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Resolved Question

The first Ipad virus?

Jan 17, 2012 1:41AM PST

<span id="INSERTION_MARKER">I downloaded an app from Apple Store in our Ipad2. <span>

<span>This app was intended to check Hotmail from an Icon, instead of browse to www.hotmail.com in Safari.
<span>

<span>The application downloaded without issue, installed and I was able to check email.
<span>

<span>Slow, I don't like it. App was removed in a minute.
<span>

<span>5 minutes later, I received an email in my company corporate email from my hotmail account with spam data. My wife received another spam email from my hotmail account as well.
<span>

<span>I inmediately changed my hotmail password and notice in the sent items folder tons of emails this Ipad app sent to all my hotmail contacts.
<span>

<span>Is this a virus? How Apple allow this in the Apple Store? I supose Apple engineers check all apps in Apple Store before allow users to download it.
<span>

<span> Is not Apple secure at all now?

Discussion is locked

cm2gj has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

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My 2 cents on this
Jan 18, 2012 2:28AM PST

I don't have an iPad or iPhone but I DO have both a smart phone and a Nook Color which is also a tablet now like the Ipad. Even though mine use Google operating systems and not Mac, the basics are still the same, When you download an app, you allow the app maker access to parts or all of your info stored on the device. I doubt if you have a virus but the app probably used your info to send out the spam. Both Google and Apple try to keep apps like this out of the market but, as BobP said, some WILL sneak by. Do you have any kind of antimalware program on the iPad? I just Lookout Mobile security for mine. They have a version for Macs as do a number of others. Most have both free and aid versions.

Just like with a computer, you have to be careful what you download and just because it is in the Apple Market does not guarantee it is safe. The user is the best protection.

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thanks
Jan 18, 2012 3:10AM PST

I had the idea all apps in the Apple Store pass a high security certification before is available for end users.

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Yep, the thing to do is check WHAT they
Jan 18, 2012 3:19AM PST

want access to. Most people don't do that and these scammers know that. Apple products have always been safer until recently but these scammers are smart and NOTHING is safe any more. The market people, both Apple and Google do their best to check everything but there are so many it is not easy. Just be diligent and you will probably be fine. I rarely checked reviews on anything in the past but I always read them when now it comes to apps because usually other users will report a scam there before the market people take it off the market.

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Answer
I don't see any viral activity?
Jan 17, 2012 1:43AM PST

That's malware or something other than a virus. But I think most folk today won't care either way.

I wonder why you didn't name that App?
Bob

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App
Jan 17, 2012 7:13AM PST

I check today in Itunes, my Apple ID account, History of applications purchased and I don't see the application name.

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As to your last question.
Jan 18, 2012 1:45AM PST

That's been discussed but it's pretty simple really. Something will get through.
Bob