When your iPhone can fit the entire world in your hand – every social network, every app, thousands of different memories in photo and video form – it can seem all-powerful! To most, the thought of defending your iPhone against malware and malicious cyber-attackers doesn’t occur, because they seem like such an adept, efficient and well-protected technology. Unfortunately, this isn’t always true.
In a significant event back in 2015, XcodeGhost malware, which infected thousands of apps from the App Store, compromised around 18 million iPhone users in the US alone. Though technology has evolved since, and Apple is continually patching exploits and developing new security protocols, cyber-attacks and malicious programming have followed suit, changing just as rapidly.
To date, as with anyone who accesses the internet, where they may accidentally click on a link or a phishing email they aren’t supposed to, iPhones remain susceptible to malware in all its forms – viruses, worms, Trojans, adware, spyware and more. The best way to nip these invasive digital threats in the bud is through an AntiVirus for iPhone, which we will explain below.
What Does an iPhone AntiVirus Actually do?
The main function of antivirus software for an iPhone is to prevent, target and eliminate any threats from malware before your sensitive data is compromised. Many iPhone users shy away from the purchase, however, because an iPhone’s iOS system is widely understood to already be programmed with a number of built-in security features and app review processes designed to fend off cyber-attacks, or dissuade attackers from using them.
Nevertheless, as we’ve established, these features are not infallible, and additional antivirus software is highly recommended for more robust protection. And, a reputable iPhone antivirus could do plenty more than protect against malware.
For example, here’s what an iPhone antivirus could actually do, beyond eliminating malware:
- Scan for Malicious Software – Some iPhone antivirus systems can provide real-time scanning for the patterns of malicious software, known and unknown. If any suspicious files are found, or, more commonly, suspicious apps, the iPhone antivirus will promptly alert you and provide a solution.
- Protect against Phishing Scams – Phishing scams can be hidden in everything from your emails and texts to the URLs you click on. An AntiVirus for iPhone can protect against these phishing scams by warning you, and sometimes, by blocking your access to the suspicious link.
Enforce Safe - Browsing – Browsing and making purchases online should be stress-free, all of the time. An iPhone antivirus takes the worry out of browsing with a remit of safe browsing features, intervening before you access a harmful website.
- WiFi Security – When you’re in public, a range of different WiFi networks become available to you – the neighbors’, or even the nearest coffee shop. Not all of these WiFi networks are safe. Some networks have vulnerabilities that can be easily exploited by cyber-attackers. Fortunately, an iPhone AntiVirus can warn you about unsecured networks before you join, and can even alert you to potential data breaches.
- Device Optimisation – Some antivirus applications for iPhones can enhance the performance of your device by clearing out old or unnecessary files, and boosting the memory of your mobile. This might be a rare feature, but it does exist, and proves very useful!
- VPN Services – Another rare but practical feature of an iPhone antivirus, VPN Services can protect your privacy online and when connecting to WiFi by obscuring your current location.
How to Choose an iPhone AntiVirus for your mobile
Usually, we would recommend investing in iolo’s antivirus software to protect your technology! The System Shield is tried-and-tested, with customer recommendations that speak highly to its effectiveness against malware. Unfortunately, System Shield is not suitable for iPhones. This software is better for your Windows PC, as Apple products are not eligible. Though, as we will explain at the end of this article, this doesn’t mean that iolo can’t help you!
With the absence of an iolo antivirus option, there is a simple set of criteria you can follow to choose the right iPhone AntiVirus for your mobile. For example, you should consider:
Where the antivirus app comes from: Because most antivirus software is available in app form for iPhones, do you know where the app comes from? Is your iPhone AntiVirus made by a legitimate developer with a long history? If not, tread carefully.
- What Built-In Security Features you already have: An iOS system does have several built-in security features already, like Face ID, encrypted messaging and in-depth app reviews. We recommend considering an iPhone antivirus that can enhance these existing features with features of its own, like a secure VPN or real-time scanning system.
- Which antivirus has the most certified reviews: Customer testimonials say it all. If an antivirus app has a number of certifiably real, highly-rated reviews, it’s probably a great app to go for! Whilst we urge you to come to your own conclusions about the AntiVirus software you use, advice from industry experts or previous users is invaluable.
- Any Extra, Appealing Features – Does your antivirus app offer safe browsing or WiFi protection? Perhaps it even has features to protect your sensitive photos, videos or messages. If so, consider whether these extra features are useful and appealing to you.
- The Impact on Your Device – Your antivirus is supposed to enhance your iPhone, not slow it down. Make sure it doesn’t drain your device’s battery, or carry out too many lengthy background processes.
- Avoid Requests for Sensitive Data – If an antivirus app is pressuring you with requests for sensitive data, or excessive permissions to the inner-workings of your iPhone, we don’t recommend installing it. Though many iPhone users don’t, it’s always important to comb through an app’s privacy policy with the utmost care, so you understand how your data will be used
Reach Out to iolo for More Information, Today
While iolo’s antivirus software, System Shield, cannot be implemented for iPhones, that does not mean iolo cannot assist you. For more information about iolo’s 24/7 Live Chat technical service that can easily guide you through the complex challenges of malware and virus removal for an iPhone, reach out to a member of the iolo team through mobile, email, or online chat.
We look forward to hearing from you, and lending a hand. The digital landscape can be more intimidating than you might think, and viruses difficult to combat alone. Through the expert 24/7 technical and repair service, iolo removes all the stress that can come with operating a PC, so you can browse freely online.
