Can iPads get viruses? An iPad security guide

iPads are largely immune to traditional viruses thanks to Apple’s sandboxing and multi-layered security system. However, a determined attacker still has several other ways to compromise your device. If you’re wondering whether sideloading apps is safe or how best to protect your iPad from online threats, keep reading. I’ll reveal signs of a potential iPad malware infection, how to fix the problem, and why iPadOS is so malware-resistant in the first place.

Can iPads get viruses?

Unless you’ve jailbroken your iPad, it’s extremely unlikely that it has a virus. People often complain about Apple’s walled-garden ecosystem, but this is why iPads and iPhones are less vulnerable than other devices. It not only keeps malicious apps out of the store, but limits the damage of any that sneak through. This is done by tightly controlling permissions, limiting inter-app communication, and restricting access to system files.

While this safety-first philosophy prevents most sketchy apps from wreaking havoc, it doesn’t fully prevent all online threats. For instance, you could still install a malicious Safari extension or sideload something nefarious, and phishing is dangerous no matter which device you use. Follow these steps to stay as safe as possible when using your iPad:

• Don’t jailbreak your device or sideload apps. This prevents you from getting automatic security updates and bypasses many of Apple’s built-in protections.
• Enable automatic updates. Apple regularly releases security updates that patch newly discovered vulnerabilities, so running old versions of iPadOS can be risky. To get the latest fixes automatically, navigate to Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic updates, checking Automatically Download and Automatically Install.
• Avoid iPad antivirus apps. iPadOS sandboxes apps so it’s not actually possible to run a typical virus scan. These apps may not be dangerous, but they’re not useful either.
• Set up a passcode. This is a must for anyone looking to protect their tablet or phone. It stops anyone from being able to just pick up and use your iPad – what more can I say?
• Enable two-factor authentication. 2FA makes it harder to break into your accounts since even if your credentials are stolen, it’s impossible to login without a code.
• Use a VPN on public networks. Virtual Private Networks prevent hotspot owners from seeing which sites you visit by encrypting your traffic.

What are the most common iPad threats?

The best defense against iPad malware is education. Because Apple has spent so much time securing its store and hardware, it’s actually easier to compromise the user than the device. With that in mind, I’ll point out some red flags you should be aware of and explain how to get rid of iPad malware just in case it does end up infected.

Phishing

Phishing is when an attacker tries to trick you into providing sensitive data, often payment details or login credentials. Usually, these scams start with an unsolicited email, but there’s also smishing (phishing via SMS text) and vishing (phishing over voice calls). Generally, you’ll be asked to log into one of your accounts to resolve a problem or dispute a fraudulent payment.

However, the login link leads to a fake website that’s virtually identical to the real thing. When you enter your username and password, this information is saved. The attacker can then simply log into your account whenever they like (unless you have two-factor authentication enabled).

So how do you protect yourself? First, treat any alarming, unexpected messages with a degree of skepticism. Second, read up on how to spot a phishing link and what to do if you’ve clicked one. Also, try to avoid opening attachments or clicking links from unsolicited messages.

Malicious browser extensions

If you’re experiencing lots of popups when you’re browsing the internet, you may have installed a browser hijacker. Other warning signs include your homepage and search engine changing on their own and constant redirection. This problem can be resolved by deleting any suspicious Safari extensions, reverting changed settings, and resetting the browser.

To remove a Safari extension: Open Settings, tap Safari, and select Extensions. If you see anything suspicious, type this name in your App Library and hit Delete App.

To reset Safari to defaults: Open Settings, choose Safari, and select Clear History and Website Data.

Malicious MDM profiles

If your workplace issues company devices, you may be familiar with Mobile Device Management (MDM). Essentially, it’s a set of rules that let organizations enforce usage policies. The problem is that if an attacker creates a malicious MDM profile and convinces you to run it, they have a huge amount of control over your device. Here’s what a malicious MDM profile can do:

• Stop you from installing or removing specific apps
• Remote app installation and malware delivery
• Record location, network, and app information (similar to spyware)
• Record your browsing activity by sending your traffic through hacker-owned servers
• Set up proxies, redirect traffic, and install additional certificates
• Lock or wipe your device
• Prevent access to certain websites

Normally, it’s nice and easy to remove an MDM profile. Just open Settings, tap General, then pick VPN & Device Management. Select the profile and hit Remove Management.

Sometimes, you can’t remove an MDM profile. This is because the device was originally owned by an organization using Apple’s automated device enrollment system. Only the organization can delete the MDM profile from your device. For this reason, buying secondhand iPads is a bad idea. Your only options at this point are to seek a refund or take a chance on third-party MDM-removal tools.

Rogue apps

While uncommon, unsafe apps do exist in the Apple Store. If you grant them the appropriate permissions, they can potentially view your photos, contact list, and location data. They may also display fake popups designed to funnel you towards other scammers. If you’ve installed a shady iPad app, delete it as soon as possible, then change any important passwords. Inform your contacts too, in case they receive any suspicious messages.

How to remove viruses and malware from your iPad

Since there’s no way to run a typical virus scan on iPadOS, you’ll have to do things manually. The steps below will help you delete malware and resolve iPad glitches that might be mistaken for more serious issues:

1. Restart your iPad. Fully turn the device off, wait 30 seconds, and reboot. This resolves a surprising number of problems, so it should always be the first thing you try.
2. Remove unfamiliar apps and extensions. If you don’t recognize the app, it probably doesn’t need to be installed. Even if it doesn’t resolve your problem, you’re still freeing up space.
3. Delete MDM profiles. Unless you were given the device by your work, there’s no reason to have an MDM profile set up.
4. Unsubscribe from calendars. If you’re receiving constant spammy calendar notifications, you’ve got an iPad calendar “virus”. To remove it, navigate to Settings > Calendar > Accounts > Subscribed Calendars and delete anything suspicious.
5. Restore your device using an earlier backup. Make sure to check whether you have backups available first, since this will wipe your device. Open Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Erase All Content and Settings. If available, choose Restore from iCloud Backup; otherwise, continue to do a standard factory reset.

How do I tell if my iPad has a virus or malware?

Malware comes in many forms, so there’s no surefire way to know if you’ve been infected. That said, there are several symptoms you should keep an eye out for that could indicate a problem.

Wrapping up

It’s surprisingly difficult to install malware on a properly secured iPad. The good news is that even if you do, iPad malware is usually quite easy to get rid of. Today, we’ve covered the threats you’re most likely to encounter. While it’s not an exhaustive list, you should now have a much better understanding of what you’re up against. More importantly, if you ever experience any of the issues above, you’ll know what to do about it.