I thought iPhones were protected from viruses and malware. Is this true?
Yes.
Viruses and malware are not the same thing and it's important to understand the difference.
- There are no viruses that affect iPhones so just forget that idea.
- Malware (meaning malicious software) describes something that needs to be deliberately installed. Since the only source for iPhone apps is the App Store, and Apple will not permit the distribution of malicious software the likelihood of ever being deceived into installing malware on an iPhone is essentially nil.
Also, if I need to get malware protection, where do I go for it ...
You don't, so that question is already answered.
Do I need to get like Norton virus protection on this iPhone?
No. Never install it, or anything like it. Those products are all scams that capitalize on fear. It's a highly effective strategy not limited to mere economic gain. You don't have to be afraid.
You can observe reasonable precautions to protect yourself from scams though. Even though it was written primarily for Macs, Effective defenses against malware and other threats - Apple Community describes simple principles that apply to any Internet-connected communications tool. Phony "tech support" / "ransomware" popups and web pages - Apple Community is more applicable to iPhones. It contains example screenshots of scam attempts that cause needless concern. One particularly disquieting example is this Discussion — which has been going on for over five years.
