Your iPhone isn’t just a device. It’s practically your digital BFF, considering it holds your secrets, memories, and bank info all in one, which makes it a prime target for cybercriminals hell-bent on swiping your private data faster than you can say “phishing scam.” Every random email, sketchy text, or odd social media message (like the cliché “Your account has been compromised. Click here to fix it.”) that pops up on your screen could kickstart a malicious attack.
You see the message, panic, and think, “Oh no, I need to fix this ASAP!” But that’s exactly how these bad actors get you. For one, do you even know who’s behind it? It’s not like such messages come with a flashing warning sign to deter you from making a grave mistake—at least not unless you decide to look up the phone number of the sender to verify their identity.
So, how can you protect yourself against such? Time to find out, but first, the basics.
Is Your iPhone Secure?
Generally speaking, yes! iPhones are considered some of the most secure smartphones around due to their closed ecosystem and features, such as:
Hardware-Based Security
This includes a secure boot process, hardware-based encryption, and a Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) that works collectively to protect sensitive data.
Software Updates
Apple doesn’t sleep on updates; they push them regularly to patch vulnerabilities and reduce the risk of exploitation.
App Store Review Process
All applications undergo scrutiny to meet strict security guidelines before being available for download.
Data Encryption
iPhones encrypt your data, both at rest and in transit.
Despite these features, no device is 100% invulnerable to threats and even the best systems can slip up during app security reviews.
What Could Compromise Your iPhone’s Security?
Several factors, including:
Jailbreaking
As tempting as this action sounds, it increases the risk of malicious threats by bypassing the device’s built-in security features.
Phishing and Social Engineering
These are two of the slickest ways cybercriminals reel you in to steal your passwords, credit card details, and other valuable credentials. And don’t assume you’re invincible, because nearly half of all small businesses have been hit by phishing attacks with devastating outcomes. Worse yet, 60% of them shut down within six months.
Unsecured Wi-Fi Networks
Picture those free cafe, hotel, and airport Wi-Fi networks. As resourceful as they seem, they can expose your iPhone to man-in-the-middle attacks and other security threats.
Outdated Software
Software updates help fix vulnerabilities and loopholes, without which you risk installing malware, ransomware, and spyware on your device.
Signs Your iPhone Might Be Under Attack
Unusual Battery Drain
One moment your phone’s battery is at 70%, and the next it drops to 35%. This could indicate malware running in the background.
Slow Performance
Malware can also cause your device to slow down or become unresponsive.
Unexplained Data Usage
If your data bill looks like you’ve been streaming 4K movies nonstop, malware could be communicating with its command-and-control server through your device.
Pop-ups and Ads
Do you get these unexpected prompts for days or weeks? Your phone isn’t just being annoying; it’s likely dealing with adware or malware.
Unfamiliar Apps
These are applications you don’t recognize or didn’t install, and their presence may indicate a sign of malware.
Settings Gone Rogue
If your homepage or search engine looks like it’s been hijacked, best believe, it has.
Crash and Burn
Your phone shouldn’t crash or freeze every five minutes. That’s not a vibe; that’s malware.
Weird Messages
Random texts or emails are signs of phishing or malware activities on your device.
Creepy Location Tracking
If your location services work overtime without your say-so, something is spying on you.
Ways You Can Protect Your iPhone
Use Strong Passwords
First things first—lock that phone up tight. A strong passcode or password isn’t optional; it’s your first line of defense against nosey hackers.
Keep Software Up to Date
You know those “update now” reminders you keep snoozing? Stop doing that to prevent holding the door open for attackers.
Install Security Software
Use trusted security software like McAfee+ or Trend Micro Security Suite Ultimate to protect your device from malware and other threats.
Be Wary of Third-Party Apps
Not all apps are your friends. In fact, some social media and keyboard or emoji apps are known to sneak spyware and keyloggers onto devices. As such, stick to the official App Store and don’t trust every app with access to your camera and keyboard.
Monitor Device Performance
Pay attention to unusual behavior such as poor performance, unexpected battery drain, or excessive data usage, which could indicate a malware infection.
Avoid Dirt Cheap Cables and Public Charging Stations
A $1 cable might seem like a steal—until it steals your data. Some cheap cables come with malware embedded right in the USB. And public charging stations? Same deal. They’re Trojan horses for hackers.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Passwords are great, but 2FA is better. It’s like locking your front door and deadbolting it.
Be Cautious of Phishing Attempts
If a text or email screams “URGENT! FIX NOW!”, take a deep breath and don’t click the link. Repeat after me: the link is lava. Always go directly to the app or site to verify any issues. As for suspicious attachments, always delete them. No what-ifs!
What to Do if Your iPhone Has Been Exposed to Malicious Threats
So, you suspect some foul play on your device? First off, don’t panic, but also, don’t ignore it. Simply roll up your sleeves and get to work using the following playbook:
Back It Up, Now
Before you do anything drastic, back up your data to iCloud or iTunes. The last thing you want is to fix your phone but lose all your photos and contacts in the process.
Update Your Software
Go to settings > General > Software Update and get on it.
Run a Virus Scan
Download a legit antivirus app (emphasis on legit—no random apps from the dark corners of the internet).
Purge Sketchy Apps
See something you don’t remember downloading? Delete it. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Reset Your Device
If nothing else works, it’s time to travel back in time with your smartphone by initiating a factory reset, but only after you’ve backed up your data.
Call in the Pros
Still no luck? Hit up Apple Support. They’ve seen it all and can guide you through the next steps.
Conclusion
Your iPhone isn’t a security risk, per se, but the manner in which you use it may be, especially if you’re not vigilant. That’s why you need to adopt best practices on what apps to download, how best to protect your sensitive information, and ways to handle suspicious activity, all of which we’ve discussed in this guide. Your next move? Implement them and you’ll never have to worry about malicious threats again.
