Spyware/Malware/Viruses on the iPhone?

[jparker402]

Saw an article on the Microsoft News site (on my iPhone app) about antivirus software for the iPhone. Had never looked into it, so I started browsing here and on the internet. Also looked and saw that there are antivirus apps in the iPhone App store. All I got was confused! Can't find much on Macrumors about it; everything seems to go to a Mac instead of an iPhone issue. Are there real concerns for spyware or malware or viruses on the iPhone? What would be good steps to take to prevent an "infection"? Any suggested apps?

 

[Superspeed500]

The best way to prevent viruses is to be careful when installing new apps imo. There have been some incidents of iOS "Viruses", but they are extremly rare. No need to install an anti-virus app. Having anti-virus apps on non-Windows devices usually have one purpose; Protecting your Windows-Pcs.

 

[Apple_Robert]

The best way to prevent viruses is to be careful when installing new apps imo. There have been some incidents of iOS "Viruses", but they are extremly rare. No need to install an anti-virus app. Having anti-virus apps on non-Windows devices usually have one purpose; Protecting your Windows-Pcs.

Malware (which you linked to) is not the same thing as a virus.

 

[jparker402]

Malware (which you linked to) is not the same thing as a virus.

I understand that. Reason I included virus alone with malware and spyware was that the article I read talked about all three together and recommended apps for all three. Gave the impression that all three could become a problem.

 

[Ulenspiegel]

Malware, short for “malicious software” is an umbrella term.

"Malware is considered an annoying or harmful type of software intended to secretly access a device without the user's knowledge. Types of malware include spyware, adware, phishing, viruses, trojan horses, worms, rootkits, ransomware and browser hijackers."
(Source)

"Malware refers to a variety of forms of hostile or intrusive software, including computer viruses, worms, trojan horses, ransomware, spyware, adware, scareware, and other malicious programs".
(Source)

 

[oldhifi]

On my Verizon phone it has a Verizon security app

 

[Minorite]

From what I've seen so far most "antivirus/security software" for iOS are just backup/filevault solutions, nothing similar to antivirus in terms of Windows or Android. It's technically not possible for them to work due to sandbox.