Finding out too late that your iPhone has been hacked can have dire consequences. Before you even realize what has happened, hackers can infiltrate your device and steal your data, including sensitive information like passwords to banking websites and apps. They can swipe your social security number, steal your contacts’ information, and spread viruses like malware and spyware.
There are ways you can help safeguard your phone so that it isn’t hacked in the first place — including setting very strong passwords and two-factor authentication for apps and sites, and especially sensitive sites. But, no matter how vigilant you are, accidents sometimes happen.
If you are worried that your phone has a virus, but you aren’t sure, stop wondering and take these three expert-approved steps to check if your iPhone has a virus.
1. You’ve Hired a Company To Clear Your Phone Virus
Have you received a message on your iPhone warning you that your phone has a virus? Those scary pop-ups and messages are nearly always fake. But what they manage to do well is get you upset enough to think that you need to take additional steps to secure your phone. No shocker: these messages always include a phone number for you to call so that the company on the other end can clear your virus. This is a common tactic that hackers use to then get personal information from you, such as your credit card and Apple ID number. And that’s when the actual hacking occurs.
2. Security Features Have Been Changed
One huge red flag that you’ve been hacked is if your phone’s security features, like Find My iPhone or your passcode settings, have been changed — and you were not the one to change them. Logins to your account that are under a different name, especially those concerning Apple ID, are another major issue.
3. Data Usage is High
Your data usage should not suddenly and unexpectedly spike. If it does, it could be a major sign that someone else is using your phone without your knowledge and sending your data usage soaring.
If you suspect you’ve been hacked, make sure you immediately change your passwords for all sensitive sites and change your Apple ID.
