Apple’s privacy rules do not allow actually useful security apps to exist on the app store because these apps cannot monitor and access the data of other apps on the phone. This leaves finding a decent security app on the app store to be a near-impossible task. There is one exception, though.
iVerify is an app that can tell if your precious iPhone has been hacked by an attacker. The app by Trail of Bits has somehow got the company’s approval and is now available on the app store. iVerify can scan your phone to see and analyse what app has done you wrong. While not an anti-virus of any sort, all iVerify can do is detect, and not eliminate threats. The app sells for USD 4.99.
"iVerify periodically scans your device for anomalies that might indicate it’s been compromised, gives you a detailed report on what was detected, and provides actionable advice on how to proceed," said a Trail of Bits blog post.
The app is a great addition for jailbreak iOS users who are much more vulnerable. The app manages to bypass Apple’s sandbox rules for apps which prevent them from accessing and/or modifying files on the device outside of their allotted jurisdiction. If anomalies are detected, iVerify will also show the user suggestions on what could be done next.
While not everyone believes that iVerify can live up to its name by detecting all threats, most people are simply surprised to see that the app has made its way to through the strong barbed wires of Apple’s privacy guidelines. But regardless, it is there on the store and we hope it lasts.
