With the increasing use of technology, the security of our devices has become a growing concern. iPhones are not exempt from this, as they are widely used and known for their advanced features and high security. However, the question remains: can someone hack your iPhone? The answer is yes, it is possible for someone to hack your iPhone, but it is not easy.
In this article, we will discuss the methods hackers can use to hack your iPhone, how to detect if your iPhone has been hacked, what to do if it has been hacked, and how to protect your iPhone from future hacks.
How Someone Can Hack iPhone
Although, iPhone is an extremely secure device and it is not possible for any tom, dick and harry to hack an iPhone. But, if the user itself is careless and doesn’t think before clicking on the screen or handing over the iPhone to a stranger, it is not that hard to hack iPhone. Here are ways your iPhone can get hacked by someone.
1. Phishing Scams
One of the most common ways hackers can gain access to your iPhone is through phishing scams. This is where they create fake websites or emails that look like they are from a legitimate source and trick you into providing your personal information, such as your login credentials, credit card information, or other sensitive data. Once they have your information, they can use it to access your iPhone or steal your identity.
Next time someone offered you a free Yeti backpack or free AirPods, don’t click on any link or even don’t open the email at all.
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2. Malware
Malware is malicious software that can be installed on your iPhone without your knowledge. It can be installed through email attachments, text messages, or downloading apps from untrusted sources. Once installed, the malware can give the hacker access to your iPhone’s data, including your contacts, messages, and other sensitive information.
Once Malware is installed, it becomes very easy to hack any device be in Android or iPhone.
3. Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi networks are not secure, and hackers can use them to gain access to your iPhone. When you connect to a public Wi-Fi network, your iPhone can become vulnerable to hackers who can intercept your internet traffic and gain access to your data. Try not to connect to free public wifi at cafes, coffee shops, libraries or any other place where free public wifi is available. You never know the intention of the person sitting next to you.
4. Social Engineering
Social engineering is when hackers use psychological tactics to manipulate you into giving them access to your iPhone. They may impersonate someone you know or trick you into revealing your password by pretending to be a legitimate company or service. Elderly people are easy prey for these hackers because they are easy to manipulate and don’t know much about technology, brands, or network.
5. Physical Access
If someone gains physical access to your iPhone, they can install spyware or malware on it and then use this Spyware to track your movements. Using such spyware, they can access your photos, videos, camera, call logs, social media apps, SMS and much more. Don’t hand over your iPhone to any stranger who is trying to gain sympathy and wants to call someone urgently.
In any case, dial the number by yourself and stand with them until the call ends. Make sure your phone display is visible to you.
6. Vulnerabilities
No technology is perfect, and iPhones are no exception. There may be vulnerabilities, bugs, and loopholes in the iOS that hackers can exploit to gain access to your data. That is why Apple always asks you to keep your iPhone updated with latest iOS.
7. Apple ID
If hackers got the credentials of your Apple ID, it became very easy to get access to your iPhone without having iPhone in hand. They can remotely access your photos, contacts, messages and everything that Apple ID and iCloud have.
These are some of the basic ways your iPhone gets hacked by someone. Apart from that, there can be a lot of ways for an iPhone to get hacked. It is crucial to stay alert when you see any unusual behavior or some person with you or before clicking on a random link that is offering you something for free. Nothing is free in this capitalist world.
See Also: How to Factory Reset AirPods
How to Detect if iPhone is Hacked
Now if you have already crossed the stage where your iPhone seems hacked, here are a few things you will notice if your iPhone is hacked. Take timely steps to keep your iPhone safe.
1. Suspicious Activity
If you notice unusual activity on your iPhone, such as new apps appearing, messages being sent without your knowledge, or unauthorized changes to your settings, it may be a sign that your iPhone has been hacked.
2. Extremely Slow Processing
It is not always the case but if you’re experiencing extremely laggy, slow processing on your iPhone, it is a clear indication of hacked iPhone. Not just extremely slow processings, if your phone gets super, unexplained hot, there is something wrong running in the background.
Also See: Why PC getting So Slow
3. Unexplained Credit Card Charges
If you see charges on your credit card statement that you don’t recognize, it may be a sign that someone has gained access to your iPhone and made unauthorized purchases. The whole purpose of hackers is to loot money and it is quite an obvious sign of hacked iPhone.
4. Pop-ups and Ads
By default, no manufacturer shows popup ads on any phone be it Android or iPhone. If you are seeing a lot of pop-ups or ads on your iPhone, it may be a sign that there is malware or spyware installed on your device and they want you to click on the popup to exploit the user data and use it against you.
5. Changed App Permissions
Check the permissions of your apps regularly to ensure they are not accessing data they shouldn’t be. If you notice an app has been granted access to sensitive data without your knowledge, it may be a sign that your iPhone has been hacked. No calendar in this world needs permission to access camera of your iPhone.
Also See: Why iPhone Sound Robotic on Calls
6. Accessible Apple ID
If you just got an email from Apple that says your Apple ID is accessed at some random location you have never been to, it is a clear sign of Apple ID got hacked.
7. Camera & Microphone Indicator
iPhone shows you orange and green dots on the screen whenever you or some app is accessing the microphone or camera. If the app is using a microphone, it shows the orange dot and when the camera is being used, it shows you a green dot. If you are seeing these dots when if you are not using any app, your iPhone is hacked and some random person is trying to use the microphone or camera of your iPhone.
8. Strange Messages
If your friends and family are receiving strange messages by your name, it may be a sign that your iPhone has been hacked and your contacts have been compromised. Hackers are trying to impersonate you and ask for some monetary benefit or trying to blackmail you by leaking any sensitive information or media you have on your iPhone.
9. Sudden Drops in Battery
When some malware enters the phone, it consumes a lot of battery to perform its function and that is why you will see sudden drops or poor battery backup. If that is the case and you are wondering why your iPhone battery dying all of sudden, there are chances it is infected with a malware.
These are some of the things you will see if your iPhone is hacked. It is very important to notice these clear red flags so that timely action can be taken. Otherwise, it can become a threat to you, your family, and other people connected to you. If you are someone who possesses sensitive information of a any corporate, community or even nation, the results would be massive and irreversible.
What to do when iPhone gets Hacked – How to Fix Hacked iPhone
Now if you suspect that your iPhone is already hacked, here are a few things you can do to minimize the damage.
1. Change Apple ID Credentials
The very first thing you should do is to change your Apple ID Credentials. Once you did that, hackers will not be able to access anything in your iCloud. If hackers is accessed your iPhone by any app, this might not work.
2. Delete Suspicious Apps
Delete any apps that you don’t recognize or that you suspect may be malware or spyware. Here is how to see all the installed apps on your iPhone:
- Scroll down and tap on “General.”
- Next, tap on “iPhone Storage.”
- You will see a list of all the apps installed on your iPhone, ordered by the amount of storage they are using.
- Tap on any app to see more information about it, including the amount of storage it is using and the last time it was used.
- From here, you can also delete any app that you no longer need or want by tapping on the app and then tapping “Delete App.”
3. Reset Your iPhone
If you are not able to remove a suspicious app or you are seeing your iPhone in the worst condition, it is a good idea to reset your iPhone to factory settings. Doing that, it will clear all the installed apps and remove all the permissions.
4. Update to the latest iOS
If hackers have gained access due to iOS bugs or vulnerabilities, updating to the latest iOS will fix all the problems. But make sure it is only viable when iPhone is hacked due to loopholes in the iOS. If there is any spyware or malware installed on your iPhone, you have to remove that spyware to fix your hacked iPhone.
5. Contact Apple Support
If you are unable to do anything to fix your hacked iPhone, rush to Apple Support and they will fix it for you. They might charge you if there is some mistake at your end. But at least you will be able to fix your hacked iPhone. If nothing worked for you, Apple customer care is easy but can be expensive way out.
How to Protect your iPhone from Getting Hacked
Once your iPhone is fixed or you just wanted to protect your iPhone from hackers, here are a few things you can do to, at least, protect your iPhone from such disturbing events.
1. Avoid Public Wi-Fi
Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks, or use a VPN to encrypt your internet traffic.
2. Don’t Jailbreak
If you don’t know anything about tech, networking, hacking, or malware, Avoid jailbreaking your iPhone, as it can make your device more vulnerable to hacks and malware. Jailbroken iPhones are not entertained by Apple Customer Care and it also voids the warranty of your iPhone. Apple just disowns the jailbroken devices.
3. Keep Your iOS Updated
Keep your iPhone’s software up to date, as updates often include security patches that can protect against hacks.
4. Don’t Click on Email Links or any Susceptible Link
Use your common sense and try to understand why someone will offer you anything for free when the whole world is running for money and monetary benefits. Be cautious when opening emails or clicking on links from unknown sources.
Wrapping Up
While it is possible for someone to hack your iPhone, there are steps you can take to protect your data and prevent hacks from happening in the first place. Use strong passwords, avoid public Wi-Fi networks, install anti-malware software, and be cautious when opening emails or clicking on links from unknown sources. If you suspect your iPhone has been hacked, change your password, update your software, delete suspicious apps, and reset your iPhone if necessary. By taking these precautions, you can keep your iPhone and your data safe from hackers.
