Prevent your iPhone getting virus

Everyone wants to maximize the use of gadgets that sometimes, one tends to forget some important things. Such is the dilemma that iPhone users are facing today.

There’s no doubt that the Apple iPhone is one of the best modern gadgets to date. Its large display that delivers crisp images and myriads of colors are equipped with a responsive touch interface – these features make it a favorite handheld device for both casual consumers and power phone users. Perhaps the best thing about the iPhone is that applications or “iPhone Apps” can be installed. All you have to do is purchase an application at the Apple Online Store and then install it to your unit. These applications range from games to document reader.

But with the advancement of technology comes a greater risk, which is why iPhone users should give enough attention on their iPhone security, especially if their handsets are “jail broken.”

Actually, the term “jailbreak” means that the handset was “unlocked,” so that users can install custom-made applications from third party developers. These apps are not available on the Apple App Store. They are not officially recognized by Apple. But most users prefer to have their handsets unlocked to maximize its use, not knowing that these could post a lot of problems in the future.

It’s a good thing antivirus softwares like the VirusBarrier X5 can be a potent solution for phone virus and malware issues. Both iPhone and iPod Touch can be at risk so antivirus software is really needed for added protection. All the users have to do is to connect these devices to their Mac (some antivirus software actually works for PC) and scan them using the antivirus software.

Those who download a lot of applications have greater risk of malware and virus infections. It was only recently that the “Ikee” worm virus has spread on iPhones, especially on the jailbroken units that have SSH software installed. A picture of an ‘80s music icon is shown automatically as a wallpaper with a note that states, “Ikee is never gonna give you up” – a pun on Rick Astley’s eponymous 1987 hit, “Never gonna Give You Up.” This is actually iPhone’s first major virus threat and is believed to have originated from Australia.

This worm virus attacks the handset through the SSH software. But the key here is the changing of Apple’s root password. Experts have observed that the virus can only affect the iPhones that still have default root passwords. So to prevent this virus from spreading, users are advised to change their default password in SSH. The first thing they have to do is to install the Mobile Terminal through Cydia. Once installed, they can now run the program. Then type “su root” and press enter. It will prompt you to type in the default password, which is “alpine” (after which, press enter). Then type your new password (type it again to confirm).

Hackers will always find a way to create potent malwares and viruses so caution is necessary. If an application does not come from a reliable source, it’s best not to install it in your unit.

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