Can iPads Get Viruses From The Internet? (Podcast)
The Apple group is the creators of the iPad. This company sets high standards, creating electronic appliances and communicative devices.
When such high standards are set, what is been created must meet expectations. The creation must be such as to silence your critiques and bring satisfaction to those that are in your corner.
As such, Apple did rise to the challenges and install their devices with the best safety features available. Highly evolved features that protect your iPad from threats like internet viruses.
As an iPad owner, you will and can with all confidence answer this question “Can iPads get viruses from the internet” with a big, bold “No” iPads cannot get viruses from the internet. However, there are risks from malware resulting from apps and fake ads, etc.
Most computer viruses are created to copy themselves, allowing them to spread to different applications. The safety measures used by Apple are compartmentalized – known as iOS it’s created to divide apps blocking viruses from infiltrating and messing up other systems.
“Can iPads Get Viruses From The Internet?” The answer is no, but malware is still a threat
Even though there are no known viruses able to attack your iPad, there are other threads you need to be aware of. There are threats such as adware, malware, and spyware. They can possibly get onto your iPad through fake ads, attachments, and phishing attacks.
iPad Malware
Also called harmful software, they can do a lot of damage when embedded in an app. It is possible to fool you into giving up sensitive information like your password or your bank details, even your credit card details by letting you believe in the authenticity of the app they use.
iPad apps are available only from the Apple play store and with Apple’s safety consciousness every gets first evaluated before being allowed in the Apple play store.
There are Mac OS scans these apps get subjected to before opening them the first time. These scans ensure there’s no modification being done to it after coming from the app’s creators.
However, it pays to be cautious. Avoid sharing your sensitive information on apps. Only do it, if you have a reason to do it. Always’s invest in a good security app, to help keep your iPad safe.
iPad Adware Scams
This type of malware can track your browser use, and check on your download history. At the end of the day, it’s able to predict your interest.
The scammers will then create fake ads, targeting your interests, and then swamp your device with those fake ads. If you see such ads on your iPad then it could be that you have adware on your iPad. Rest assured getting rid of the fake ads is easy. This type of virus usually embeds itself on your web cache, simply clear your web history and data.
Follow this advice
- Open settings
- Press on “Safari”
- Press on “Clear history and website data”
- Corroborate by pressing “Clear”
iPad Spyware
This is malware that penetrates or causes injury to your devices. Most times this happens without your knowledge.
Read here what they are capable of:
- It collects sensitive information and passes it on to advertisers, data collectors, and other outside users.
- Watches everything happening on your device, search history, downloads, and chats.
- Camouflage it as a legitimate program, known by the name Trojan horse. Scammers use it to get your information.
Though not as active on iOS, it may still be able to penetrate your device through a file download from an unreliable source, or an email attachment that’s not authentic.
If you find your iPad reacts slowly to commands, crashes for no apparent reason, hard drive space gets depleted, and there are jack-of-the-box pop-ups, beware it could be spyware on your device. Call Apple’s customer support for help.
iPad Phishing
Phishing fools you into giving up sensitive information beneficial to be used by scammers. With it, scammers can gain access to your accounts and finances.
If you use an iPad it may occur through phishing emails and ad pop-ups. These hackers use clever tactics in freeing you of information such as your bank account details, or bank card number, or even your social security number. Read on to know the signs used by these scammers.
- The conveyed messages sent by these scammers spell out the urgency of a problem. They usually want direct action.
- They use bad grammar or spelling right through the message.
- They always want you to confirm personal details, or open an attachment, a link, or give sensitive information.
You must know the Common Indicator of a Phishing Attempt so that you can quickly recognize that someone is trying to spam you through email.
What to do?: Close the browser, clear the web cache, and refresh the iPad(reboot). You can also call Apple’s customer support and report the incident while asking for help.
How Do iPads Get Malware?
Apple evaluates each app and certifies it is good for download and installation on one of their devices before placing it in the Apple app store. Some malicious apps although it’s rare slip through this screening process, however, Apple usually finds them and removes them.
Jailbreaking of iPhone: It’s another way that’s also used by scammers. It’s when restrictions get removed from iOS and Apple products. Jailbreaking as it’s called is when Apple product users fix their devices to install applications or other software not certified for use by Apple. If an iPad user does this he paves the way for malware leaving a door open for hackers.
Avoid uncertified programs for iPad to safeguard your device from malware.
Usually, iPads can not get viruses from the internet i.e. it’s not easy for an iPad to pick up malware but it’s good advice to keep your device safe.
Scammers always evolve new way’s to get access to devices. Read about these few actions you can take for the safekeeping of your device.
iPad Software Update
- Apple quickly fixes leaks in their operating system, so the best way to protect your devices is by getting you security updates regularly. This will show you how to download and run the latest versions.
- Open settings
- Press on “General”
- Press “Software update”
- Run update and allow “Automatic Updates”
Always back up your files. Use an external hard drive or iCloud storage. The reason is that if malware gets on your device, you may need to restore your device to factory settings, and for this, you need to erase all data
Steer Clear of Jailbreaking Your iPad
Jailbreaking skips Apple’s security measures thus leaving your device open to malware from other applications. It’s stupid to want to mess with Apple’s security measures which are there for your device’s safety, benefitting you also. Try to get and use a VPN while on the internet, it will make it harder for scammers to access your connection.
Use The Feature “Find My iPad”
This is a built-in feature, that uses GPS to track your device if it’s stolen or lost. The feature ‘Mark as lost’ enables you to lock and erase content remotely.
It’s also able to customize a message with your phone number to contact you if someone wants to return your lost device.
When deciding to sell or give away, first turn the “Find My iPad” feature off. Then reset to factory default. You may do it also when you take it for repairs.
Here is how it’s done:
- Open settings
- Click in your name-top of the screen
- Press “iCloud”
- Press “Find My iPad”
- Switch the “Find My iPad” button to green or red, whichever you want to activate.
Use a Passcode To Lock Your iPad
Get a passcode secure feature on the iPad. This makes it tough for a thief to get into your iPad or even when it’s lost. Follow this information to open the feature.
- Open settings
- Move to “Face ID & Passcode”
- Press “Turn on Passcode”
Get a Lock Screen For Extra Security
If Siri and notifications from the lock screen are not disabled anyone can use Siri on your iPad. Here is how to disable it.
- Open Settings
- Press “Touch ID & Passcode”
- At “Allow access when locked” turn off Siri and others.
Conclusion:
Though a virus can’t copy itself and worm into your iPad apps, malware still can get into your device and it can lead to chaos and destruction.
Your device will stay healthy and safe if you can spot Phishing attempts and not react to them, make use of Apple’s built-in security measures, and update your security software regularly.
If you do this you would be able to answer the question “Can iPads get viruses from the internet” with a resounding “No” it can not. Mine did not have any virus.
