Frequent security updates on iOS/iPadOS and need for anti-virus software

I saw in my Amazon account that I have 46 apps logged into my account! Gaa!

I don’t know what that means, but it freaked me out. I also saw that people

are trying to login to my OneDrive account daily. And so I’m looking into both.


In the mean time, I have some questions about viruses/malware on my devices.


I’ve seen/heard over & over that “iOS doesn’t need anti-virus software”.

If that’s true, then why are we getting frequent security updates?


I looked at some AV software providers, to see if they have any function

that allows one virus-scan an individual file (like right-click in Windows

to run Win Defender on the file). I didn’t see any who had such capability.


I just want to be safe. I access crypto funds from my devices.

But with Musk & Palantir and 1000s of scammers setting up spying methods

on us, I worry that my data & funds are not safe.

Am I worrying about things that won’t happen?


Thanks so much!


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: anti-virus needed on iOS/iPadOS?


iPad Air (3rd generation)

Posted on Jul 29, 2025 3:33 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jul 30, 2025 5:06 AM

There are no AntiVirus scanning products for iOS/iPadOS. Due to the sandboxed security architecture, an AV process is unable to scan the filesystem.


Providing that you have not attempted to jailbreak your device - or have bypassed protections by side-loading third-Apps, then it is highly unlikely that your device will have been infected malware. However, as with all computer systems, there are still vulnerabilities and exploits to which you remain vulnerable.


Be wary of an often repeated myth that Apple devices are immune to malware; those that perpetuate this fallacy, perhaps with good intention, do not necessarily comprehend the broader threat landscape. Apple expend considerable resources in developing and issuing regular software security updates and patches for its products; if the myth had any substance, regular security updates would be unnecessary.


Providing that your iPad has been kept up-to-date with system software updates, you should not be overly concerned for your iPad being directly compromised by malware. For older devices, no longer benefiting from regular security updates, the risk of an unpatched vulnerability being exploited increases. Regardless of the installed version of iPadOS, there are useful mitigations that can be used to significantly reduce your exposure to risk.


If you have given your personal details to a malicious website, this may be the cause of attempted fraud. If necessary, change account passwords (including your AppleID Password) if you suspect that they may have been compromised. If you have cause to believe that your AppleID has been compromised, follow the advice outlined here:

If you think your Apple ID has been compromised - Apple Support


If you have exposed your Credit Card details, you may wish to contact the Card Issuer - who may cancel and reissue your Card as a precaution.



Threat Mitigation


Other than malicious websites that will attempt to capture information that you willingly enter, the majority of threats to which you will be invariably exposed will surface via web pages or embedded links within email or other messaging platforms. Browser-based attacks can be largely and successfully mitigated by installing a good Content and Ad-blocking product. One of the most respected within the Apple App Store - designed for iPad, iPhone and Mac - is 1Blocker for Safari.

https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/1blocker-for-safari/id1365531024


1Blocker is highly configurable - and crucially does not rely upon an external proxy-service of dubious provenance, often utilised by so-called AntiVirus products intended for iOS/iPadOS. Instead, all processing by 1Blocker takes place on your device - and contrary to expectations, Safari will run faster and more efficiently.


Unwanted content is not simply filtered after download (a technique used by basic/inferior products), but instead undesirable embedded content is blocked from download. The 1Blocker product has also recently introduced its new “Firewall” functions - that are explicitly designed to block “trackers”. Being implemented at the network-layer, this additional protection works across all Apps. Recent updates to 1Blocker has introduced additional network extensions, extending protection to other Apps.


A further to improve protection from exploits is to use a security focussed DNS Service in preference to automatic DNS settings. This can either be set on a per-device basis in Settings, or can be set-up on your home Router - and in so doing extends the benefit of this specific protection to other devices on your local network. I suggest using one of the following DNS services - for which IPv4 and IPv6 server addresses are listed:


Quad9 (recommended)


9.9.9.9

149.112.112.112

2620:fe::fe

2620:fe::9



OpenDNS


208.67.222.222

208.67.220.220

2620:119:35::35

2620:119:53::53



Cloudflare


1.1.1.1

1.0.0.1

2606:4700:4700::1111

2606:4700:4700::1001



Security focused DNS providers intentionally "sink hole" known bad or malicious websites and resources - this providing an additional layer of protection beyond that provided by your device and its Operating System. These DNS services will, when used alongside 1Blocker or other reputable Content Blocker, provide defence in depth.


There are advanced techniques to further “harden” iOS/iPadOS (such as using DoH, DoT and DNSSEC). Apple has introduced its new Private Relay to its iCloud+ subscribers - in part employing ODoH (a variant of DoH) as an element of this new functionality. If you have subscribed to iCloud+, and have a device capable of running iOS/iPadOS 15.x or later, this feature is included. 

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Frequent security updates on iOS/iPadOS and need for anti-virus software

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