Security Firms Can't Protect iPhone From Threats

nk497 writes "F-Secure researchers are calling attention to the fact that it's impossible to run third-party anti-virus on iPhones, because the SDK doesn't allow for it. It's a problem, as they claim malware will start to target the phone. 'None of the existing anti-virus vendors can make one, without help from Apple,' chief research officer Mikko Hypponen said. 'Apple hasn't been too interested in developing antivirus solutions for the iPhone, because there are no viruses, which of course, isn't exactly true.' At the moment, the only worms faced by the iPhone have targeted unlocked, jailbroken devices — so Apple's not too bothered protecting users of such phones." While Apple claims that the iPhone's closed nature offers protection to its users, and security vendors maneuver for a piece of a market now closed to them, clearly both sides are pushing their own self-interest.

Re:better for apple

[MrMr]

Don't you get it: Running the antivirus software keeps all other programs including the malware from running.
Sure sounds familiar...

I can protect your pretty iPhones...

[wzzzzrd]

...all you have to do is to give me some money every week...If I were you, I'd think about what can happen to that pretty phone if it wouldn't be protected...

Re:F-Secure smells money

[purpledinoz]

I can imagine what Norton Antivirus will look like on the iPhone. First, everything would run slower, battery life would be cut in half, and a huge yellow annoying banner would attach itself to the browser reminding you that you are "PROTECTED BY NORTON ANTIVIRUS".

Re:F-Secure smells money

[sopssa]

But it does protect you, because after the resources Norton Antivirus takes, there's none left to actually run anything!

Re:FUD

[mdwh2]

Be fair now - they couldn't find anything else for today's daily Iphone Slashvertisement, so they had to run with this.

Re:F-Secure smells money

[cerberusss]

I can imagine what Norton Antivirus will look like on the iPhone. [...] battery life would be cut in half [...]

Cutting my current iPhone its batterylife in half would mean that I need a USB connection in the toilet. Just to be able to browse Slashdot while taking a dump.