i pad question

[Coon]

Do I need to install anti virus protection on this thing or is that not even possible?

[upnorth]

Here is a list of ipad vulnerabilities. I didn't go through the list, but like any other computer is has some vulnerabilities, just not sure AV would protect you or not.

vulnerablities

[Scott K]

I wouldnt worry about it. Like all Apple products, they run pretty safe, and being a portable device, makes it even less likely. I have 3 kids with either an iphone, or ipads, including one myself, and we had them for 4+ years. Never had a virus on any of them.

[Elybound]

My question is if you have never installed any form of Anti-Virus on your system how do you know you never had a virus.

There are a lot of viruses, trojans and keyloggers that are designed to run silently on your system gathering information like passwords while logging into your bank account HSOforum.

Not all viruses are made to slow down or disable your device.

[Scott K]

That is a really good question. I guess I have never noticed anything missing, or my accounts broken into. But maybe they got my password, seen my account, and decided to add money to it, because they felt bad for me

[Elybound]

For the past decade, Apple products were always considered the least vulnerable operating system. It wasn't because they were designed better it was because there were fewer of them. Hackers who created viruses chose of go after the 90% population (PC) vs 10% (Apple). Now with Apples expansion into the mobile world those percentages are much more even. That in turn makes it a target rich environment for hackers. They know Apple users are still believing their systems are invulnerable and not using any protection.

Windows and Android were big targets because people thought they were trying to take over the world. Right now with Apples business practices they are becoming the target.

[upnorth]

There is no doubt that Mac is growing in popularity. And it is true the main reason Windows has had so many attacks is the fact that it is pretty much the most popular OS. But as MAC has gained popularity(Linux too) the hackers have started exploring exploits on them too. Hackers go after what will cause the most disruption for their efforts. Below is a link to the Govt list or vulnerabilities web site, just key in your fav OS and see what has been exploited to date.

Exploits

Almost scary.

[Coon]

I get I think 3 licences when I renew my Nortons...Will I be able to put one of em on my ipod?

[Whoaru99]

Based on a little light reading I don't think it's necessary.

Android is wide open compared to Apple and I have no intention of putting antivirus on my Galaxy Tablet.

[upnorth]

Well I can tell you after sitting in on a few security seminars, a few companies are starting to require any mobile device to have AV of some sort installed on them. It is a common thought that the iphone is more secure than most, but not totally immune.

I will say installing AV on any device will have a performance impact.

[Scott K]

That is a great point upnorth. If you install a AV worth its weight, it will slow the devise down to the point, that it wont be fun to use. The processors built in the smaller devices arent designed to keep a program running and monitoring every move you make, without slowing it down considerably.

[upnorth]

I am sure they are going to have to start thinking of ways to hop up the processors on smartphones as they become more popular, they are going to start getting to be targets for everyone else out there.