More users than one thinks wonder how to know if you have a virus on your iPhone or iPad. And it is that in recent times, there are certain web pages that launch pop-ups with the intention of tricking the user into downloading an app or signing up for a paid service to protect their device. In this article we are going to tell you everything you need to know about this topic.
The short explanation: there are no viruses on your iPhone or iPad
This is the short explanation. Under normal conditions, an iPhone or any iOS device cannot have viruses. We understand by virus to:
A software that aims to alter the normal functioning of the computer, without the user’s permission or knowledge. Viruses usually replace executable files with others infected with its code. Viruses can intentionally destroy data stored on a computer, but there are also other more harmless ones that are just annoying.
Under normal conditions, an iPhone or an iPad cannot be infected by a virus
iOS is the operating system of your iPhone or iPad, from which Apple keeps a strict control and security. Among other security measures, Apple employs the sandboxing to isolate processes and apps, preventing system failures, errors and apps from performing unauthorized actions. iOS also has an App Store as the only way to install apps on your devices, a store that is under the direct supervision of Apple: each app is reviewed before being approved. A point that Epic Games has wanted to break through third-party stores, but lost when facing Apple in a recent lawsuit.
That said, your iPhone or iPad is not free from threats 100% virus. No operating system is completely secure.
The long explanation: iOS is not infallible
The security measures created by Apple to prevent viruses from entering your iPhone or iPad they are not perfect. iOS may have bugs still undiscovered and without a solution from Apple, but certain hackers they do know and find out how to exploit for their benefit. These errors are not frequent, since Apple constantly scans its systems looking for them, to correct them as soon as possible.
A well-known example was the Pegasus case several years ago. More than a virus for iPhone, it was a malware or malicious code that takes advantage of this type of errors to gain unauthorized access to certain characteristics and functions of a device, as we said then:
[Pegasus] provides access to cameras, microphones and GPS. But it is also capable of recording activity in messaging chats, video conferences and other means of communication.
In 2015, a series of iOS vulnerabilities exploited to spy on citizens by the Saudi Arabian government were discovered, some errors already corrected by Apple
But you don’t have to worry about this particular failure, because Apple fixed it many years ago with iOS 9.3.5. In the case of apps, there have also been some with dark intentions that have slipped through the filters and reviews of the App Store. Apple reacted quickly with an iOS security update to limit its negative impact as soon as possible. other platforms they are not so easy to correct the problems as in the case of the iPhone and Apple.
What can I do to avoid viruses on my iPhone
If you’re worried about your iPhone or iPad getting infected with a virus or malware, these are the recommendations what can we give you:
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keep your device always updated. iOS updates issued by Apple frequently contain bug fixes and security improvements.
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Avoid doing the jailbreak to your device. The jailbreak it’s getting harder and harder to do, but it allows you to install apps not allowed by Apple on the App Store or download apps without paying for them. But when doing the jailbreak, you also open the door to other security risks that iOS normally protects you from.
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Always avoid opening suspicious links, whether you receive them by email, SMS, iMessage or another way. Messages written with misspellings, in foreign languages or with strange expressions should raise the alarm.
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Another way criminals compromise your devices is to trick you into handing over your passwords. Often by posing as Apple or another provider you trust. NEVER send your passwords over the internet or to someone who asks for them over the phone.
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Set the two factor authentication to increase the security of your Apple ID and other services you use. Here we tell you how to activate it in your Apple account.
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Set up and use Touch ID or Face ID so no one can access your device. Set a 6-digit lock code instead of 4. Many exploit security require physical access to the device.
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Avoid whenever you can connect to unprotected Wi-Fi networks for a password. While on vacation it’s tempting to do so, but you’d be exposing all your network traffic to whoever’s watching it.
Other options such as installing an antivirus app it will only waste your time and money. The ones sold on the App Store as antiviruses actually have features that are already built into your iPhone or iPad, like photo protection, backup, or finding your device when it’s lost.
Horror! I think my iPhone has a virus
The top image is the typical pop up that appears on some dubious (or legitimate) web pages with the intention to deceive you and make you pay for “getting rid” of viruses that don’t exist. Something that is not necessary because the most normal thing is that your device is not infected. Apple explains how to fix this issue on iOS if it becomes persistent:
If the pop-up doesn’t close or reappears, you can tap the smart search field and enter a new URL or search term. You can also close the tab directly: tap and then on that tab.
If your case is different and you think you may have a virus on your iPhone, try the following:
- upgrade your device to the latest version available from Settings > General > Software updates.
- Delete cookies Safari from Settings > Safari > Clear history and website data. This will erase all username and password details you’ve entered in web forms, so you’ll have to enter them again the next time you visit them.
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Update apps to the latest version if you notice strange behavior on your iPhone when you’re in a third-party app. Checking the apps that consume the most battery can give you a clue, go to Settings > Battery to find out.
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One of the most radical options is to restore your iPhone and set it up as a new device. In other words, when you restore it, do not install the last backup you made. You will have to configure every aspect of your iPhone manually.
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And already the way we call thermonuclear is to put the iPhone in DFU mode, to restore it from scratch.
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If you are not sure how to proceed, make an appointment at a AppleStore or Apple Authorized Store.
This is all we can tell you if you were wondering how to know if your iPhone has a virus. For any questions, you can leave us a comment below.