Virus when downloading a new software version?

To expand on answers provided by other contributors within this conversation, “infection” by way of a “virus” implies compromise of program code.

Provided that...

a) your iOS device has not been jalbroken

b) you only load signed executable code (such as Apps) from the Apple App Store (this being the only authorised source)

c) you are not sideloading code from other sources (such as Developer code)

... then, assuming that Apple’s App vetting/screening procedures have been effective - and has not permitted infected code into the App Store ecosystem, you should be safe from virus infection. The iOS security architecture (by design, a closed system) is contrived to provide a high degree of protection from malware infection.

However, you should not assume that you are immune from any or all malicous exploits. An expoit requires a vulnerability for a specific exploit to be effective; a expoitable vulnerability may be technical or human.

Vulnerabilities are discovered all the time - hopefully by well intentioned “good-guys“ (and other system security specialists) such that a discovered vulnerability may be patched or otherwise mitigated before it can be exploited by the “bad guys“. Vulnerabilities (and yes, Apple iOS like other systems does suffer from them) are regularly fixed through OS and other software updates.

Now, it is important to understand two things:

1) iOS does not inhibit download or transfer of an infected file (e.g., a malicious PDF document infected with exploit code) to an iOS device - as it does not have any AntiVirus software or capability to detect such an infection. However, iOS will not allow the malicious (and unsigned) code to execute - and even if should execute, the effect of the malicious code will be constrained within the “sandbox” in which the App code is contrained; malicous or malfunctioning code should not be able to escape the App sandbox, or “infect” other elements of the environment in which it is running.

2) iOS does not prevent upload or transfer of an infected file, previously loaded onto the iOS device, to other conputers or systems. As such, iOS can facilitate transmission of infected code.

In summary, virus-infected programs should not be of concern to the integrity of the iOS device - provided that the inherent security of iOS has not been circumvented. So in context of the original question, no, in normal circumstances a virus-infected App should not be able to get onto your iOS device; an infected file, however, has many opportunities for transfer to your iOS device, but should be of no consequence to the integrity or function of the iOS device.

Unless the device is jailbroken, then no. There are no known viruses in the wild for iOS devices.

Best,

GB

ShagCA wrote:

Chubbywolf wrote:

So my question is say the Wi-Fi network in using would have a virus would my ipad get one when I download a bew software version or any app, song, etc...

Be careful... a compromised WiFi network may be able to intercept and redirect your traffic or serve malicious ads such as those that pop up a message on your iPad "WARNING: Your iPad is INFECTED with a gazillion malware. Please call this number immediately... we are waiting to steal your credit card info." (the last sentence is made up, of course)

I don't care if your device is jailbroken or not, they are all vulnerable if they connect to a rogue WiFi network. Of course the easy answer that's been repeated many times in this discussion is "a non jailbroken iPad can not get malware". iPad doesn't have to get malware if bad guys can easily trick you into calling them by showing a false warning.

That is not what I stated. I answered the question that the OP asked, which was whether or not their iOS device could get a virus by being connected to and using a Wifi network. Malware and redirection via a website address are not the same thing as a virus.

Your information concerning a "rouge network" is good info, but there is no reason to present it in a way that impugns my response. Simply adding your post without disparaging or implying that I was providing the "easy" (but incorrect) answer would have been clearer.

There are no known viruses in the wild that can affect an iOS device at this time.

GB

Chubbywolf wrote:

So my question is say the Wi-Fi network in using would have a virus would my ipad get one when I download a bew software version or any app, song, etc...

Be careful... a compromised WiFi network may be able to intercept and redirect your traffic or serve malicious ads such as those that pop up a message on your iPad "WARNING: Your iPad is INFECTED with a gazillion malware. Please call this number immediately... we are waiting to steal your credit card info." (the last sentence is made up, of course)

I don't care if your device is jailbroken or not, they are all vulnerable if they connect to a rogue WiFi network. Of course the easy answer that's been repeated many times in this discussion is "a non jailbroken iPad can not get malware". iPad doesn't have to get malware if bad guys can easily trick you into calling them by showing a false warning.

Why are you so defensive? If I wanted to dispute your reply, I would've replied to you instead of OP.

I just wanted to leave an impression that users are not entirely immune to attacks. I've seen many users saying "I thought iPad/iPhone can not get malware but why am I seeing a warning my iPad is infected?" They can't tell the difference between getting a real malware infection or a fake (though a rogue WiFi or malicious ads). Telling iOS users "there are no known viruses..." (while it is true as of now provided that the device isn't jailbroken) will leave them an impression that iOS device is immune to attacks. My last sentence in the previous reply confirms that the device does not have to get infected to attack the user.

Correct.

GB