ipod touch do i need anti virus before going online?

[Deleted User]

Sorry if this is a dumb question. Just got an ipod and want to download apps. Am connected by my home WiFi but do I need any anti virus on the ipod to protect me when online? Also which is good? I use AVG on one of my laptops and Kaspersky (via Barclays on the other).
Ta

pupmaster

No you don't and it is not a stupid question if you don't know you just don't know.
Most viruses effect pc users and not things like phones and ipods,although not unheard of is very rare.

[Deleted User]

pupmaster wrote: »

No you don't and it is not a stupid question if you don't know you just don't know.
Most viruses effect pc users and not things like phones and ipods,although not unheard of is very rare.

Cheers that's good to know. I was just being careful as I'll be using it as a 'phone' via skype. Thanks again

waddler_8

pupmaster wrote: »

Most viruses effect pc users and not things like phones....

That could soon change...

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/09/15/android_malware_skyrockets/

"Android is not yet the new Windows for malware but it is going that way at the moment"

thescouselander

So a security software developer is predicting a massive rise in threats to co-incide with the release of it's new product.

Crikey, thats quite a coincidence isn't it?


Probably the best way to defend against this sort of thing is to not do anything stupid like loading apps directly from third parties rather than the usual outlet.

waddler_8

So you don't think that cyber criminals are going to continue to take advantage of the massive financial gains to be made from mobile malware in an even greater capacity?

Are they making it up?

thescouselander

waddler_8 wrote: »

So you don't think that cyber criminals are going to continue to take advantage of the massive financial gains to be made from mobile malware in an even greater capacity?

Are they making it up?

No doubt the threat is real - I just think they are over egging it a bit. In reality I think security software is a poor way to defend against this sort of thing. It's better to develop good habits when downloading stuff to your device.

I cant remember the last time the security software on my Windows setup has intercepted something.

waddler_8

I don't think they are "over egging it". Yes I realise people will be suspicious of their motives, as yes, they do have a product to sell, but haven't we heard it all before with the "it's the antivirus companies that produce the viruses so you'll buy their software" mindset.

Untill it's publicised to those using the devices there is a serious threat then those "good habits" won't develop. How many PC users know all about the threats and yet still have the "bad habits" of clicking all/any links, opening unsolicited email attachments, downloading cracks/warez, visiting (hacked) "safe" sites and then turning off their AV when it reports a problem and wont let them visit, etc...

thescouselander

To quote the linked article

The rise, if realised, could see the number of Android mobile malware samples increasing from 200 now to 12,000 by March 2012.

Where is the evidence for this? I would suggest this is pure speculation being put out to increase fear and improve sales of security software.

I'm not saying people shouldn't buy the software but inflated claims like this make it harder to take informed decisions.

jamespir

ipods dont need av yet but may do in the future

waddler_8

thescouselander wrote: »

I would suggest this is pure speculation being put out to increase fear and improve sales of security software.

People can believe what they want and choose to heed the warnings or ignore them. If they choose to ignore it and suffer financial loss as a result then they only have themselves to blame.

Only time will tell.