Can iPhone get viruses? Explained everything!
In the recurring discussion about which operating system is better, Android or iOS? The so called Apple disciples always argue that viruses are as good as impossible on the iPhone. Apple itself also seems to hold this opinion. Let’s see can iPhone get viruses or not.
After all, there are hardly any virus scanners available for download in the App Store. The 100% secure iPhone myth is also widespread among the general public.
But how safe are the iPhones with their iOS system? Do viruses and other malware really have no chance? We get to the bottom of the myth and check how much damage a virus can do to the iPhone or not.
Define and classify a virus
Nowadays, the term virus is mistakenly used as an umbrella term for all types of malwares. However, only a small part of the malware in circulation can call a virus. In fact, a virus on the iPhone is a tiny malicious program that can get stuck in a file and spread with its help. Incidentally, the term virus comes from Latin and means slime or poison.
To cause sensitive damage, therefore dependent on carriers. Malware is more appropriate as an umbrella term for malware. This includes, for example, adware and Trojans.
Apple considers virus scanners unnecessary
Just search for virus scanners in the App Store on your iPhone. The result of the search will be pretty meager. After all, there have been no virus scanners available for download in the App Store since 2015.
You will only find some protection programs from well-known companies like Kaspersky or Norton there. However, these programs include functions and features that the iOS system and the majority of mail apps already provide anyway.
These include theft protection and protection against phishing, i.e., attempts to obtain your data via fake websites, emails, or short messages, thus committing identity theft.
Can iPhone get viruses? Argument Sandbox.
Apple also underlines and supports its view that no virus scanners are necessary with facts. The fact is that so called sandbox was developed especially for iOS. Apps run in this sandbox and can only decrypt, read and save local files on the device within the sandbox.
So, if an app contains malware, it can only do extremely little with it. This would also mean that virus scanners cannot access other apps to scan them for malware. Virus scanners are therefore of little use on iPhones.
Furthermore, it should note that the iOS operating system is already good at protecting itself from viruses. Even clear supporters of Android have to acknowledge this.
An iOS virus stands out
Along with Google and Facebook, Apple is the tech giant that the general public pays the most attention to and is thus frequently in the news. This increases the security of your iPhone for you users.
If a virus on the iPhone or other malware enter into the iOS system through security holes, it is most likely to be the number one topic on the tech pages of the media no later than two days later.
Moreover, you can recognize such a case yourself. Because infiltrated malware reduces the performance and battery power of your iOS device.
Enjoying this article on iPhone get viruses? You might also interested to read in Screen Mirroring: Connect your Smartphone to TV
Closed system and app store control
If you look at discussions about the best operating system again, you will find that opponents of Apple keep using the closed iOS system as an argument. Proponents of Apple also do this because the system was able to establish certain security standards.
Every app first needs your permission to access system functions such as cameras or location services. In addition, apps can usually only be installed via the app store. This measure offers a certain level of security. The system has been able to establish certain security standards this way.
History of iPhone malware
Therefore, it can state that Apple’s iOS system is quite a bit ahead of Android and Windows in terms of security. Nevertheless, iPhones are not completely immune to malicious intruders. In the past, malware could get onto Apple devices from time to time.
The most prominent example is the Pegasus spyware. It was discovered in 2016 and, among other things, performed a hidden jailbreak. To do this, the malware used a flaw in the memory management of the iOS kernel.
This allowed Pegasus to eavesdrop on Messenger communications, copy contacts completely, and access all photos and documents, for example. Ten days after Apple was informed about the security vulnerabilities, the company provided an update that fixed the errors and closed the gaps.
Jailbreak in security risk
A jailbreak changes the entire security structure of the iPhone. This is because it consistently undermines all the security mechanisms of the iOS operating system. Moreover, it is not ensured that the software needed for a jailbreak is free of malware.
This is because this software is not thoroughly checked or not checked at all. If you have jailbroken your iPhone, you cannot always install the latest software versions right away. This represents another security risk.
Nevertheless, it remains to be said that the iOS system in its original state, i.e., without a jailbreak, hardly offers any opportunities for malware to cause major damage. Thus, Apple’s claim is largely correct.
Can iPhone get viruses through cloud services?
More and more iPhone users are using cloud services. They offer a number of advantages, such as easy file sharing. However, malware is also at risk of getting onto your device with the files.
This is because the respective cloud services do not check the files. With the support of apps like Lookout, you can minimize the dangers regarding cloud services.
Conclusion: Dangers from rip-offs and phishing
It should be noted: viruses do not pose a major threat to your iPhone. Apple ensures this with its closed system and the checking and verification of apps. Although vulnerabilities and security gaps have been disclosed from time to time, Apple has always fixed them quickly due to public pressure.
That is why virus scanners are not necessary. However, you cannot simply fix some problems with an update and against which Apple has not yet found an effective recipe. These include fake sweepstakes, rip-offs through callbacks, phishing attempts, and adware.
As a result, your contact data or bank details fall into the wrong hands, a few minutes in the queue cost you a small fortune, and you download apps that only annoy you with annoying ads. Only rational thinking and your common sense will help here.
You can also read these articles:
