Antivirus, Apple, Enterprise, Internet Security, iPhone, Mobile, OS X

Do I need an antivirus for iPhone?

Most people are made to believe that all computing devices need to have antivirus software, regardless of the operating system…

Most people are made to believe that all computing devices need to have antivirus software, regardless of the operating system they are running on. Most of us know what the security risks associated with these types of devices are (you can click here to refresh your memory should you need to), and how we should go about minimizing them. Apple’s mobile devices are powered by iOS, one of the most advanced and secure systems you may come across. Even though it’s well known your computing device can be susceptible to a virus attack, and we will more often than not find ourselves checking out places like iGeek Tech Repair in Sacramento to fix the issue, many security firms now offer antivirus for iPhone too to safeguard your devices. But the question is, do we really need one?

How is iOS different than other mobile platforms like Android?

Unlike Apple, Google has provided a lot more flexibility to its users when it comes to installing applications on their devices. Though by default, an Android device restricts its owner from installing files from unknown sources, this can be changed almost effortlessly through the device’s settings. While this has allowed users and developers have a lot more versatility when it comes to installing and building software, it left a void in the system for cyber criminals to exploit.

The case is not the same with iOS, however. Apple doesn’t provide its iPhone, iPod or iPad users with this feature, limiting them to mostly the App Store. Certainly, hackers and exploiters have got their hands on having root access to iOS, a privilege of removing restrictions imposed by Apple, this, however, is something users wouldn’t be encouraged to proceed with as it voids Apple’s warranty for the device. In addition, Apple keeps updating its iOS from time to time keeping in mind to fix the exploit.
 

Apple doesn’t really allow any Antivirus to function like it normally would:

According to Rich Mogull, analyst and CEO of Securosis, a security firm – security software are designed for latching on to hooks to have deep access to the operating system. This allows them to monitor if a threat persists. However, this creates a potential exposure for the software itself to become a target. All that is required by cybercriminals is to find a loophole in a sloppily designed antivirus. Hence, Apple kept in mind to design iOS such, that no software would have the possibility of grappling on to these hooks.

On the other hand though, founder and CEO of security firm Kaspersky Lab, Eugene Kaspersky has warned Apple that sooner or later iOS would become a target of malicious attacks. And when that happens, it could seriously bring down the reputation of the company, giving an advantage to other mobile platforms.

For the time being though, iOS’s security model of having a strong wall between its apps and operating system seems to work just fine.
 

Then, what about the antivirus for iPhone that are available?

Apple itself promises its users that their devices are well secured and officially bans all antivirus apps, revealing them to be spam aimed at generating money from uninformed owners. At the same time, an antivirus app search in the store would reveal that there are enough of them there. These, however, are designed to provide privacy and security from thefts more than to defend potential system threats as claimed by most. The last thing home users would want to happen is have their iPhones or iPads stolen or their data mishandled.

Apps like Find My iPhone, Avira Mobile Security, McAfee Security, Norton Mobile Security take care exactly of that. They allow owners to wipe their device if it falls into the wrong hands. Bitdefender Mobile Security works similarly, also alerting users if their accounts ever get breached. Citrix Secure Web claims to protect users from malicious websites and phishing attacks. While that sounds impressive, the iOS’s default explorer, Safari is well capable of handling that itself. Notice that these software firms refrain from using the term ‘antivirus’ in their app’s name like they do in their desktop counterparts? You guessed it right – that’s because they were never designed to protect phones and tablets from viruses, but rather, from data thefts!
 

How do I protect my device if it has been jailbroken?

While ‘jailbreaking’ has exposed that the iOS is not entirely fool-proof, the system software is still remarkably secure and stable. Unlike on the Android, malware hasn’t yet been able to find their way to the operating system through software from third-party sources. However, since Apple doesn’t take any responsibility for a jailbroken device, taking a few precautions might be a good idea.

Say No to Piracy:
It is always better to stay away from pirated software. As has been the case with Android, developers of third-party apps get paid to generate traffic through their software. Though, third-party software is unlikely to affect the performance of an iOS device as much as an Android device, taking a precaution is still always better than having to cure.

Secure your jailbroken iDevice by changing the root password:
As of today’s date, there have been two exploits discovered that are aimed at a jailbroken device and both of them try to access its administrator account, popularly known as ‘root’. However, securing it by changing the root password is relatively easy. A Google Search would give you tons of results on how to do that. Since by default iPhone restricts enabling root access, these exploits are only possible on a rooted/jailbroken device.
 

Keep your device updated:

You may have heard news about the flaw in iPhone’s Wi-Fi chip or how an iCloud is capable of holding a device as hostage. Apple might have security exploits from time to time but it keeps a track of everything so closely that the latest iOS update includes all the fixes. Of course, there isn’t a need of immediately updating the device as some updates initially might be less stable than one would anticipate.
 

Conclusion

In summary antivirus for iPhone is not needed or even realistically available. The multiple pieces of security software available for iPhone are still useful, however. Having the ability to track your device or wipe it remotely in the event of loss or theft is essential for the majority of iPhone users. The biggest security threat to iPhone users isn’t virus or malware, it is from general internet security threats as shown in our article – What internet security threats to look out for in 2018?

Be the first to write a comment.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Apple

Bitcoin Grapples with $100K as Rally on Trump’s Crypto-Positive Comment Fizzles

Markets Share Share this article Copy link X icon X (Twitter) LinkedIn Facebook Email Bitcoin Grapples with $100K

Markets

Share this article

X iconX (Twitter)LinkedInFacebookEmail

Bitcoin Grapples with $100K

Read More

Continue Reading
Apple

WhiteBIT and Visa launch crypto debit card with cashback

The WhiteBIT Nova card allows EU users to spend crypto directly with no conversions. The debit card offers up to 10% BTC/WBT cashback with customizable daily spending categories. Backed by Visa, the debit card supports Apple Pay, with €10K daily and €25K monthly limits. WhiteBIT, one of Europe’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges and a partner of


  • The WhiteBIT Nova card allows EU users to spend crypto directly with no conversions.
  • The debit card offers up to 10% BTC/WBT cashback with customizable daily spending categories.
  • Backed by Visa, the debit card supports Apple Pay, with €10K daily and €25K monthly limits.

WhiteBIT, one of Europe’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges and a partner of FC Barcelona, FC Trabzonspor, ESL Faceit, and Visa, has introduced the WhiteBIT Nova, a debit card with cashback rewards in collaboration with Visa.

The debit card will allow European Union (EU) residents to seamlessly integrate cryptocurrencies into their everyday spending, offering a practical and rewarding way to utilize digital assets.

The WhiteBIT Nova card features

Issued by Wallester AS, a leading card issuing platform in Europe, the WhiteBIT Nova card is backed by Visa’s global network. This partnership not only provides extensive acceptance worldwide but also integrates with Apple Pay, allowing for secure and contactless payments.

The card’s daily spending limit is set at 10,000 EUR equivalent, with a monthly limit of 25,000 EUR, offering flexibility for users who wish to use their digital assets in more substantial transactions.

Unlike traditional bank cards, the WhiteBIT Nova card requires no initial deposit to activate, and there are no fees for opening or closing the card. The card can be used both as a digital version, available instantly through the WhiteBIT app and as a physical card, which is delivered within 10 business days for a fee of up to €10.

This flexibility allows users to choose between immediate convenience and traditional card use.

Another of the standout features of the WhiteBIT Nova card is its support for multiple cryptocurrencies, including USDC, BTC, ETH, XRP, SOL, NEAR, ADA, AVAX, WBT, and DOGE. This enables users to spend a wide range of digital assets directly, without the need for conversions.

Furthermore, the card offers up to 10% cashback as a standard feature, paid in Bitcoin (BTC) or WhiteBIT Coin (WBT).

Users can select cashback categories like groceries (1%), food/restaurants (3%), medicine (3%), taxi (3%), pet supplies (5%), and subscriptions (10%). They can adjust these categories daily, allowing them to maximize their rewards based on their spending habits.

Read More

Continue Reading
Internet Security

The potential US TikTok ban — and what’s at stake | Clay Shirky

The clock is ticking on social media giant TikTok, which faces a nationwide ban in the United States unless its parent company, ByteDance, sells it by January 19. Social media theorist Clay Shirky unpacks why the US is trying to ban TikTok, what it means for the app’s users and creators and the implications for

The clock is ticking on social media giant TikTok, which faces a nationwide ban in the United States unless its parent company, ByteDance, sells it by January 19. Social media theorist Clay Shirky unpacks why the US is trying to ban TikTok, what it means for the app’s users and creators and the implications for national security…
Read More

Continue Reading
Enterprise

Everstake Achieves Vital Staking Certification With Ethereum Staking Growing by 74%

The SOC 2 certification ensures enterprise-level protection for every staked crypto against rising cyber threats during the crypto market’s bullish cycle. Everstake Strengthens Web3 Security With SOC 2 Certification Everstake, a blockchain staking provider has successfully obtained the SOC 2 Type 1 certification, reinforcing its commitment to top-tier security and privacy standards…

The SOC 2 certification ensures enterprise-level protection for every staked crypto against rising cyber threats during the crypto market’s bullish cycle. Everstake Strengthens Web3 Security With SOC 2 Certification Everstake, a blockchain staking provider has successfully obtained the SOC 2 Type 1 certification, reinforcing its commitment to top-tier security and privacy standards…
Read More

Continue Reading