Today, people are heavily reliant on their phones. Most people worldwide use their phones for chatting, banking, and navigation. According to Pew Research, 15% of U.S. adults rely solely on smartphones for internet access because they lack home broadband. If your phone gets hacked, it can seriously disrupt your life and empty your bank account. Therefore, it’s crucial to know how to keep your phone secure and what steps to take if the worst happens.
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Can Someone Hack My Phone?
Cybercriminals use various techniques to hack into your phone. Whether you have an iPhone or an Android, both can be vulnerable—though Apple phones are generally considered more secure. Hackers often trick users into clicking on dangerous links or downloading software from fake app stores.
Techniques like SIM swapping and infected charger cables can also give them access to your phone. If you suspect your iPhone has been hacked, it’s important to recognize that iPhones can be compromised and take steps to secure them.
Signs Your iPhone Might Be Hacked: What to Watch For
Here are some signs that might indicate your iPhone has been hacked:
1. Your phone feels hotter than normal
If your phone feels hotter than usual, it could be a sign that it’s running unauthorized processes in the background, possibly due to malware or a hack. Excessive heat may indicate that your device is being exploited by malicious software or unauthorized access, which can also lead to faster battery drain.
2.Your phone’s battery runs out much quicker than it used to
If your phone’s battery is draining much faster than usual, it could be a sign of a potential hack. Unusual battery drain can occur when malicious apps or processes are running in the background, consuming power. This may indicate that your device is compromised and should be checked for security issues.
3. Your phone’s performance has gotten worse
If your phone’s performance has significantly worsened, such as becoming unusually slow or frequently crashing, it might be a sign of a security breach. These issues can result from malicious software running in the background or unauthorized access. It’s crucial to investigate and address potential security concerns to protect your data.
4. Your phone is using more data than it usually does
If your phone is using significantly more data than usual, it might be a sign that something is wrong. Increased data usage could indicate that malicious apps or software are running in the background, consuming your data without your knowledge. Monitoring your data usage and investigating any unusual spikes can help you detect potential security issues.
5. There are apps on your phone that you didn’t install
If you notice apps on your phone that you didn’t install, it could be a sign that your device has been compromised. Unauthorized apps may be hidden to avoid detection and could be used to collect personal information or perform malicious activities. It’s crucial to remove any unfamiliar apps immediately and run a security check to protect your data.
6. There are unauthorized purchases made on your Apple ID
If you notice unauthorized purchases on your Apple ID, it could be a sign that your account has been compromised. Review your recent transactions and immediately report any suspicious activity to Apple Support. It’s also crucial to change your Apple ID password and enable two-factor authentication to secure your account.
7. You’re locked out of your Apple ID
If you’re locked out of your Apple ID, it means you can’t access your account or its associated services. This could be due to incorrect password attempts or security issues. To regain access, visit the Apple ID account recovery page or use the “Forgot Apple ID or Password” option to reset your credentials and verify your identity.
8. The camera or microphone on your phone turn on by themselves
Hackers might attempt to access your phone’s camera or microphone to steal information. If you see the camera or microphone on your iPhone activating without your action, it could indicate a breach. iPhones show a colored dot at the top of the screen when these features are in use: a green dot signals the camera is active, while an orange dot indicates microphone usage.
9. Messages are being sent from your phone that you didn’t send
If your contacts inform you that they’ve received unusual messages from you, it might be a sign of a hacker at work. Additionally, reviewing your sent text messages for any that you don’t remember sending can help you identify if your phone has been compromised.
What to Do If Your iPhone Has Been Hacked?
If you suspect your iPhone has been hacked, follow these steps to secure your device and protect your information:
Step 1. Remain calm
If you think your iPhone has been hacked, it’s important to stay calm. Panicking won’t help and may lead to hasty decisions. Follow the necessary steps to secure your device and protect your information systematically.
Step 2. Change Your Passwords
Immediately update your Apple ID password and any other important accounts accessed through your iPhone.
Step 3. Delete unrecognized apps
If you spot an unfamiliar app that you don’t recall installing, remove it immediately. You can delete such apps directly from the home screen or go to Settings and then Apps to see a list of all installed apps on your phone.
- Ensure that you completely delete the app. If you attempt to remove it from your home screen, your phone will ask if you want to delete it just from the home screen or fully uninstall it. Choose to fully delete the app, as simply removing it from the home screen will keep it installed on your device.
Step 4. Remove unrecognized devices
If you find any unfamiliar devices linked to your Apple ID, be sure to remove them. Additionally, remove any old devices that you no longer use to minimize the risk of someone accidentally accessing your Apple ID.
- Sign in at appleid.apple.com and select Devices on the left-hand side.
- Select any unrecognized device and click Remove from account. The site will ask you for confirmation, so click through until the device has been removed.
Step 5. Run an antivirus scan
Similar to your computer, you can use antivirus software on your iPhone. An antivirus scan can help detect, isolate, and eliminate any malicious software that may be present on your device.
- If you already use antivirus software on your computer, check if the provider offers a mobile app. Some antivirus companies offer bundled packages that include protection for both your computer and mobile devices.
Step 6. Update your phone and apps
Ensure your phone is running the latest version of iOS to benefit from security patches and updates.
Step 7. Report the fraud to Apple
If your Apple ID or iCloud has been compromised, you should contact Apple Support to report the fraud. Note that Apple won’t contact you for any reason unless you contact them first, so if Apple contacts you directly this is a scam you should avoid. You can notify Apple via the following methods:
- Email: reportphishing@apple.com
- Phone: 800-275-2273
- In person: Visit any Apple Store and ask to speak to a customer support representative
Step 8. Cancel any cards linked to your device
If your credit or debit card is linked to Apple Pay, consider canceling and reissuing those cards. Contact your bank or credit provider, explain the situation, and request new card numbers to ensure your financial information remains secure.
Step 9. Freeze your credit
Consider freezing your credit if you suspect your iPhone has been hacked. This step prevents new credit accounts from being opened in your name, adding an extra layer of protection against identity theft. You can request a credit freeze from the major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
Step 10. Factory reset your iPhone
Factory resetting your phone should be a last resort. However, if you’ve attempted other measures and your phone still shows signs of being hacked, performing a factory reset is a reliable method to remove any malicious software and ensure the hacker is cleared from your device.
How to Avoid Getting Hacked?
To reduce the risk of getting hacked, follow these preventive measures:
- Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your phone’s operating system and apps to ensure you have the latest security patches.
- Use Strong Passwords: Create complex, unique passwords for your accounts and use a password manager to keep track of them.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Activate two-factor authentication (2FA) for an extra layer of security on your accounts.
- Be Cautious with Links and Downloads: Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading apps from untrusted sources.
- Monitor App Permissions: Regularly review and manage the permissions granted to your apps to limit access to sensitive data.
- Secure Your Wi-Fi: Use strong passwords for your Wi-Fi network and avoid connecting to public or unsecured networks.
- Install Antivirus Software: Use reputable antivirus software to scan for and protect against potential threats.
- Be Wary of Phishing Scams: Be cautious of unsolicited emails or messages asking for personal information or urging you to click on links.
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