iPhone and iPad get first serious virus

iPhone users have long thought themselves safe from all sorts of nasty malware and viruses. A new report from Palo Alto Networks today suggests otherwise.

Researchers have discovered a bug called Wirelurker, which the company believes could have already infected hundreds of thousands of users.

The malware has been spread mainly through a third-party App Store for Mac called Maiyada, primarily a source for Chinese software. Once the computer is infected through downloaded software from the store, Wirelurker then spreads onto iOS devices that are connected over USB to the computer.

Right now the company just shows that Wirelurker can be used to compromise an iOS device, rather than anything specifically that it does. However, this is the first serious malware threat that has ever been seen on an iOS device.

At this stage, Palo Alto Networks recommend users to avoid downloading any software for their Mac from third-party app stores and to avoid using non-official USB chargers.

Dodgy iPhone chargers have been a known area where iPhones can be hacked into, taking advantage of a flaw in the data that transfers through Apple's proprietary USB connector.

On top of that, there have been reports of cheaper third-party chargers electrocuting people in the past. Plus, Apple now requires all third party cables and accessories that use the iPad or iPhone's lightning port to have a chip inside that verifies them as being Apple approved. Most cheap cables on eBay don't have these chips and won't work with your phone at all.