Apple bans iOS app that scans for malware from the App Store

Apple has removed an application that makes it possible to determine whether an unmodified version of iOS is running in order to detect malware from the App Store. According to Apple, the app is “potentially misleading”, but the developer contradicts that.

Stefan Esser, creator of System and Security Info, announced that Apple has pulled its application from the App Store. On Twitter shows He explained the reason for the withdrawal: for example, the app might show ‘potentially inaccurate and misleading’ information. And that could confuse users, Apple said.

System and Security Info can determine if the iOS software running on an iPhone or iPad has been modified. For example, a jailbreak can be detected and digital signatures for software updates are looked at. If something is not right, it is possible that the iOS operating system has been cracked and malware is present on the device.

According to Esser, his app was removed because Apple does not want negative attention for the security of its iOS operating system. However, according to Apple, there is no reliable way to determine whether the software is still safe. There is no officially supported way to build so-called diagnostics apps. The Cupertino company refers to the regulations for application developers.

In recent years, malware creators have managed to smuggle malware into the App Store several times. In this way, unsuspecting users can install infected apps that allow malicious parties to take over the device.