The development of cyber security has been extensive in the last decade, allowing most phone users to leave worries about malware behind. However, the risk is still out there, and iPhone users are not spared. Today we will talk about spyware and the usual signs that can tell if your iPhone is infected with it.
What is spyware?
Spyware is a type of malicious software (malware) that’s developed by people who want to collect your data (hence the “spy” part). Most of these are designed by people who want to collect information that is profitable in some way. It can be your payment data (bank account, credit card info, etc.), browsing history, login details, etc. This data is usually sold to advertisers, or even to hackers on the dark web where it can be used for identity frauds in your name.
There are other forms of spyware as well, ones freely available for everyone to use. The Techopedia iPhone spy guide provides an extensive list of these apps for remote access, parental controls, social media monitoring and many other different uses. It’s important to get acquainted with the whole range of these applications to be able to discern legit software from the malicious.
Usual signs of infection
There are several signs that can point to the fact that your iPhone is infected with spyware. While there are sometimes official notifications about breaches, here we will list the ones that can show more subtle, deeper problems.
1. Overheating
Batteries degrade, and hardware can start overheating after years of use just due to the wear and tear. However, if you ever notice that your phone is suddenly overheating, even when you’re not using it, this is a good sign that it has been infected with spyware. The heat is produced by the hidden background processes that use up the phone’s resources in order to collect and send data to the cybercriminal behind the malware.
2. Unexplained data usage
Similar to problems with heat, spyware will make extensive use of your data flow in order to send vast amounts of collected information. If you see your data plan drained, or extreme peaks of data sent over WiFi, especially in the times you are not using your phone, spyware should be your first suspicion.
3. Battery drains quickly
Overuse of hardware resources with spyware working in the background will in almost all cases result with quickly drained battery. Keep track of the speed with which your phone needs to be recharged in order to keep it safe from spyware.
4. Unknown apps and files
Make sure to check for apps that you never installed yourself and files you never downloaded. Anything that was not specifically added to the app drawer by you could be a third party spyware app used to monitor your activities. This can be done by anyone who has access to your phone, and sometimes even by using a charger or even a cable intentionally loaded with spy software or self-unpacking installations.
5. Changed settings
If you notice a change in your phone settings, this can also be a sign of spyware infection. Sometimes it’s just a switch in the default browser or search engine, but it can also be something that’s hidden deeper such as app permissions that allow for malware to access your data storage or camera and mic.
6. Mic and camera turn on randomly
This is one of the most certain and scary ways to know that an iPhone is infected with spy software. If you ever see a random sign that your mic or camera is working outside of apps with specific permissions for that, you can be certain that there is some kind of spyware on it.
7. Forced link redirections
Some browser hijackers will make you go to malicious sites by implementing forced redirects. This can be very dangerous if you click on anything as your phone can get even more infected through masked links that can steal your accounts and financial data.
8. Extensive pop-ups
While adware is a different kind of beast that will bombard you with pop-up ads in endless troves, it can also sometimes contain actual spyware. So if you ever start seeing ads appearing out of nowhere, you can freely suspect that there is some kind of spyware infection at play as well.
9. Strange messages
Some spyware can give itself off by sending you weird messages. It can be a simple text with nonsense strings, or, in case of jailbroken iPhones, weird notifications. They can also come in the form of phishing attempts, baiting you to give up your personal info.
10. Noises during calls
Poor signal coverage can create noises while you are on a call. But if you notice beeping, static, or something sounding like other voices mixing up with your call, this can be a sign of spyware tapping into your conversations and recording.
Types of spyware
While the purpose of most spyware is collecting info, there are many different ways in which these pieces of code do it. Adware, as mentioned above, will display unwanted ads. While it doesn’t have to be malicious, some adware also contains spyware. Trojans are malware masked as regular, legitimate apps. They usually are disguised as anti-malware software that you install to get rid of viruses when in fact they install extensive spyware on your device. Cookies and web beacons can also contain spyware, but you can block all or at least the optional ones through ad blockers. Keyloggers record the use of your keyboard in order to steal your login details and accounts.
How to protect yourself
Prevention is the best way to stay safe in the world of cybersecurity, especially with everyday usage. Staying informed and educated on the threats of spyware and other malware is of crucial importance, but there are other things you can do. A dedication to digital hygiene is a good way to keep an eye on infections. Keep your phone and your apps updated. Make sure to clean your cache and cookies and to get rid of all apps you’re not using on a regular basis. Learn how to discern malicious from legitimate links, and never click on anything without being sure that it’s not safe.
Still, accidents happen, and sometimes you have to clean up the mess that’s already made. If your phone has been infected, you can use some of the malware removal apps to get rid of it. In fact, it is highly recommended that you invest in a good antivirus/anti-malware app that will do most of the prevention work for you. But if nothing else works, there is always the option to perform a factory reset. This might mean losing some of your data, but it’s better than your sensitive info falling into malicious hands.
Conclusion
A little work can go a long way in order to keep you and your iPhone safe from spyware. Stay informed on cybersecurity and the ways in which digital threats are evolving and keep an eye on any changes on your phone that might seem suspicious. The threats may be many, but a little vigilance can keep them all at bay.
