How to Detect Spyware on an iPhone

How to Detect Spyware on iPhones

Despite their stellar reputation for having robust security features, iPhones aren’t exempt from spyware programs. Wondering whether you might have spyware on your iPhone? Here are some ways to tell:

🔺 Unknown or suspicious apps

We’ve all been there—sifting through our devices, stumbling across unknown apps and thinking, “When did I download these?” Most of the time, a forgotten app is just that. But sometimes, the reason you’re finding unknown apps can be more sinister.

When unknown apps surface on your iPhone, it’s not always a case of forgetfulness. Some spyware disguises itself as legitimate-looking apps that sneak past our defenses.

Here are some examples of suspicious apps to look out for:

• Jailbreak-related apps such as “Cydia”, “Sileo” and “Checkra1n”
• Known fake system apps like “SystemCore” and “SystemUpdate”
• Apps with names like “Phone Monitor”

If you encounter a suspicious app that you don’t recall downloading—especially if it isn’t one of Apple’s default apps or downloaded from the official App Store—it could very well point to spyware lurking beneath the surface.

🔺 Increased data usage

Data usage naturally ebbs and flows based on our online activities, but when you observe a sudden surge, there might be more at play than just excessive video streaming.

Spyware often works by collecting data from your device and secretly transmitting it to an external server. This under-the-radar operation can cause a suspicious spike in your data consumption.

Track your mobile data usage over a couple of days or weeks to get an idea of how much mobile data you typically use over a given period of time. If you notice a strange spike in usage, this may be a sign that your device has spyware installed.

🔺 Decreased battery life

While factors like age, battery health, and heavy app usage can contribute to battery depletion, an unexpected battery drain can point toward spyware programs working overtime in the background.

Because spyware is always running in the background to keep track of your activities, it can use up your battery life at an abnormal rate. If you’ve ruled out other factors that may be draining your battery, it’s time to investigate what might be going on behind the scenes.

🔺 Suspicious text messages

Everyone receives a weird text message now and then; if it only happens once in a while it’s usually not cause for concern. But if you regularly receive such texts, it may be a reason to dig a little deeper. Spyware and phishing messages often go hand-in-hand, and these text messages could be an indication that your phone has been targeted.

How to Protect Your iPhone against Hackers

While Certo AntiSpy is a fast and reliable way to remove spyware from your iPhone, this doesn’t mean your device will be safe from malicious software forever—unless you continuously take steps to protect it.

Fortunately, there are various ways you can boost your device’s defenses. Let’s dive into how to safeguard your iPhone effectively:

🟢 Detect and remove spyware

If your iPhone is infected with spyware then your messages, calls, photos and other private information could be exposed.

Regularly scan your device for iPhone spyware and malicious software. Not sure how to do this? Certo AntiSpy makes it easier than ever to detect and remove spyware, and keep your phone protected going forward.

Fig 1. Results of a spyware scan with Certo AntiSpy.

🟢 Update your iOS to the latest version

As technology changes, so do our operating systems. If your device’s operating system is outdated, you could be vulnerable to spyware attacks. Here’s how to check whether a software update for iOS is available on your device:

1. Tap on the Settings app from your home screen
2. Scroll down and select the General option
3. Tap on Software Update. Your device will check for updates
4. If an update is available, you’ll see its version number and description
5. If you wish to proceed with the update, tap Download and Install

Fig 2. Updating the iOS version on iPhone.

🟢 Update your apps

Just like you should ensure your iOS is up-to-date, it’s equally important to keep all your installed apps current. Developers regularly release security patches, so staying updated is one of your primary defenses against potential vulnerabilities.

Go through your app folders, and if you have any unknown or suspicious apps installed, delete them and run a spyware check.

🟢 Use a strong passcode

Most iPhone spyware requires the hacker to physically get hold of your device to install it. Therefore, a strong unlock passcode that’s difficult to guess can be one of the best ways to protect against a spyware attack.

Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special symbols, and don’t base your passcode on publicly available information, like your birthday.

🟢 Use two-factor authentication

Some iPhone spyware works by accessing your iCloud account and stealing data that’s been synced from your phone, such as photos and messages. Therefore using two-factor authentication with your Apple ID is another important way to protect your iPhone from hackers.

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a security feature that enhances the safety of your accounts beyond just a password. Even if cybercriminals decipher your password, 2FA prevents them from breaking into your account.

To access your account with 2FA, you’ll need to present two distinct forms of identification. This typically combines something you’re aware of (such as your password) with something you receive and input (for instance, a code produced by an application or a single-use password delivered through SMS or email).

🟢 Don’t open suspicious links

Clicking on suspicious links or attachments can give surveillance software, spyware, and malware direct access to your device.

Don’t click on links in emails or texts from contacts you don’t recognize and be careful about clicking on unknown links while browsing the internet.

🟢 Enable Lockdown mode

Lockdown mode is an optional, extreme protection measure that can be turned on to help combat some targeted and sophisticated cyberattacks, such as Pegasus.

When enabled, your device will function differently. Some apps, websites and features will be limited and some experiences will be completely unavailable.

While this isn’t going to protect against all methods of hacking, it can be a way to protect against certain types of advanced spyware.

Lockdown mode can be enabled as follows:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap Privacy & Security.
3. Under Security, tap Lockdown Mode and tap Turn On Lockdown Mode.
4. Tap Turn On Lockdown Mode.
5. Tap Turn On & Restart, then enter your device passcode.

Fig 3. Enabling Lockdown Mode on iPhone.

Why Would Someone Hack Your iPhone?

There are many reasons someone might want to hack your phone. However, the most common reasons are to collect information about an aspect of your personal life or for monetary gain.

Here are a few examples that detail why someone would install malicious programs on your iPhone and how they could abuse your private data:

Cyberstalking

Cyberstalking is one of the most common uses of spyware apps and it is often carried out by someone close to you. Some examples of cyberstalking are:

• Accessing private text messages for use in divorce proceedings
• Monitoring of GPS locations by a jealous spouse or partner
• Accessing your iPhone remotely
• Installing surveillance software on your iPhone

Identity theft

Once they have access to your personal information, a hacker could steal your identity. They might use your details to open new bank accounts, take out loans, or worse.

This has the potential to completely ruin your life and leave you with a mountain of debt that you weren’t responsible for—or at the very least, cause a huge amount of stress and waste a lot of your time.

Financial fraud

If a hacker manages to steal information related to your finances, it’s common for them to purchase items online by using your information. They could also request money from your contacts or withdraw funds from your bank accounts.

Data theft

Hackers can make fast money by collecting data from multiple victims and then selling the information to others. Full ID packages can sell for amounts of up to $100 each on the dark web, and hackers will usually sell this data in large batches.

Blackmail

Hackers could use the data they’ve stolen to blackmail you. This tactic usually involves them threatening to share your personal photos, videos, or text messages with your contacts, unless you send them money.