The iOS mobile platform is deservedly considered the most secure in terms of hacker attacks. In general, in the entire history of the existence of this operating system, any successful attacks can be counted on the fingers of a hand. The probability that your "apple" gadget will catch the virus is reduced to almost zero, but such an opportunity still exists.
So, let's try to figure out how to check the iPhone for viruses, is this possible in principle, and what is needed for this. We will take into account the most popular gadgets from Apple, that is, models starting from the fourth series (4, 5, 5S, etc.).
How to check iPhone for viruses?
If you look at all the functionality of iOS and related third-party applications, we will not see antivirus programs as such. When you type “antivirus” in your search for the Apple brand store, you’ll see just one installation application that will provide you with mostly anti-spam, and not some kind of protection against hacker attacks.
By and large, any special software that helps, for example, check iPhone 5S for viruses, simply does not exist in the classical sense of this action. That is, here we are talking about ordinary maintenance and cleaning the gadget from all kinds of “garbage” in the form of advertising SMS, banners and other things.
What are the viruses on iOS?
A very small number of malware that can be found on this platform are conditionally divided into several types. If you find the active signs described below, it means that your device is most likely infected. Before you check your iPhone for viruses, first we characterize the threats.
Types of malicious code:
- Harmless. Here we have something unpleasant, but not fearsome for the operating system, like the old virus that periodically displayed the Shoes message on the main screen in a chaotic manner or, for example, at one time very annoying WireLurker, spamming comics all over the desktop.
- SMS Malicious code is distributed via SMS. This virus, in fact, is not such, because it does not steal information and does not spam, but simply loads the system until brakes and freezes appear.
- Banners One of the most common problems of a modern user. It is embedded in the built-in browser and begins to "distribute" advertising materials (most often 18+).
- "Thief". This code steals user confidential information, starting from numbers in the notebook and ending with credit card information. Such viruses are usually written for a specific category of individuals and commercial organizations. An example is the case with IGN Bank.
If you are faced with the first three species, then there is nothing wrong with that. There is a special software (list below) that quite successfully fights these problems. With the last paragraph, things are somewhat more complicated, and removing it is not so simple. Keep this in mind before you check your iPhone for viruses.
How to remove malicious code?
Indeed, a “quality” virus is virtually impossible to remove from the system. All kinds of Kaspersky and Avira will not help here. The fact is that the "apple" operating system simply does not allow antiviruses to fully integrate into their internal system space.
Any attempt to hack a gadget on iOS, as well as the theft of information through proprietary applications, is a rather significant event for the company. Online service without your knowledge “takes a pencil” this vulnerability, after which the company almost immediately closes the “hole”, releasing an emergency update. The same applies to desktop viruses, so keep this in mind before you check your iPhone for viruses through your computer.
Antivirus applications
As for the more harmless code, you can cope with it on your own using one of the utilities described below.
IOS gadget security apps:
- Lookout Mobile Security.
- McAffe.
- Norton.
- Avira
- VirusBarrier.
All this software can be safely downloaded in the company "apple" store. All utilities have passed the appropriate testing and will have virtually no effect on your daily work with the iPhone. Applications do not require any specific knowledge, they are simple and intuitive. All functionality, as a rule, comes down to one single button - “Enable” (and forget).
Well, if you are faced with something out of the ordinary and don’t know what to do, then the surest way is to contact technical support, since they respond instantly to the issue of malicious code. Also keep this in mind before you check your iPhone for viruses.