On IOS or IPad OS how likely to get a virus via an email attachment?

I just received an email. I am using the gmail app. I did NOT open the e-mail so I do not know what was the content. Anyways, that email had an attachment to it with the tif extension. Normally I would not worry as I didn't view the e-mail and therefore also didn't click on the attachment. However, I realized I had the function "automatic download attachments of new emails" on in the settings.
How high is the chance my ipad is now infected just because I had "automatic download of attachments" in the gmail app on?

The likelihood of your iPad being infected due to the "automatic download of attachments" setting in the Gmail app is relatively low, but it's important to take a few precautions to ensure your device's security:

1. Attachment Types: First, understand that TIF (Tagged Image File Format) files are generally not as commonly used for distributing malware compared to more executable file types like EXE or scripts like VBS or JavaScript. TIF files are typically image files.

2. Non-Execution: In most cases, iOS devices (like your iPad) have strong security measures in place to prevent malicious software from executing. iOS has a tightly controlled environment where apps are sandboxed, which restricts their access to system functions and data.

3. Attachment Opening: Since you mentioned you didn't open the email or the attachment, the chances of infection are further reduced. Malicious content in an attachment usually requires user interaction (like opening the attachment) to be triggered.

4. iOS Security: Apple takes device security seriously and regularly updates iOS to address potential vulnerabilities. Make sure your iPad is running the latest version of iOS to benefit from the most up-to-date security features.

5. Disable Automatic Download: If you're concerned about automatic downloads, you can disable this feature in the Gmail app settings. This way, attachments won't be automatically downloaded, and you can manually choose which attachments to open.

6. Regular Security Practices: Continue practicing good security habits, like not opening attachments from unknown sources and keeping your device's software up to date.

7. Scan with Security Software: If you're particularly concerned, you can run a security scan on your iPad using reputable security software. Although iOS is generally considered secure, such software might give you additional peace of mind.

8. Review Attachment: If you're curious, you can download the attachment to a computer and scan it using a trusted antivirus program before opening it. This can give you an idea if the file is safe.

Remember that while the risks are generally low, staying cautious and aware of your device's security settings and practices is always a good approach.

If you are able to get any kind of infection on a ios device would be something new. There has been zero examples of ios getting infected. There are also zero anti-malware apps for ios.

Edited by greg18, 10 September 2023 - 11:13 PM.

 There are also zero anti-malware apps for ios.

 

Actually there is at least one: https://www.malwarebytes.com/ios

 

(I don't use it, have no relationship with the company and therefore do not endorse it.)

 

Cheers

As iDevices work in a closed environment/Sandbox the likelihood of being infected is zero as malware cannot execute.

You can receive an infected file or email but nothing will happen. You can still be susceptible to phishing attacks though as these are concerned with conning users into revealing sensitive information.

The Malwarebytes app for iOS doesn’t protect from malware infections due to the reason I mentioned. Should you download it you’ll notice it doesn’t have scanning options.

Quote:

The malware scanner isn’t available on iOS. It is not possible for an iOS app to scan for malware. Fortunately, the risk of getting malware on an iOS device is low and Apple has a stringent review process regarding app admission into the App Store.

 

It doesn’t have good reviews though as many of the features are locked to free users.

Edited by Goddess_Bastet, 12 September 2023 - 01:29 PM.

 There are also zero anti-malware apps for ios.

 
Actually there is at least one: https://www.malwarebytes.com/ios
 
(I don't use it, have no relationship with the company and therefore do not endorse it.)
 
Cheers

Again there is zero antispy/antmalware for iOS than what wants to take your money and push you through a VPN making yoi believe that iOS and iPadOS is being targeted by non-existent malware.