a virus into your iPad? Are you browsing a website and something pops up on Safari and tells you to pay $500 to get rid of it and you believe it? If that is correct, it's just a pop up message to scare you into paying them. Follow the link in K Shaffer's post to clear your browser cache. If your device is frozen, press the on/off and home buttons at the same time and keep holding them until you see Apple logo.