Do I need malware protection on my iPad Air 3?

kah22 wrote:

Sorry, I'm not with you when you write 'you cannot download software from websites.' Do you mean that if I come across a program like Duolingo, while just playing around, that I will not be able to download it

Yes that is correct. You cannot download apps from a website. The website may direct you to their app that is available to download using the App Store, but you are not downloading it from the website. The same is true for any other Malicious software. You cannot download it from a website.

The one exception is in the EU where they have allowed third party App Stores. In any other location, it is simply not possible.

No you should not use any of those. They are completely ineffective.

Malware simply means MALicious softWARE. It has less of an impact on an iPhone/iPad since you cannot download software from websites. Concentrate your security efforts by not giving out your account information from phishing emails/messages. You may also see fake ads that pop up on your screen from websites claiming you have a virus or provide a technical support number wanting you to call them to provide your personal information. There is no software that will prevent you from giving out your information, so you will need to be able to recognize these phishing attempts to protect your account.

Recognize and avoid phishing messages, phony support calls, and other scams - Apple Support

There are no true Antivirus Products available for iOS/iPadOS. Those that claim to provide AV protection are little more than “snake oil” - and should generally be avoided. Many are simply a vector to install software that will ultimately cause more issues than it will resolve.

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 - of which "viruses" are only one kind of threat.

Due to the system architecture of iOS/iPadOS, unless jailbroken, your iPad is not susceptible to traditional malware infection per-se. However, as with all computer systems, there are still vulnerabilities and exploits to which you remain vulnerable. 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 optionally be used to significantly reduce your exposure to risk.

Threat Mitigation

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

Use of the above DNS services will help to shield you from “known bad” websites and URLs - and when used alongside 1Blocker, or other reputable Content Blocker, provides defence in depth.

There are advanced techniques to further “harden” iOS/iPadOS (such as using DoH, DoT and DNSSEC). Apple has introduced its 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. 

if you're worried about internet hacking, just use the vpn and you'll be more than protected enough

I would not recommend a VPN service if you are looking for a security solution. VPN's regularly sell your search and website activity to third party vendors for an income stream. This is not what I would expect when a company is telling you that they are providing you security. If you are considering a VPN, view these other Apple Discussions:

Working with VPN - Apple Community

Would a VPN help secure my accounts onlin… - Apple Community

VPN on my iMac - Apple Community

kah22 wrote:

I'm somewhat confused. 

Reading some posts on here it would seem to suggest that there is no call to have an anti malware app on your iPad or iPhone that it is all ready built into Apple software.  However when I look up the internet there are companies there, including the big players offering programs, both free and paid for. What is the answer?  Do I need external programs or not.  Is malware the same as virus

No, you do not need third-party programs. As they can't actually scan your iPhone or iPad, they are mostly just for show and a way to get you to give someone money.

For more information, see this article:

Effective defenses against malware and ot… - Apple Community

Apple uses XProtect automatically in the shadows, among other resources to prevent malware, hacking, etc. you "can" download and use 3rd party software, but it'd be like any other system using two protectors, likely they would cause issues for each other. if you're worried about internet hacking, just use the vpn and you'll be more than protected enough, unless the god of hackers wants YOUR info for some reason. even then, he'll have his work cut out for him.

1. You don't need external programs.

2. Viruses are one type of malware.

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