Why no antivirus for iPhone?

...even though there is an entire division now at the CIA called EDG (Engineering Development Group) responsible for developing many of the zero day attacks, hacks, Trojans, malware, and viruses specifically targeting the iOS platform and iPhones in particular, because they're used so frequently by business and political leaders.

Vault 7 released by Wikileaks earlier today explains many of the publicly available exploits and hacks developed by the CIA, FBI, and contractors that target each version of iOS. Many of these tools are in the public domain and rely on obfuscation to prevent detection by Apple (and Google). Seems like a perfect niche for an antivirus product from Norton or McAfee to find and remove these vulnerabilities.

Except for the fact that antivirus software on iOS would be completely ineffective as it would be subject to the same sandboxing requirements as all other iOS apps.

Again, there are NO VIRUSES IN THE WILD that can affect an iOS device that has not been jailbroken.

You can read all the conspiracy stories you like on Wikileaks and tin-foil-hat daily news sites. It won't change the facts.

I'm not saying it's invulnerable. I'm saying it is stupid to waste time, energy, and thought on the idea that it might, someday, be compromised.

Apple has the situation well in hand.

This is a little late but one possible reason: Apple does not have any proprietary antivirus software for Macs. From other sites, I gather that by offering AV software, Apple might imply that such software is in fact necessary. Their position is that all safeguards are included in Mac OS and thus AV programs are not necessary. I don't buy it and have a paid software program running. I'm guessing the same logic/reasoning might be why there is no proprietary AV software for iPhones. But, if something can be hacked, it just might be. I don't have AV on my iPhone but it might be something i should consider.

Unless your device is jailbroken, that paid app is utterly pointless. All it will be allowed to do, in iOS's strict sandboxed file system, is scan it's own files. It cannot scan any other apps storage enclave, nor any files any other app uses, nor anything at all to do with iOS itself. It cannot monitor emails or web access by another apps, or interfere with what they do.

Take a look at this cutting from an Apple source. You should be reassured.

"Despite the security threats, you don't need anti-virus software for the iPad and iPhone - not that there is any anti-virus software available for the device. iOS is designed and built to only accept and install software that has been approved by Apple and run through the App Store.22 Sep 2015"

iPhones do not need antivirus, as they cannot get infected with viruses. Androids can, but iPhones can't. Just goes to show Apple superiority.

Regards,

L

This is a good question that still needs to be addressed.

Yes, iPhones and iPads do have viruses. They are not immune.

No security scan for iPhones?

Jewfuchs wrote:

No security scan for iPhones?

Did you read this thread before posting in it?