Your iPhone Has Been Hacked: 5 Signs and Solutions
Apple’s iPhone is one of the most popular smartphones in the world. A great user interface, a plethora of neat features, regular operating system updates, and plenty of neat applications are notable reasons behind iPhone’s market domination.
You can also find praise for the iPhone’s security. The device is not prone to threats, such as hacking. At least, that is what some people claim.
The reality is that iPhones can get hacked. The purpose of this article is to describe the signs and reasons behind a hacked iPhone. Hopefully, after reading this article, you are going to be able to identify the issue and take the necessary precautions and work on fixing the problem.
5 Signs
#1 – Overheating
Even though an overheating iPhone is often associated with too many background applications and particles inside the battery, you should not discard the possibility of a cybersecurity threat.
An infected smartphone tends to show various signs of terrible performance, and even minor viruses can snowball enough to cause the iPhone’s battery to overheat.
#2 – Random Applications
Similar to how it is on a computer when you notice random files appearing on the desktop, new apps you did not download and install yourself are an indication that you have a cybersecurity issue with the device.
Keep in mind that these applications might also not be visible on the home screen. If you have folders for apps, check those as well because random apps could be hiding in the folders.
#3 – High Data Usage
High data usage is one of the best indicators that your iPhone has been hacked. Sure, there are examples of when you might not be cautious enough and simply not notice leaving the cellular data on and letting the data consumption run by itself.
On the other hand, if you are well aware and pay attention to data usage, then treat it as a sign that your smartphone is potentially hacked. Also, while on the same topic, get in touch with your service provider and ask them about a potential data usage issue.
#4 – Crashes and Pop-Ups
Random smartphone crashes and restarts can happen even if the device is in good condition. However, you should not underestimate how much of an issue this can become when there are hacks involved.
If you are using the iPhone and it decides to crash and restart once or twice, you could ignore that. However, if such a thing becomes constant, then you can bet that something like a hack is involved.
Just like crashes, random pop-ups are also an indication that you have a virus on your smartphone. If you browse the web or run an app and notice an unwanted pop-up pushing you to something in the form of an ad, try to close it first. If the ad persists despite you closing it, the odds are that your iPhone has been hacked.
#5 – Overall Slow Performance
The last sign is the overall sluggish performance. If you struggle to use the device and feel like it is underperforming a lot, restarting it is usually the first step to try and solve the issue.
Sure, there are multiple causes that affect the overall performance of a smartphone but consider hacking as one of them.
5 Solutions
#1 – Antivirus Software
Identifying the signs of a hack is one thing, but what can you do to prevent such a thing from happening in the future?
Well, for starters, antivirus software is often the go-to solution not just on mobile devices but on computers as well.
Find an antivirus application that you can use on iOS and get in the habit of scanning your smartphone on a regular basis.
#2 – Virtual Private Network
Virtual private networks offer security and privacy. For the most part, the tool is used on computers, but mobile devices can benefit from VPNs just as much.
Creating a wall between your iPhone and a hacker who wants to attack you functions as a great safety net.
#3 – Strong Passwords
Having a lackluster password policy could be one of the leading causes behind hack attempts on your digital devices.
It can be a hassle to memorize different and complicated passwords for all your online profiles, which is why so many people use the same password for everything.
The problem with such an approach is that if one of your passwords gets exposed, all of them will.
If memorizing different passwords is too hard, you can always use a password manager and store your credentials there.
#4 – Approved Apps
You might stumble upon applications that are not on the official App Store. Or similarly, you might want to find an app for free because it is too expensive on the App Store.
Downloading apps from unconfirmed third-party stores is one of the sure ways to get a virus on your iPhone.
#5 – Regular Updates
As a rule of thumb, you want to download and install a new iOS update as soon as one becomes available. Do not delay and make sure that your device is up to date, so it benefits not just from the latest features but also from the overall performance improvements and security upgrades.
