Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
In this guide, you will learn:
- Signs your iPhone is hacked
- What to Do If Your iPhone Is Hacked
- Why does my iPhone need protection?
- Common Myths About iPhone Protection
Signs your iPhone is hacked
Sign: You see a lot of pop ups and ads
Hackers may have installed malicious software on your iPhone that causes these intrusive ads to appear.
Sign: Unfamiliar apps are installed
Without your knowledge or consent, hackers can install malicious applications on your iPhone.
Sign: Your iPhone runs slow and drains easily
There may be malware or unknown processes running in the background, causing your battery to drain quickly. It can also make your apps and web pages harder to load.
Sign: You get text messages or calls from random numbers
Your iPhone may have been hacked if you are receiving weird text messages or phone calls from unknown sources.
Sign: Your data usage suddenly increased
If your phone bill or data usage has increased, viruses or unknown apps may be using your data.
What to Do If Your iPhone Is Hacked
If you suspect your iPhone may have been compromised, don't panic. Follow these essential steps to protect your device and personal information. Remember, security is an ongoing process, and staying vigilant is key to safeguarding your devices and data.
- Change Your Passwords: Start by changing all your passwords, especially those for your email and bank accounts. For enhanced online security, consider using Trend Micro Password Vault in Trend Micro ID Protection. It generates and securely stores strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts, eliminating the need to remember them all. This proactive measure can help prevent password-related attacks, such as phishing and brute force attempts.
- Remove Unwanted Apps: Take the time to review your installed apps and remove any that you didn't install or trust. Unwanted apps could pose security risks.
- Keep Your iPhone Updated: Regularly update your device and installed apps. Ensure you install the latest security patches promptly. This practice addresses known vulnerabilities and helps prevent future attacks.
- Enable Find My iPhone: Activate the Find My iPhone feature on your device. This powerful tool allows you to track your iPhone's location, remotely lock or erase your device, and activate Lost Mode if your iPhone is ever lost or stolen.
- Utilize a Reliable VPN: Protect your online privacy and security by using a dependable VPN service like Trend Micro VPN. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your internet traffic, enhancing your overall online security.
- Exercise Caution with Public Wi-Fi: When connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, exercise caution. These networks are often unsecured, potentially leaving your iPhone vulnerable to hacking. Trend Micro VPN can help transform any public hotspot into a secure Wi-Fi connection, safeguarding your data.
- Stay Wary of Phishing Scams: Be vigilant when it comes to phishing scams. These deceptive emails and text messages aim to trick you into revealing personal information or downloading malware. Always verify the sender's identity and avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. Consider using Trend Micro Check to block spam text messages and calls.
Why does My iPhone Need Protection?
While iPhones are generally considered secure, they are still susceptible to hacking, among other types of security threats. Despite Apple's efforts to enhance security features in iOS, you should still be aware of potential risks such as phishing, malware, and other cyber-attacks.
Common Myths About iPhone Protection
Myth: iPhones Don't Get Viruses
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Contrary to popular belief, iPhones are not virus-proof. Malware, spyware, and adware can infiltrate your device through phishing emails, malicious apps or social engineering. Keeping your iPhone and its apps updated with the latest security patches is key to minimizing the risk of malware attacks.
Myth: iPhones Can't Be Hacked
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iPhones are vulnerable to hacking despite being more secure than Android devices. Hackers can exploit security loopholes in the iOS operating system or third-party apps to gain unauthorized access to your device, steal personal data, or install malware.
PRO TIP!
Be careful when connecting your mobile devices at public charging stations. Hackers use malicious charging stations or USB ports to gain access, swipe data or infect your devices.
They call it Juice Jacking.
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