Expert: Brian Benosky - 7/8/2010

Question
Hi Brian,

We've recently rolled out a few iPhone 3Gs to users in our corporate office, and I've configured their corporate Exchange email accounts on these devices.  Each synchs with iTunes, either on a work or home PC, and each PC runs Windows XP (Pro or Home).  Is it possible (and if so, how likely) for one of them to contract a virus or malware on the iPhone, then transfer it to a PC?  Thanks in advance....

-Aaron

Answer
Hi Aaron

The iPhone has, to this date, remained free of virus infection.  However, if the iPhone has been jailbroken (a way of installing third-party firmware and software), then they can be infected.  But can you spread an  infection to a Windows computer using an iPhone?  Yes, in the same way a USB thumb drive can infect a computer...by transferring the executable.  Email attachments and files such as mp3's can harbor viruses.  Since the virus was not written to attack the Apple Mac OS, no harm can come to the iPhone.  But during a PC sync, that file gets transferred along with it's host.  Open it up in Windows, and you have yourself an infected machine.  Your Exchange server should be scanning every attachment, but there is always the chance something can slip through.  Hope that helps.

Brian