I hope it not a dumb question but, do you need anti virus protection on your iphone and ipad?

You need it for the internet period.

You do not need any anti-virus protection for your iPhone or iPad. And there are never any "dumb questions," so ask away!

the software installed on both devices comes with that protection built-in, that's why it is important to keep it updated

of course, one can get extra protection, I've been told it's not necessary unless you are visiting sketchy websites

Unless you're using it in an enterprise (business) server setting, there's no need for it (even then, many don't see a need for it):

"...What anti-virus program do I need for an iPad or iPhone?

Despite the security threats mentioned above, you don't need anti-virus software for the iPad and iPhone - not that there is any anti-virus software available for the device. iOS is designed and built to only accept and install software that has been approved by Apple and run through the App Store. As such Apple has pretty much guaranteed that you won't encounter any malicious software on your iOS device. Similarly security companies complain that Apple will not approve any security focused software for the iPad or iPhone, presumably Apple doesn't want to give the impression that such software is necessary.

Having said that there are a variety of security-themed apps on the App Store. Security specialist Symantec has a number of apps such as Symantec Mobile Encryption and Symantec Secure Email. These are typically designed to integrate the iPad with an enterprise environment, allowing iOS devices to communicate securely with enterprise servers.

But for the home user, the iPad (and iPhone) is one of the safest computing experiences you can imagine. It's combination of locked down hardware and software make it more secure out of the box than a Mac or PC with security software installed..."

See full article at link: http://www.macworld.co.uk/feature/iosapps/what-security-software-need-ipad-iphone-3453938/

No, you don't need to buy extra security software for iPad and iPhone. I've talked to experts with Apple and in the industry. IOS is different from other systems and you don't need to buy extra. (besides, I've never seen it for an apple product)

On 7/6/2014 dooBdoo said:

You do not need any anti-virus protection for your iPhone or iPad. And there are never any "dumb questions," so ask away!

Agree with both points!

On 7/6/2014 CalmInTheHeart said:

No, you don't need to buy extra security software for iPad and iPhone. I've talked to experts with Apple and in the industry. IOS is different from other systems and you don't need to buy extra. (besides, I've never seen it for an apple product)

There are anti-virus programs for Macs. I run ClamXav on my iMac and Mackbook.

Here's a new thread on this subject at CNet

http://forums.cnet.com/7723-7582_102-622461/true-or-false-apple-products-don-t-need-security-protec...

On 7/6/2014 VolvoGirl said:

Here's a new thread on this subject at CNet

http://forums.cnet.com/7723-7582_102-622461/true-or-false-apple-products-don-t-need-security-protec...

That's an interesting discussion. I would caution readers to remember that it's an anonymous opinion chat (with the exception of the administrator), so some of the "facts" might be a wee bit skewed one way or the other. Thanks for sharing it, VolvoGirl -- some very good points about logical, careful Internet security practices.