f you suspect your iPhone has been hacked, there are a few telltale signs that will reveal themselves and let you know the truth about the status of your phone. An iPhone hacking doesn’t exactly conceal itself well, though it could take some time for the signs to be noticed by a user who is just going about their business. Perhaps friends are the first to alert you of the signs (yep, it can affect your contacts), or maybe you’re noticing suspicious activity on your device and are wondering if a ghost got into your house and started playing with your device.
Unfortunately, getting hacked is no laughing matter. The second you suspect it has happened, it’s important to change your passwords and take the next steps to secure your phone and mitigate any damage that might have already been done, including changing your credit card information.
Here are five dead giveaways that your iPhone has been hacked, according to privacy experts.
You’re Locked Out
The most obvious sign that you’ve been hacked is that you are completely locked out of your device and can’t even access its content. This happens when the hacker completely takes over and changes your passwords so that even you can’t get into your own phone. This is one of the reasons why it is important to set up Face ID on your phone as an extra added security measure.
Weird Apps Have Been Downloaded
If you scroll through your Home Screen and notice a bunch of new apps downloaded that you had NOTHING to do with downloading, it’s possible you were hacked. Quickly delete all suspicious apps.
Your Friends Are Getting Messages
Have your friends and family been letting you know that they’ve received odd texts and emails from you? This is one way hackers attempt to infiltrate your network and take over other devices, as well. By sending your contacts messages, many of which contains links to suspicious sites, they can accumulate more victims.
Your Phone is Slower Than Ever
A slow phone can indicate a few problems, including minor ones like a lack of storage space. But it can also be a sign that your phone has been hacked. As the hacker relies on malware to scan your device for data that it can use (like credit card info), it also takes up phone battery and consumed resources. This leads to a slow-down in how your phone operates.
Unauthorized Purchases
One of the scariest signs of an iPhone hacking is that your Apple ID or linked credit card may be racking up small purchases that you did not authorize. Address these immediately. One tactic hackers often use is to charge small purchases first, so not to raise your suspicions. It won’t be long before they brazenly charge more costly purchases — take steps now to cut them off at the head.
Being aware of some of the more common signs of a hacking can help you keep your phone and data safe and secure.
