Is there a virus protection available for my iPad? I was recently hacked on my hotmail account & am concerned.

If your iPad isn't Jailbroken, there is no need for a virus scanner.

Apple took the decision to 'sandbox' the programs (apps) in the iPad. This means that apps have only a very limited ability to interact - and this interaction is *absolutely* controlled by the operating system (iOS). So if you tried to write a 'virus' program for the iPad it would have no effect, because it couldn't interact with any other program or the operating system.

That, inevitably, has other consequences and places restrictions on what programs can do. In Windows, for example, applications (programs) can interact and this can be very useful. So some (clever) programmers found a way to 'jail break' the iPad and remove this restriction (effectively 'jailbreaking' means your iPad can 'run' non-Apple approved apps from the Cydia website, where they make such non-approved apps available). They can now run 'unauthorised' apps on the iPad that 'take advantage' of the removal of this restriction. The downside - technically a 'jail broken' iPad could be vunerable to viruses.

But don't worry - a 'regular' (non jail broken) iPad is not vunerable to any 'viruses' that a deviant programmer might write to 'infect' a jail broken iPad. So you need have no worries - if your iPad is not 'jailbroken' it is absolutely safe from viruses.

Basically, if you accept the restrictions that Apple place on your iPad and don't jail break, you're completely safe - a virus cannot 'infect' you.

Additionally, any 'app' that a normal (non-jail broken) iPad can download will have been thoroughly checked and approved by Apple, so could not contain any malevolent code...

OK - I'll get 'hacked' by the iPad 'jail breakers' - sorry for the 'pun' but, basically, you're safe.

Apple have a number of 'white papers' and other documents on their web site that address this issue if you'd like the links...

Tim
Scotland

Jailbroken iPads don't have viruses either. U only have to srry if u installed open ssh and didn't change the default passwords. I've constantly jailbroke my iPad with no issues or viruses messing up my device. This was just a FYI so people don't go thinkn jailbroken iPads get viruses n stuff ;-)

The security of Apple is great too bad my work is still all PC's and I can't get logged on remotely from a Mac or my iPad... Because, I'd seriously consider converting all over if I could...

Pride often comes before a fall. Security is never guaranteed, no matter the device or manufacturer, anyone believing this has a big blue neon sign above their head with hack me written on it. The iPad and Apple products may be relatively secure now, but those that believe this will always be so are, how shall I put this in order not to offend? IDIOTS!

While purchasing an item with your iPad online using Wi-Fi, how safe are you for instance. I'm not using this as an example, I'm genuinely interested to know, I have WPA2 encryption on my router but I know there is software out there that can break it utilising a PC's graphics GPU. The weakest link may not be the iPad or software.

Originally Posted by Gazzaho

Pride often comes before a fall. Security is never guaranteed, no matter the device or manufacturer, anyone believing this has a big blue neon sign above their head with hack me written on it. The iPad and Apple products may be relatively secure now, but those that believe this will always be so are, how shall I put this in order not to offend? IDIOTS!

While purchasing an item with your iPad online using Wi-Fi, how safe are you for instance. I'm not using this as an example, I'm genuinely interested to know, I have WPA2 encryption on my router but I know there is software out there that can break it utilising a PC's graphics GPU. The weakest link may not be the iPad or software.

Great viewpoint! Nothing is full proof. U only can do the best u can with what u got. Stay educated on matters and make logical decisions and choices. U have people breaking into google and the defense department and their security systems blow away's apples. So no device or PC is full proof!

Originally Posted by Gazzaho

The iPad and Apple products may be relatively secure now, but those that believe this will always be so are, how shall I put this in order not to offend? IDIOTS!

Hmmm, obviously doesn't know the impact or meaning of a certain word...

Originally Posted by Demandarin

Jailbroken iPads don't have viruses either. U only have to srry if u installed open ssh and didn't change the default passwords. I've constantly jailbroke my iPad with no issues or viruses messing up my device. This was just a FYI so people don't go thinkn jailbroken iPads get viruses n stuff ;-)

I knew it. I knew just because they are JB, people think they get viruses. I thought that was BS.


But ~

It may not always be the case, JB or not ~ eventually someone will find a way to send viruses to the iPad.

Originally Posted by iPadOhana

Originally Posted by Gazzaho

The iPad and Apple products may be relatively secure now, but those that believe this will always be so are, how shall I put this in order not to offend? IDIOTS!

Hmmm, obviously doesn't know the impact or meaning of a certain word...

Touche'