Can An iPhone Be Hacked?

Think your iPhone is impenetrable? Think again. While Apple prides itself on tight security, iPhones aren’t invincible. From sneaky malware to targeted spyware, the threats are real. In this article, we’ll debunk common myths about iPhone security, reveal how hackers can get in, and give you the essential knowledge to protect yourself.

Can Someone Actually Hack An iPhone?

Apple has long prioritized device security, implementing stringent App Store policies, regular software updates, and robust hardware-based security features. These measures significantly reduce the risk of iPhone hacks. However, it’s important to note that iPhones offer strong security but are not immune to hacking.

Below, we’ll debunk some common myths about iPhone hacking:

➡️ Myth 1: iPhones are resilient to malware. While it’s less common than on other platforms, iPhones can be infected with malware. Sophisticated phishing scams and malicious websites can still trick users into downloading harmful software. Even tech-savvy spouses have been known to install spyware on their partner’s iPhone.

➡️ Myth 2: Hackers can’t target iPhones. High-profile hacking incidents, such as the Pegasus spyware attacks, have proven that even iPhones can be targeted by skilled attackers. Government agencies and cybercriminals have developed tools to exploit vulnerabilities in iOS.

➡️ Myth 3: iOS apps are 100% safe. While Apple’s App Store review process is rigorous, malicious apps can sometimes slip through the cracks. Always be cautious when downloading apps from unknown sources.

➡️ Myth 4: iPhones are only vulnerable if jailbroken. Jailbreaking an iPhone removes some of Apple’s security restrictions, making it more susceptible to attacks. However, even non-jailbroken iPhones can be hacked if vulnerabilities are discovered in the iOS software or if apps are downloaded from unofficial sources.

In reality, there are two primary ways an iPhone can be hacked:

1. Remotely: This involves exploiting vulnerabilities in the iOS operating system or tricking users into clicking on malicious links or downloading harmful apps.
2. Physically: Gaining physical access to an iPhone allows attackers to install spyware, access data, or bypass security measures.

In the following sections, we’ll explore these hacking methods in more detail and discuss how to protect yourself from these threats.

Remote Hacking

Remote hacking occurs when a hacker who is not physically present breaks into your iPhone. We’ll take a look at the most common methods below:

Phishing scams

Phishing attacks are a common way hackers try to access your iPhone through seemingly genuine emails or text messages.

These social engineering scams trick you into divulging personal information or downloading malware. Here are some examples:

❌ Deceptive links: An email claiming to be from your bank urging you to click on a link to update your account information.

❌ Security threats: A notification claiming your device has a security issue, instructing you to download a fake “antivirus” app to fix it.

❌ Fake alerts: A text from “Apple” warning of suspicious activity on your iCloud and prompting you to enter your password.

❌ Impersonation scams: A text from a “friend” asking you to send money urgently.

❌ Urgent requests: An email from a fake lottery claiming you’ve won a prize and asking for your personal information.

Hacking via public wi-fi networks

Public Wi-Fi networks are less secure than private ones, making them a prime target for hackers.

While infecting an iPhone with malware over Wi-Fi is challenging, hackers can still intercept your data if you’re connected to an unsecured or compromised network.

Here is how hackers target iPhones on public Wi-Fi:

⚠️ Man-in-the-middle (MitM) attacks: Hackers intercept communication between your iPhone and the network, potentially accessing unencrypted data like login credentials or browsing history.

⚠️ Rogue access points: Hackers create fake Wi-Fi hotspots that mimic legitimate ones, tricking your phone into connecting and exposing your data.

⚠️ Zero-day exploits: Hackers exploit undiscovered vulnerabilities in operating systems or apps, gaining unauthorized access to your device. More on this below!

⚠️ Remote code execution (RCE): Hackers run malicious code on your iPhone, often by exploiting vulnerabilities in apps accessible over the public network.

Zero-day attacks

A zero-day attack exploits a software vulnerability a developer is unaware of, leaving users with “zero days” to protect themselves. This makes them particularly dangerous as traditional security measures may not be able to detect them yet.

Pegasus spyware is one of the most infamous examples of a zero-day attack targeting iPhones. Developed by the NSO group, Pegasus can be installed remotely without any user interaction, granting hackers access to a device, including:

• Reading messages and emails
• Listening to calls
• Tracking location
• Accessing photos and videos
• Activating the camera and microphone

Pegasus has been used to target journalists and activists worldwide. While Apple has taken steps to address the vulnerabilities exploited by Pegasus, the threat remains.

Physical Hacking

Surveillance by someone close to you

Hacking threats can come from closer to home than you might think. A controlling spouse, a disgruntled ex-partner, or even a well-intentioned but overly protective family member could exploit tools and features on your iPhone to monitor your activities.

Apple’s hidden apps feature

Apple’s hidden apps feature, introduced in iOS 18, allows users to conceal specific apps.

While designed to enhance privacy, it can be exploited by abusers to hide spyware on their victim’s iPhone. With physical access to the device, they could install a spy app and easily conceal it from view, making it difficult for the victim to detect.

ℹ️ If you want to learn more, read our article on the hidden apps feature and how to protect yourself.

WhatsApp Linked Devices Feature

This feature enables users to access their WhatsApp accounts on multiple devices. However, it can be exploited by someone who gains brief access to your phone. By scanning a QR code on their own device, they can link it to your WhatsApp account, gaining access to your messages and conversations even after they no longer have physical access to your phone.

ℹ️ Want more information? Read our article on how WhatsApp’s linked devices feature can be exploited.

Keyloggers

A keylogger is a malicious app that secretly records everything you type on your keyboard or mobile device.

While not providing full device access, keyloggers are easier to install and can operate undetected for long periods, capturing sensitive information such as:

• Private messages and conversations
• Website URLs and browsing habits
• Passwords to online accounts, social media, and financial services

This covert data collection poses a significant risk, especially for those vulnerable to domestic or tech abuse.

ℹ️ Want to learn more? Check out our article on the rise of keylogging on iPhones.

Commercial Spyware

Commercial spyware has become increasingly accessible to the general public. These tools can be used to gain access to a mobile device for a surprisingly affordable price tag.

Anyone can purchase basic tracking capabilities for as little as $30, with more advanced features available at a higher cost.

We’re not naming the software here, but to give you a better idea of what you’re up against, this type of commercial software can:

1. Turn on the microphone and listen in on live calls.
2. Track real-time location.
3. View private photos and videos.
4. Steal passwords and usernames.
5. Be 100% invisible to the victim.
6. Provide remote updates (meaning whoever is spying on you can check on you no matter where in the world they are).

This type of software is quite simple to install, meaning anyone could do it. All the hacker would need is access to your device and a few minutes to install it.

Tracking apps

Family tracking apps are designed for location sharing and safety purposes within a family or friend group. However, some apps’ extensive monitoring features can enable someone to misuse them for intrusive spying without the target’s full knowledge or consent.

Tracking apps generally don’t require any special technical knowledge to install other than downloading the app from the App Store, as you would any other app.

These apps can track your real-time location and keep a detailed history of where you have been in the last 30 days. Some apps even extend the tracking to messages, phone calls and browsing history.

iCloud hacking

This type of iPhone hack is much less common than the other methods we have mentioned, but sometimes hackers only need to know your iCloud account details in order to spy on you. There are various methods of obtaining these details, but once they have them, they can access any personal data on your iCloud account.

This could be a disgruntled ex-partner, a jealous friend, or a suspicious spouse. Once they have your password, they can access photos, messages, contacts, and essentially any data from your phone that is synced with iCloud.

Disturbingly, some services offer this type of hacking for a small fee. The hacker receives a neatly organized report of all the information from the compromised account.

Once a hacker has that information, it can be used for various purposes. It really depends on who is hacking you and why.

What To Do If You Are Hacked

If you suspect you’ve been hacked, take immediate action to protect yourself and regain control of your information.

✅ Change your passwords: Update passwords for all your online accounts, including email, social media, banking, Apple ID, and other sensitive platforms. Use a strong password for each account.

✅ Run a malware scan: Use reputable antivirus software to scan your device for any malicious software that might have been installed.

✅ Check your app permissions: Review the permissions granted to apps on your phone and revoke any that seem unnecessary or suspicious.

✅ Delete unknown apps: If you find unfamiliar apps on your phone that you don’t remember installing, delete them immediately.

✅ Remove unknown devices: Check the list of devices linked to your accounts (e.g., iCloud, Google) and remove any you don’t recognize.

✅ Remove suspicious configuration profiles: On your phone, go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management and delete any configuration profiles you didn’t intentionally install.

✅ Initiate a credit freeze: Contact the credit bureaus to freeze your credit file, preventing anyone from opening new accounts in your name.

✅ Cancel linked credit cards: If you suspect your financial information has been compromised, contact your credit card company and cancel any credit cards linked to your hacked accounts.

✅ Factory reset your iPhone: If you believe your phone has been compromised beyond repair, consider performing a factory reset to wipe all data and start fresh.

✅Enable lockdown mode: If you suspect your device has been compromised by spyware like Pegasus, enable lockdown mode, a special security feature introduced by Apple.

How To Protect Your iPhone From Being Hacked

Now you know how iPhone hacking works let’s now move on to some protection tactics. Here are some essential steps to safeguard your iPhone and it’s data:

🛡️ Regularly update iOS. Always install any updates for your phone’s operating system as they often contain the latest security patches that address vulnerabilities.

🛡️ Set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). Enable MFA for your Apple ID and other crucial accounts. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a code from a trusted device in addition to your password.

🛡️ Use a VPN. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your internet traffic, making it difficult for hackers to intercept your data. Consider using a VPN, especially on public Wi-Fi networks.

🛡️ Update your unlock passcode. Use a strong unlock passcode that is difficult to guess. Avoid using easily identifiable patterns or common combinations. Consider using Face ID or Touch ID for added security.

🛡️ Don’t jailbreak your phone. Jailbreaking removes Apple’s security restrictions, making your iPhone more vulnerable to malware and hacking attempts. Avoid at all costs!

🛡️ Ignore Spam Messages. Be cautious of suspicious links or attachments in messages, even if they appear to come from known contacts. Report and delete any spam messages.

🛡️ Enable “Erase Data” option. Enable the “Erase Data” option in your iPhone settings, which automatically wipes your device after ten failed passcode attempts.

🛡️ Turn off Bluetooth when not using it. Disable Bluetooth when you’re not using it to prevent unauthorized access to your device.

🛡️ Be selective with iCloud Sync. Evaluate which data types are essential to sync with iCloud. By limiting synced data, you reduce the amount of your private information stored online and are potentially vulnerable to hackers. If you don’t need a cloud copy of certain data, consider turning off syncing for those types.

🛡️ Disable Auto-Join to known Wi-Fi networks. Disable the auto-join feature for all networks in your iPhone’s Wi-Fi settings. This prevents your phone from automatically connecting to previously used Wi-Fi, including potentially malicious networks disguised as familiar ones.

🛡️Disable Wi-Fi Sync. Wi-Fi Sync enables automatic backups to a computer on the same network, a feature that spyware can exploit. Malicious actors can access these backups, potentially gaining access to your photos, messages, call logs, and other sensitive data. To safeguard your privacy, disable Wi-Fi Sync in your iPhone settings.

Wrapping up

While Apple has cultivated a reputation for building secure products, it’s crucial to recognize that no device is entirely immune to hacking. As technology evolves, so do the methods employed by those seeking to exploit vulnerabilities. Staying vigilant and proactive in protecting your Apple devices is essential.

Implementing simple practices can significantly reduce your risk. Keep your software updated, avoid jailbreaking your device, and use strong passwords or biometric authentication like Touch ID or Face ID. Be cautious about downloading apps from untrusted sources, and avoid connecting to unsecured Wi-Fi networks.

Remember, if you suspect your iPhone has been compromised, resources are available to help you detect and remove malicious software. By taking proactive steps and staying informed, you can safeguard your digital life and maintain control over your personal information.