Don’t live in fear that your iPhone may get a virus and that your personal data could become compromised. Instead, get acquainted with a few of the most common telltale signs that your phone has been infiltrated so that you can feel more empowered. As soon as you realize your phone is vulnerable, can take steps to lock a hacker out and try and save as much of your personal, private data as possible.
According to Payette Forward, these seven signs will alert you to the fact that something isn’t quite right with your iPhone — and that it could have a virus. Here are the signs and what you should do if you suspect a virus.
Ways Your Phone Can Get a Virus
Some of the most common ways your phone can get a virus include:
Public Charging Stations
Always be careful when using a public charging station because you have no idea who is on the other end of the cable and what they’re capable of doing.
Configuration Profiles
Configuration profiles such as those used by businesses and schools can be abused and act like viruses on your iPhone.
Malvertising
Malvertising is malicious advertising that can infect your phone with a virus. Never click on strange-looking ads and pop-ups, including any that promise to remove so-called viruses you have on your device.
Pubic WiFi Networks
If you are in need of internet when you’re out and about, be careful when relying on public WiFi networks. These networks are less secure than your at-home network, and hackers often use them to intercept data and infect your device with a virus.
Jailbreaking
Jailbreaking your phone may give you more creative control over your device, but it’s a big way hackers can infiltrate your device. Jailbroken apps can do things like record your phone calls or even steal photos from your iPhone.
Signs You Have a Virus
Some of the most common signs your phone may have a virus include:
Apps You Didn’t Download Appear On Your Phone
Are you seeing more apps on your phone that you never downloaded? This could be a sign of a virus. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage > check out a list of apps installed on your phone. If you don’t recognize some of them, delete them.
Configuration Profiles
Check for a Configuration profile on your iPhone by going to Settings, scroll down, and tap VPN and Device Management. Here you’ll see Configuration profiles. If you notice anything odd, like “Subscribe to our Channel,” remove it.
Increased Data Usage
An app you didn’t download could be eating away a ton of data. Go to your Settings and Cellular Data to see which apps you don’t recognize are using up a ton of your data.
Phone Temperature Fluctuations
It’s perfectly normal for your phone to heat up if you’re playing a resource-intensive game. But if it’s heating up for no reason at all, your device could have a virus.
What To Do If Your Phone Has a Virus
If you suspect your phone has a virus, take the following steps:
**Change your password on your phone and on all of your accounts immediately. Make sure you are using 2-Factor Authentication for all apps that allow it. And pick passwords that are lengthy and complex.
** If you suspect your personal information has been compromised, including your social security number and banking information, contact your bank and the FTC ASAP.
