[1gynRat258]

Folks,
I have a PC desktop with a Microsoft Windows 7 operating system. For protection against hackers and viruses I use Norton; Norton has been effective in preventing any security breaches on my PC. I also have a Apple I-phone and a Apple I-pad. When I purchased both of these items I was informed that both of these products were hacker proof. Recently however I have been hearing about the need to install antispy ware and other security software on these devices, because hackers have been targeting apple products to attack. When I called the Apple tech support folks I was informed that their protection should be sufficent, but I wanted to check with this forum to get further information about the security of my I-phone and I-pad.

In addition, in the not to distant future, I was planning to replace my Windows computer with a Mac PC. If it is true that a Mac PC can not be hacked like its Windows counterpart, is there any real advantage from a security standpoint in purchasing a Mac PC.

[LiveBrianD]

iPads and iPhones can only run apps approved by Apple, and thus you shouldn't need any antivirus software.

However, that is not the case. They're just as vulnerable as Windows machines, except that the lower market share means that they tend to not be targeted as much. In fact, there has been some malware targeting them.

[smax013]

1gynRat258, on 27 November 2012 - 12:22 PM, said:

Folks,
I have a PC desktop with a Microsoft Windows 7 operating system. For protection against hackers and viruses I use Norton; Norton has been effective in preventing any security breaches on my PC. I also have a Apple I-phone and a Apple I-pad. When I purchased both of these items I was informed that both of these products were hacker proof. Recently however I have been hearing about the need to install antispy ware and other security software on these devices, because hackers have been targeting apple products to attack. When I called the Apple tech support folks I was informed that their protection should be sufficent, but I wanted to check with this forum to get further information about the security of my I-phone and I-pad.

The threat on iOS devices (iPhone, iPad, etc) is pretty minimal. Apple locks down the system pretty well with very little "interaction" between different apps. As a result, it is much tougher to get malware to work on an iOS device. This also means that there really is not any "anti-malware" out there for iOS devices (I did find one app that will scan attachment type files...but it is really more about scanning stuff that might end up on your Windows computer or Mac).

This is not to say that there have not been hacks or vulnerabilities. The reality is that there is not much to worry about and what there is to worry about, there is not much you can do about it other than practice "safe clicking" (i.e. don't click strange links).

Quote

In addition, in the not to distant future, I was planning to replace my Windows computer with a Mac PC. If it is true that a Mac PC can not be hacked like its Windows counterpart, is there any real advantage from a security standpoint in purchasing a Mac PC.

The Mac OS is a different matter. Many Mac "diehards" will still say you don't need anti-virus/malware, but more and more people are realizing this might be foolish since there have been a few actual "attacks". Personally, I run anti-virus/malware on my Macs...and have for as long as I have owned Macs (since the early 90s).

[1gynRat258]

LiveBrianD, on 27 November 2012 - 04:52 PM, said:

iPads and iPhones can only run apps approved by Apple, and thus you shouldn't need any antivirus software.

However, that is not the case. They're just as vulnerable as Windows machines, except that the lower market share means that they tend to not be targeted as much. In fact, there has been some malware targeting them.

I would like to thank both LiveBrianD and Smax013 for their comments I found both replys valueable. Have any of you heard of a company called SpamDrain. It is a Swedish Antivirus software like Norton. I checked out some reviews on Norton concerning this firm, but I would like to check it out further.

Thanks in advance.

[smax013]

1gynRat258, on 30 November 2012 - 02:12 PM, said:

LiveBrianD, on 27 November 2012 - 04:52 PM, said:

iPads and iPhones can only run apps approved by Apple, and thus you shouldn't need any antivirus software.

However, that is not the case. They're just as vulnerable as Windows machines, except that the lower market share means that they tend to not be targeted as much. In fact, there has been some malware targeting them.

I would like to thank both LiveBrianD and Smax013 for their comments I found both replys valueable. Have any of you heard of a company called SpamDrain. It is a Swedish Antivirus software like Norton. I checked out some reviews on Norton concerning this firm, but I would like to check it out further.

Thanks in advance.

SpamDrain is actually a spam filter service, not anti-virus program. It does appear that it will scan for viruses in attachments in your email (and block them if found) while it is "scanning" for spam. But, otherwise does not deal with viruses and other malware.

[1gynRat258]

smax013, on 30 November 2012 - 08:23 PM, said:

1gynRat258, on 30 November 2012 - 02:12 PM, said:

LiveBrianD, on 27 November 2012 - 04:52 PM, said:

iPads and iPhones can only run apps approved by Apple, and thus you shouldn't need any antivirus software.

However, that is not the case. They're just as vulnerable as Windows machines, except that the lower market share means that they tend to not be targeted as much. In fact, there has been some malware targeting them.

I would like to thank both LiveBrianD and Smax013 for their comments I found both replys valueable. Have any of you heard of a company called SpamDrain. It is a Swedish Antivirus software like Norton. I checked out some reviews on Norton concerning this firm, but I would like to check it out further.

Thanks in advance.

SpamDrain is actually a spam filter service, not anti-virus program. It does appear that it will scan for viruses in attachments in your email (and block them if found) while it is "scanning" for spam. But, otherwise does not deal with viruses and other malware.

Once again I would like to think the members of this forum for the help that you have given me. On another note would you think that the SpamDrain a filter service worth considering.

Thanks in advance.

[NoVoice]

may be

[crazy4laptops]

1gynRat258, on 27 November 2012 - 12:22 PM, said:

Folks,
I have a PC desktop with a Microsoft Windows 7 operating system. For protection against hackers and viruses I use Norton; Norton has been effective in preventing any security breaches on my PC. I also have a Apple I-phone and a Apple I-pad. When I purchased both of these items I was informed that both of these products were hacker proof. Recently however I have been hearing about the need to install antispy ware and other security software on these devices, because hackers have been targeting apple products to attack. When I called the Apple tech support folks I was informed that their protection should be sufficent, but I wanted to check with this forum to get further information about the security of my I-phone and I-pad.

In addition, in the not to distant future, I was planning to replace my Windows computer with a Mac PC. If it is true that a Mac PC can not be hacked like its Windows counterpart, is there any real advantage from a security standpoint in purchasing a Mac PC.

If you practice safe browsing habits, keep your system, browser, and plugins updated, the risk of getting hacked or a virus is small. Plus, if you keep good backups you can just erase the device and restore to an earlier point in time before the virus.

Also, if you want a little extra assurance your iPhone/iPad will be safe from rouge apps, download Lookout Mobile Security. It's free and is quite useful.

[jodiety11]

Quote

If you practice safe browsing habits, keep your system, browser, and plugins updated, the risk of getting hacked or a virus is small. Plus, if you keep good backups you can just erase the device and restore to an earlier point in time before the virus.

Also, if you want a little extra assurance your iPhone/iPad will be safe from rouge apps, download Lookout Mobile Security. It's free and is quite useful.

A little confused before. But, action is not simple. Thanks.