If your iPhone was recently hacked and you are looking for what to do, we have you covered in this article. This article will explain what to do if your iPhone is hacked.
Although, it may be hard to know the exact time when your iPhone is taken over by an unauthorized person due to a virus injection but with this guide, you will have a glimpse of how it’s happened and likely solution the to your iPhone hacked what to do restitution.
iPhone Hacked What to Do?
How exactly did your iPhone get hacked? Or how did they get into your phone and take over it completely? Well, let us discuss some of the ways your iPhone was likely hacked.
Many hackers embed malware codes in applications that sometimes breach the Apple security system. These apps get on the Apple app store and when installed, they can steal your personal information.
Also, when you visit some websites with so many pop-up links that can redirect you to websites run by these hackers. They will have access to your browse browsing data where sensitive information such as passwords and card details have been saved on your browser.
If you have ever experienced this it’s possible that your iPhone has been compromised.
How to Check if Your iPhone Has Been Hacked
Below are a few ways you can recognize that your iPhone has been hacked:
Unrecognized Apps
If you find an app you don’t install on your iPhone it’s possible that you have been compromised. This app can easily steal your details and share them with the developer without your permission.
Battery Drainage Issued
If you notice that the battery of your iPhone drains faster it could be that the phone has been infected by a virus. You can install antivirus software to scan through folders, files, and applications to detect viruses.
Performance Lag
Apps infected with a virus can make the performance of your phone slow down. They will overturn your iPhone CPU and consume excessive space
Solution: install antivirus software to scan through folders, files, and applications to detect viruses.
High Data Usage
If you are experiencing high data usage it could be that you have an app running in your iPhone background that shares your information with 3rd-parties.
When these apps are on your phone the rate at which your phone consumes data will tremendously. Take notice of unwanted apps that use too much data even when not in use.
Suspicious Phone Calls, Text Messages, and Notifications
Some apps do send out suspicious phone calls, and text messages and they may even send suspicious notifications to your phone.
All these are signs that your phone has been hacked.
If you notice any of these signs make sure you remove such apps and completely delete their files. Some of these apps tend to reinstall themselves when removed.
What to do if your iPhone is Hacked
Below are some tips to help you out if your iPhone is hacked and what to do:
Disconnect your Wi-fi Connection
Disconnecting your phone from the internet will prevent a hacker from having further access to your phone.
Your router can get hijacked through a technique known as DNS (Domain Name Server). Hackers can breach the security of your home WiFi network by redirecting your traffic to a website that is run by them.
These hackers can have access to your credit card number if stored on your phone and shared with your contacts, or your social media account details after you enter your personal information into such websites.
Remove Unrecognised Apps
The easiest way a hacker can have access to your iPhone is if you’ve downloaded and installed an app from an unknown source.
You should remove any unrecognized apps that you may have installed on your iPhone. Also, install a software antivirus that can help to detect system malware such as a Trojan virus which may have allowed hackers to have access to your iPhone
Clear Browser Data
If your iPhone was hacked you should clear your browsing data including browsing history, cookies, site data, cached images, files, and saved passwords.
To clear browser data on your browser:
- Tap on your chrome browser
- Tap the three-dot in the right bottom corner.
- Tap settings.
- Tap privacy and security.
- Tap clear browsing data
- Select browsing history.
- Select cookies, and site data to sign you out of most websites.
- Select backed images and files.
- Select ‘saved password’.
- Select auto-fill data.
- Tap clear browsing data.
- A pop-up will appear then tap clear browsing data again.
Update Your iPhone
It’s important to always keep your iPhone up to date to maintain your phone’s security. Each updated iOS version that is released by Apple often includes security updates for all apple devices, software, and services.
- Go to Settings
- General
- Software Update.
- Tap Automatic Updates, then turn on Download iOS Updates.
- Turn on Install iOS Updates
Change Your Password
If your iPhone has been hacked by someone else, you should change your password. Most times when your phone gets hacked there is a high probability that they have your password.
But if you can still use the same old password you should change it fast before the hacker will think of taking over your phone completely.
Reset your iPhone
Before you reset your iPhone ensure you back up your important files, and have your iPhone passcode or Apple ID password available.
To reset your iPhone:
- Go to Settings.
- Select General.
- Select Transfer or Reset iPhone.
Install an Antivirus Software
Download and install Antivirus software to detect, quarantine, and delete malicious codes to prevent damage to your device.
You can choose from a variety of antivirus apps. Go to your Apple App Store. Although Apple offers very strong protection you should always use additional security.
After you remove suspicious apps, you should use the antivirus app you’ve installed on your iPhone to completely remove any malicious software.
My iPhone Was Hacked: How do I Fix it
If your iPhone is hacked and don’t know what to do to fix these issues, kindly follow these steps:
- Disconnect your WiFi connection.
- Remove unrecognised apps.
- Clear browser data.
- Update your iPhone.
- Change your iPhone password.
- Reset your iPhone.
- Download and install antivirus software on your iPhone.