Intego Releases Malware Scanner for IOS Devices

Intego has released VirusBarrier iOS, a malware scanner for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. VirusBarrier iOS allows users of iOS devices to scan files attached to e-mail messages in the cloud for malware that could affect Macs or Windows PCs.

The company claims that the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch represent a new vector for bringing files into a home or business network. It proposes that while there is no known malware for iOS, files could possibly flow through these devices into computers at home and at work by e-mail, or via remote locations such as MobileMe or Dropbox.

VirusBarrier iOS lets users easily scan e-mail attachments, other files they have access to on an iOS device, or files on remote locations such as MobileMe, Dropbox, web servers or WebDav disks. VirusBarrier iOS uses Intego’s VirusBarrier X6 scanning technology to detect and eradicate all known malware affecting Windows or Mac OS X: viruses, worms, Trojan horses, fake antiviruses, and other types of malware that might otherwise pass through undetected.

The VirusBarrier iOS uses malware definitions that are updated regularly. When users initially purchase VirusBarrier, the program includes a 12-month subscription to Intego’s malware definition updates. Subscription renewals will be available at £1.19 per year via an in-app purchase.

Due to the secure design of iOS, it is not possible to scan files automatically or to run scheduled scans. VirusBarrier iOS is thus an ‘on-demand’ detection system that lets users scan files when they want to, or before passing them on to friends and associates.

As well as the possible virus routes detailed above, VirusBarrier iOS scans ZIP archives, repairs infected files, scans websites for known phishing URLs, web threats and malware hosting. All scans are logged and completed in the background.

VirusBarrier iOS is available from Apple’s App Store for £1.79.