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.

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!

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

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.

Touche'

Oh dear, I made a boo-boo.

It is not that the iOs device is immune to exploits. Web, mail or SMS has acted as efficient actack vectors and iOs has been compromised succesfully at least few times. The upside in the past was a rather small use base relative terms. That being said the motivation for mall ware is resing with the growing user base.

Apple is very aware of the importance of securing their platform. Recently they hired former NSA security expert David Rice. Whom previusly has critiqued apples security.

This walled garden looks to have adequate security for the moment and it appears that this will continue in the future.

If iPad isn't Jailbroken,than you should not get worry for a virus scanner.

As stated b4...lol..jail broken iPads aren't any more susceptible to viruses thn regular ones. As stated b4 :-/ it's about the apps. If u jailbrake n install something without researching exactly what it does, then it's on u. It's only if u install open ssh into iPad and don't change the default password. My iPad been jail broken for almost a year now with now negative effects, only benefits.

Need clarification

I am very new to Ipad and computers as well (see name). So if someone could please explain, how do you research apps and make sure they are ok and what does it mean to "install an open ssh and not change the password?" Thanks.

Apps aside, what about going on the Internet with Safari? Can't you go to a website and pickup a virus onto your IPad from there?

If you have jail broken your iPad you will be on your own to research any app not downloaded from the Apple App Store.

App Store apps are safe.

-t

Not unless you jail break.

You cannot install apps from a website onto your standard iPad except for web apps that actually run in Safari. These cannot actually interact with your iPad in a way a virus needs to

There has only been one known web related PDF file exploit and that was plugged within days of being identified.

The only iPads being infected by malware according to Symantec have also been jail broken.

-t

This thread is closed. Asked and answered. OP has not returned to this thread for 7 months.

Thanks, Folks!