Apple takes security and privacy seriously by encrypting user data and not releasing its source code to app developers.
But if you use your iPhone to connect to the internet, then there’s always a risk of your device getting hacked.
Not taking anything away from Apple’s effort to actively improve iOS security, but the company’s marketing hype of “unhackable” is just not true.
In this post, we’ll share the most common signs that your iPhone has a virus.
Read on to learn how to remove a virus from your iPhone and keep it safe from hacks.
Let’s go!
1. Restart Your iPhone
The simplest way to get rid of a virus from your iPhone is to restart it.
Of course, this method won’t always work, but it’s worth a shot.
When you restart your phone, you’re essentially rebooting up all software processes after a temporary power cut-off, which may just be enough to render the malware ineffective.
2. Update iOS
Another popular way to remove a virus from your iPhone is to update its iOS.
Most iOS malware types rely on exploiting vulnerabilities in the system.
When Apple releases updates, they typically close security holes and expel any viruses lingering in the environment.
3. Uninstall Suspicious Apps
If you find unfamiliar apps you don’t remember installing on your device, you should remove them right away.
Doing so could potentially mean getting rid of a virus from your iPhone.
Many hackers install spyware to spoof your online activities and even access your microphone and camera to hear and watch you.
So, go to Settings and tap on Apps. Scroll until you find unfamiliar apps and long-press its icon before finally tapping Remove to uninstall it.
4. Install An Anti-Virus Solution
One of the best things you can do to enhance your iPhone’s security is to install a powerful anti-virus solution from a reputable provider.
Using this solution, you can detect, report, and eliminate malicious apps and files from your device with a quick scan.
To prevent future attacks, you can connect to the internet via a US VPN server to hide your real IP address and online traffic from your ISP, third-party apps, and cyber criminals.
How Can I Tell if My iPhone Has A Virus?
Yes, you can tell if your iPhone has a virus. Below are some of the most common signs:
- A sudden drop in battery performance;
- Spiking data usage;
- App crashes;
- Lagging and slow response/loading times;
- An unusual rise in device temperature;
- Random messages and calls to your contacts;
- Unfamiliar apps installed, etc.
If you notice any of the issues from the section above, chances are that your iPhone has been hit by one or more types of viruses, such as malware, adware, spyware, Trojan, etc.
Can Iphones Be Infected With Viruses?
Even though iOS is a closed system that’s inherently more secure than Android, iPhones and iPads are not immune to mobile malware.
In other words, your device can get viruses and start acting up in different ways. Just look at these incidents that happened in the past few years:
- In 2021, an Israeli company named NSO created the Pegasus software that allows users to break into iPhones to install spyware with zero interaction. It sends the victim a link to activate the spyware and gives remote control to their camera, microphone, and screen.
- In 2021, senior New York Times reporter, Ben Hubbard, reported that his iPhone had been hacked in 2020 and 2021 without any knowledge or human interaction. He had his phone checked by Citizen Lab, a spyware research institute at the University of Toronto. They discovered that the device’s camera and microphone had been turned on remotely to spy or eavesdrop on him.
So, you’re probably wondering how did this happen?
Although iPhones are generally secure, hackers can get into Apple’s operating system and virtual spaces to force interactions with apps.
However, the majority of iOS viruses infiltrate jailbroken iPhones.
Jailbreaking an iPhone is the counterpart of rooting on Android devices. It allows users to remove software restrictions intentionally put in place by Apple.
Although this practice gives you more control, it bypasses Apple’s closed operating system, leaving your device vulnerable to malicious programs.
Will Resetting My iPhone Get Rid Of Viruses?
Yes, resetting your iPhone will return the device to its factory model, deleting your entire data and installed apps (including infected ones).
However, this is an extreme option you should only use as a last resort. The only way viruses can return following the reset is through an infected backup.
Conclusion
iOS malware is highly sophisticated, making it extremely dangerous.
Therefore, you need to be extra vigilant and take the necessary precautionary steps to avoid hacks and spoofing.
These steps can include using a VPN, watching out for malicious links and attachments, or keeping your software up to date.
Moreover, learning how to remove a virus from your iPhone will help you react quickly and properly if your device gets infiltrated.
Hopefully, with our tips and strategies, you will get rid of iOS malware from your phone in no time.
