An iPhone is virtually impregnable, security-wise. Macs are pretty good, though the old “Macs don’t catch viruses” jingle is out of date. Even Microsoft Defender is getting better. Is it reasonable to save money by eschewing third-party security protection and just relying on what’s built into the OS? Well, probably not. In most cases, you’ll be safer springing for third-party security or using a top-tier free solution. Depending on what operating system is involved, going beyond the basics is always a good idea, and sometimes a necessity.
Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS all include protection against malware, in one way or another. For some, protection takes the form of a full-on antivirus. For others, security is baked into the OS thoroughly enough that malware has a hard time doing anything. Either way, you can improve your protection by installing a third-party antivirus.
What should I consider regarding the built-in VPN on my phone?
Many readers have asked about utilizing the free VPN built into their iPhones. While there is a VPN configuration page in the Settings, it cannot be used without manually setting up a VPN profile, which can be a complex process. The key component of this profile is the VPN server you wish to connect to, and to access that server, you will need to subscribe to a paid service that typically comes with its own dedicated app. Therefore, it is recommended to use a reliable VPN app like ProtonVPN or any other app that suits your needs. This same situation applies to Android devices as well.
If you explore the Settings on your iPhone, you will find a section for controlling your VPN, but it ultimately leads to a dead-end. In the case of an iPhone, navigating to the VPN & Device Management settings only directs you to the «Add VPN Configuration» option, without further functionality. On Android devices (at least on the device used for testing), the VPN settings display as «None.» Unfortunately, this means that your phone does not have a built-in VPN client available.
How can you safeguard your devices using antivirus and VPN?
If you are using a Windows computer or an Android device, it is highly recommended to install a third-party antivirus utility. While Microsoft Defender has improved, it still falls short compared to the top competitors, including the best free options. Similarly, Google Play Protect has proven to be ineffective in providing comprehensive protection.
Despite Mac’s reputation for being resistant to malware, Mac users still need protection. Studies have shown that Macs are being infected at a higher rate than PCs. Therefore, it is important to prioritize security on Mac systems as well.
When it comes to iOS devices, such as iPhones and iPads, Apple has implemented robust security measures right from the start. The built-in security features make it extremely challenging for attacks to succeed, although not entirely impossible. Due to the high level of security already present on iOS, it is difficult to develop dedicated iOS antivirus software. Instead, focus on allocating the time and resources you saved from not installing iOS protection towards ensuring the security of your other devices.
For comprehensive guidance on initiating the security measures for your devices, please refer to the article «How to Check Your Security Software, Settings, and Status.»