Your phone is your connection to the rest of the world, so it’s normal if you start to panic when something goes wrong. Don’t worry – this guide will show you the telltale signs if your iPhone is hacked and tell you what you need to do next.
Apple likes to advertise some of its products as “hacker-proof” but, given enough time and effort, any device can be hacked. While it may be true that Apple and iOS security is slightly tougher than Android security, that doesn’t mean it’s “unhackable.”
As a rule of thumb, if a device can connect to the internet, it can be hacked. Mobile devices are particularly susceptible to hacking, partly because many neglect implementing cybersecurity measures. Many are quick to secure their home computers but forget that the device in their pocket is essentially a tiny computer with the same potential vulnerabilities.
Your device’s security needs the same attention as your computer’s security. No matter the operating system, you need protection.
Despite Apple’s claims, an iPhone can fall victim to the same vulnerabilities that all mobile devices do. Here are some of the most common ways an iPhone can be hacked:
Luckily, due to the amount of time we all spend on our phones, it becomes quite obvious when they’re acting out of the ordinary. Here are some of the telltale signs that your iPhone is hacked:
Before you immediately settle on a factory reset and wipe your phone, know that you might not need to do so. Head straight to your iPhone’s settings and check which apps have been downloaded last. Notice any new apps that shouldn’t be there? Delete it immediately.
If you’ve removed every sign of suspicious activity from your phone and the problems persist, it’s time for a factory reset. Hopefully, you’ll have backup plans already in place so the inconvenience of a reset is mitigated. iCloud is invaluable for helping restore old settings and data.
Lastly, once the malicious files have been cleared away, it’s time to invest some time and effort in mobile security for your device.
A number of methods exist that will reinforce your mobile security, and those who rely on Apple devices should catch up with some iPhone security tips. Luckily, they don’t require much effort on your part. Some methods require installing new software, and others merely need a slight change to your daily routine.
Remember that if one device connected to your Apple ID is compromised, every other device connected to that Apple ID could be in danger. A lot of malware attacks will try their hardest to spread malware even further
Knowledge is power when it comes to combating hackers. Make yourself aware of the signs of an iPhone being hacked so you can handle the situation as soon as possible.