What To Do If Your iPhone Is Hacked

Can an iPhone Be Hacked?

Apple has a reputation for strong security, so you may think, “Isn’t my iPhone secure already?”

Unfortunately, no smartphone—be it an iPhone or Android device—is immune to hacking threats.

While Apple devices are designed with multiple layers of security, they’re not invulnerable to malicious software and hacking attempts.

Both iPhones and Android devices can fall prey to breaches. Any device connected to the Internet can, in theory, be hacked.

Some of the most common ways in which phones are hacked, include:

• Malicious apps.
• Insecure public Wi-Fi networks.
• Phishing.

It’s important that you don’t rely solely on Apple for your data’s safety. Having strong mobile security habits can be instrumental in safeguarding your personal information and digital identity, no matter your phone type.

What To Do If Your iPhone Has Been Hacked

Hacking can lead to unauthorized access to your personal information and compromise your privacy, so you must act quickly to stay safe. Here’s what you should do:

🟢 Disconnect from Wi-Fi & mobile data

The moment you suspect your iPhone has been hacked, disconnect from the internet. This step is essential because—in a hacking scenario—the attacker usually establishes and maintains access to your device through an active internet connection.

Of course, this step is not a permanent solution, but it will buy you some time and help to limit the damage while you figure out your next move.

Here’s how to disconnect from cellular data and Wi-Fi on your iPhone:

1. Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen (or swipe up from the bottom on older models) to open the Control Center.
2. Tap the Airplane mode button.
3. This will turn off any Wi-Fi and cellular connections.

Fig 1. Activating Airplane Mode on iPhone.

🟢 Change your iPhone lock screen passcode

Many hacks happen when someone has physical access to your device, so if you suspect your iPhone has been hacked in this way, it’s essential to prevent further unauthorized access.

Changing your iPhone unlock passcode to one that’s hard to guess and known only by you is the best way to do this. Here’s how:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Face ID & Passcode.
3. Enter your current passcode.
4. Scroll down and tap Change Passcode.

Fig 2. Changing the passcode on iPhone.

🟢 Change your iCloud password

Many iPhone hacks work by gaining access to your iCloud account, so changing your iCloud password is one of the first things you should do if you think your iPhone might have been hacked.

This is a critical step to regain control over your account and minimize potential damage. Here’s how to change your password:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap on your name at the top to access your Apple Account settings.
3. Tap Sign-In & Security.
4. Tap Change Password to begin the password change process.

Enter a strong password for your Apple Account. A strong password should include a combination of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters. Don’t use easily guessable information or a slight tweak to your existing password.

Fig 3. Changing the iCloud password on iPhone.

🟢 Change your passwords for online accounts

If hackers have gained access to your iPhone, it’s vital that you take action—fast.

While changing your iCloud password is an excellent first step, you’ll also want to change all your passwords across your other online accounts.

Hackers know that many people use the same or similar password on various accounts, so if they know one password, it could lead to a domino effect with them taking control of all your accounts.

Make sure to use strong, unique passwords on each account, and consider using a password manager like NordPass to store your passwords securely.

🟢 Run your antivirus software

Despite their robust security features, iPhones are not completely invulnerable to being hacked.

Certo AntiSpy is a powerful antivirus tool custom-designed to help iPhone users find and remove these threats in a few easy steps.

Here’s how to use it to keep your iPhone safe and secure:

1. Download: Download and install Certo AntiSpy antivirus software on your computer.
2. Plug your iPhone into your computer: Connect your iPhone to the computer with a USB cable.
3. Run a scan: Once your iPhone is connected, open Certo AntiSpy and start the scan. The software will then analyze your iPhone and check for signs of malware, spy apps, and system vulnerabilities.
4. Remove any threats: Once you’ve run the scan, Certo AntiSpy will show you the results. Follow the instructions to quickly and easily remove any threats from your device.

Fig 4. Scanning an iPhone for spyware with Certo.

🟢 Uninstall suspicious apps

Apps on your iPhone often request permission to access various features and data, such as your camera, microphone, location, contacts, and more.

These app permissions are granted when you first install the app or when the app requests access. Most people grant app permissions to their devices without thinking twice, but a malicious app can wreak havoc on your security and steal sensitive data.

Delete any unfamiliar apps you don’t remember downloading or unverified third party apps you’ve downloaded from potentially malicious websites.

🟢 Update your iOS version

Having an up-to-date iOS operating system becomes critical if you suspect that advanced spyware has been used to compromise your mobile device.

Updates often contain security patches that fix vulnerabilities exploited by hackers. Performing an update will also remove some malicious modifications made by hackers, such as a Jailbreak.

Here’s how to update your iPhone:

1. Open Settings.
2. Scroll down and tap on General.
3. Tap on Software Update.
4. If an update is available, you’ll see an option to Download and Install.

Fig 5. Updating the iOS version.

🟢 Factory reset your device

Restoring your iPhone to factory settings might feel drastic, but it’s an effective last resort that will completely wipe your device along with any malicious apps on it.

If you want to factory reset your Apple device, approach the process methodically to ensure you don’t lose any irreplaceable data. Here’s how:

1. Backup your data. Once you’ve performed a factory reset, your iPhone data will be lost forever. Back up everything you want to keep, including photos, videos, contacts, messages, and passwords.
2. Perform a factory reset. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings. This will reset your iPhone and return it to its factory state.
3. Set up your iPhone as a new device. After the factory reset, set up your iPhone as a new device. This means you won’t restore your phone from a backup; setting your phone up from scratch will prevent any remaining malicious software from being restored along with your backed-up contents.

Fig 8. Factory resetting an iPhone.

Why Would Cybercriminals Want to Hack My iPhone?

The digital age has brought us convenience, but it also comes with its own unique set of risks. If you’re a regular person with a typical job, you may think that hackers won’t be interested in your data—after all, you aren’t a celebrity or politician.

Unfortunately, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Regular people have their phones hacked daily, and statistics show that someone is hacked every 39 seconds. Whether they’re Android users or iPhone users doesn’t make any difference.

So, why might a hacker want to break into someone’s cell phone? There are countless motives, including:

🛑 Identity theft

Identity theft is one of the most common crimes in the digital realm. Cybercriminals want to gain your personal details to impersonate you and commit various forms of fraud.

After stealing an identity, a hacker can open credit lines, secure loans, or even orchestrate larger-scale frauds, all while impersonating the victim.

Beyond serious financial ramifications, this can lead to social and professional consequences for the target.

🛑 Gain remote access

Spyware (malicious software designed to steal data from a device) operates covertly. When hackers install spyware on smartphones or computers, their primary goal is continuous monitoring.

They can track users’ every move, listen to private conversations, and even gain insight into their personal habits and routines.

Over time, this information can provide a comprehensive profile of the user and make them vulnerable to cyberthreats or manipulative schemes.

🛑 Financial data

Most people store a wealth of financial information on their devices—from bank account details to credit card information. For hackers, this data represents direct financial opportunities.

A hacked phone can allow criminals to execute unauthorized purchases, siphon funds, or even commit large-scale financial fraud. Also, if hackers gain access to this information, it can be sold on the dark web, and this makes the victim susceptible to continued financial breaches.

🛑 Your login credentials

Usernames and passwords are the keys to our digital lives. These credentials grant access to a range of online accounts, from personal emails to online banking and more.

Cybercriminals know that many people reuse passwords across platforms. So, if they can gain the login credentials for one service, they often gain access to others.

Stolen credentials can also be traded or sold on the dark web, where they can be used in coordinated attacks or identity theft.

Final Thoughts

Staying vigilant is the key to keeping your iPhone secure. While Apple’s security measures are strong, no device is completely hack-proof. By recognizing the warning signs, taking immediate action, and adopting good security habits, you can protect your personal data from cyber threats.

If you suspect your iPhone has been compromised, don’t panic—follow the steps outlined in this guide to regain control and prevent future attacks. And remember, prevention is always better than cure. Regularly updating your software, using strong passwords, and staying cautious with third-party apps can go a long way in keeping your digital life secure.