iPhones are one the most popular brands of cell phones out there. It is like having a small computer in the palm of our hand, but with it being so, can it get malware like a laptop or a desktop can? Are there viruses that can damage my iPhone?
The simple answer is yes, iPhones can get malware and viruses, but this is extremely rare and doesn’t happen too often. iPhones are fortunately quite dependable against any malware attacks, and this is why Apple products get damaged this way.
Although the occurrence is rare, it still does happen. Here is everything that has helped me protect my iPhone and prevent any future viruses and malware.
Can iPhones Get Malware?
iPhones can get malware even though it is very unlikely. But when a virus or malware does settle itself in an iPhone, you will know. Often, it isn’t because someone just got into the phone’s technology but more likely from clicking on a phishing attack or unsafe network.
Most Common Ways To Getting Malware
There are many ways that can cause an iPhone to get infected by malware or a virus. This is because of something we do and not something that just randomly happens. Here are the most common ways of getting an iPhone infected:
- Phishing attacks.
- Opening unsafe links within emails or other websites.
- Connecting to an unsafe Wi-Fi network.
- Downloading fake or malicious applications.
- Downloading third-party, unofficial apps.
- If the iPhone is jailbroken.
How To Tell My iPhone Has Malware
You may notice that your iPhone has been behaving strangely. It could be many things like needing to update the software on the phone, or it could be malware. Here are some signs and symptoms that reveal if there is a virus on the phone:
- The phone is running hotter than it used to be.
- Unexpected charges on a phone bill.
- Receiving spam messages or friends receiving spam messages.
- New apps appeared that were never downloaded.
- Apps are constantly crashing.
- Being spammed with ads or pop-ups.
- Data usage has increased.
- The battery is draining faster than usual.
If any of these symptoms are happening to the phone, there is most likely a virus infecting the device.
Does iPhones Need Malware Protection?
Apple products are usually quite protected from malware and viruses. This is why it is rare for malware to infect iPhones, but it still does happen. But there is no reason to download any malware protection. Instead, take cautionary steps:
- Research the apps before downloading.
- Don’t click on any suspicious links.
- Use only protected Wi-Fi networks.
- If unsure, use cellular data.
- Protect Wi-Fi at home.
- Don’t jailbreak the phone.
Research The Apps
Always research the apps before thinking about downloading them. Some applications may be third-party or brand new. There is nothing wrong with brand new applications, but if the reviews aren’t great initially, it may be best to avoid it for now.
Don’t Click Suspicious Links
Any time an email with a link is received, avoid the link at all costs. This is how hackers can get personal information and infect the iPhone. It gives hackers a backdoor into the device, and it is hard to reverse this.
Be suspicious with links on websites as well. Sometimes unreliable links are attached to words within the article and can lead to a rabbit hole of malware and viruses. It is best to stick with websites that are safe and reliable.
Use Protected Wi-Fi Networks
Public Wi-Fi networks can be a feeding ground for hackers and malware to infect a device. Any Wi-Fi connected to an iPhone should be protected and need a password. This helps prevent hackers and viruses from taking over the network and infecting anyone who connects to it.
Use Cellular Data
At any time is it seems like the networks are unsafe. Just use the cellular data on the phone. It is best to be safe than sorry. Although a Wi-Fi network may be protected with a password, there is a chance that it can still get infected if there is a lot of traffic on the network.
Protect Wi-Fi At Home
Always protect the Wi-Fi network at home. Password protect it with a complicated password that won’t be cracked after a few tries. There are even some networks where a guest Wi-Fi network can be given to anyone who just needs access temporarily.
When the Wi-Fi at home becomes infected with malware and viruses, this can infect all connected devices. It is always best to protect all devices and networks at home to prevent this from happening.
Do Not Jailbreak The Phone
Although jailbreaking an iPhone may provide access to all sorts of features, this also means that it is more susceptible to getting infected by malware and viruses. Apps can access the device and bypass the security features. One bad app downloaded can wipe out a phone, even an iPhone.
How To Remove Malware From iPhones
Removing malware from an iPhone is simple and doesn’t always mean visiting an Apple store. Try these simple steps to remove the malware first to see if it works. If all else fails, set up that appointment with the Apple store.
- Restart the iPhone.
- Clear the browsing data and history.
- Clear all cookies and cache.
- Restore phone from a previous backup iPhone.
- Reset all content and settings to default settings.
- Make an appointment with a professional.
The last attempt is to reset all the content and settings to default settings. If that’s not what is desired, then speak with a professional first. The professionals may help without removing all the data on the phone. They also can back up your data and transfer it back onto the phone if need be.
Outro
Although iPhones seem almost unbeatable when it comes to the technology within the device, they are still susceptible to getting viruses, especially by user error. Ensure that all precautions are taken before downloading anything or clicking on anything, and the device should remain safe and secure.