Despite being the most secure device, a hacker can still gain access to your iPhone in some ways, including using unauthorized apps that they can use as a backdoor.
Apple as a company does everything ranging from regular IOS updates to giving their users regular updates on how to stay safe and secure their data but nothing is always 100%.
First, how do you tell if your iPhone is compromised so that you can know which steps to take next to secure it?
Can I tell if my iPhone has been hacked?
The battery is drained so fast
It is normal for a battery to drain so fast especially when you are doing something or something is running in the background for instance an app that consumes it so fast.
But if you try to check and find no app consuming your battery, it could be an indication that you have been hacked and a hackers virus is running in the background hence the battery drain.
Suspect data usage
It is also normal to use data but if you see fishy data usage patterns and don’t remember when you consumed such huge data bundles, it could be an indication that your iPhone devise is compromised.
Normally, when your devise is compromised, malicious apps illegally connect and transmit your stolen data hence the irregular data consumation patterns.
Suspect apps
It is a good habit to regulary check your apps in order to ensure safety of your devise. Sometimes hackers just need physical access to your devise to install malicious apps and spywares that will transmit your personal data to unauthorized third parties.
Apple will ensure you have software security updates but if you don’t ensure the safety of your devise and audit apps that run on it, you will be in big trouble.
Developer apps installed
Apple’s security measures can be circumvented with iOS by enabling a device to use developer versions of software.
This is typically only applicable to apps that haven’t been made public yet or if you work for an organization that has a private app for corporate use. But it can also be a means for hackers to bypass the security.
It’s quite possible that your phone has been hacked if you don’t recall installing any developer or enterprise apps on your iPhone.
You hear some background noise and electronic interference
This one is quite uncommon. This is different from the typical phone call interference that sounds like you’re speaking with a dial-up modem from the 1990s, which we’ve all encountered.
Clicks, static, and echoing noises are all red flags that something is amiss with your phone and that someone is listening in on your phone conversations.
If you see any of these red flags, how do you proceed?
Can you remove a hacker from your iPhone?
The answer is yes and these are the steps that you can undertake to secure your iphone
How to unhack your iPhone
- Hackers frequently gain entry to your iPhone through apps. You should delete any apps you’ve recently acquired from a third-party website other than the Apple App Store from your iPhone.
- Delete the applications you don’t recall downloading as you browse the apps on your iPhone. These might have been added by clicking on a phishing link or while you were linked to unsecured Wi-Fi.
- Change all of your credentials after that. Your passwords and login credentials might have been stolen if your iPhone has been hacked. Your Apple ID and iCloud profiles must also be updated.
- However, restoring your iPhone to its original settings is the best course of action if you really, really want to ensure that everything is gone. However, before you do this, make a backup of all your communications, contacts, pictures, and files.
How to stop your phone from being hacked in future
Avoid Public WIFI or use VPN
Public Wi-Fi networks are both practical and unsafe. If we want to browse safely without the fear of being hacked, VPNs ensure us the security
Don’t jailbreak
When you jailbreak your iPhone, you have complete control over everything about it, including where and how you download apps.
Although we enjoy having power just as much as the next person, jailbreaking an iPhone prevents you from using malware scans and other built-in security tools from Apple.
For Android users, the same holds true. We don’t advise rooting your Android unless you’re a security expert because rooting an Android is the equivalent of jailbreaking an iPhone.
Always use encryption
secure your data. Encryption is a great way to protect yourself from hacking, whether or not you want to stay anonymous online.
Do you trust your charging station?
Use only reputable charging outlets. Public charging stations are one of the finest aspects of modern life.
We must never be seen without our cellphones in public! However, there is a chance that someone could “juice jack” your phone’s info using a USB drive.
Through the drive, hackers can quickly access the data on your phone and even install malware.
Avoid using a USB charging port if at all possible because AC outlets only transfer power, not data.
Employ strong verification.
Turn on biometric identification, also referred to as multifactor authentication or two-factor authentication (passwords), for online accounts whenever it is possible.
Impose restrictions on app access.
Check the permissions each program has in the settings section of your phone. Does your Google Maps app constantly monitor your location? Do your text messages appear in your dating app? Limit permissions as much as you can on different mobile applications for the most privacy.
Utilize strong passwords
Using strong passwords is the most straightforward method to protect your phone and all of your other online accounts.
The passcode for each account should be completely different. Find out more about password protection.
Also, Read How to deal with Facebook Sextortion
Summary
The article discusses signs that your iPhone may have been hacked, such as fast battery drain, suspect data usage, suspect apps, developer apps installed, and background noise. If you suspect your phone has been hacked, you should delete any suspicious apps, change your credentials, and restore your iPhone to its original settings. To prevent future hacking, avoid public Wi-Fi or use a VPN, don’t jailbreak your iPhone, always use encryption, use reputable charging outlets, employ strong verification, impose restrictions on app access, and utilize strong passwords.