> Secure your devices
Which security protection should I use on my iPhone and iPad?
Apple intends that users shouldn’t need any additional security protection for their devices. Central to that is the provision of apps only through its App Store, where Apple can ensure that none are malicious. When run in iOS or iPadOS, they’re constrained to a “sandbox” intended to block them from any malicious behavior.
Defenses also rely on ensuring you update your devices promptly when Apple releases new versions of iOS and iPadOS, which invariably contain essential fixes to their security.
However, some sophisticated spyware has been able to break through these protections, although unless you’re likely to be targeted by attacks from state–sponsored security agencies, you’re almost certainly never going to be affected. If you do think that’s a realistic risk, however, you need advice from a security professional.
More likely are the increasing number of unwanted apps that try to steal private information, potentially unwanted programs (PUPs), and phishing attacks from websites, text and email messages. The best defense against those isn’t any additional software, but your behavior.
Because iOS and iPadOS are locked down, it’s not possible to create software with general security protection features in the way that can be done for macOS, and you should be extremely suspicious of apps claiming otherwise. You can get a useful free scam and ad blocker in Malwarebytes Mobile Security, and Guardian provides a free software firewall without having to subscribe to its VPN service. Those can be useful adjuncts, but keeping up to date and selecting apps carefully are far more important.