My iPhone is Hacked! Really? Now What?


People asked me frequently, ?Can my iPhone Be Hacked?? The answer ? YES.

iPhones are known for its safety and keeping hackers away – however, it runs on software ? making it vulnerable to attacks.

How iPhones function to protect your data.

? Stored information is automatically encrypted. Only access is with your passcode.
? Apps available in Apple Store are scrutinized by Apple for its genuineness. The chances of it to be a malicious software is slim.

 

So when and how an iPhone can be hacked? Four things come to mind

You Jailbreaked your iPhone.

  • Jailbreak ? you used a program to bypass the phone?s software default security setting.
  • Results ? you bypassed the security rules that keep you and your information safe.
  • Purpose ? attempt to save a few bucks by downloading apps from other app stores – opens the door to greater risks.
  • Just don?t do it.

Opening messages from people you don?t know.

  • Hackers install malware (malicious software) on your iPhone for watching what you do or even control it.
  • Common entrance of malware is downloaded when you clicked or open a link in your email or messages.
  • Do not recognize the sender or the message preview shows weird characters or block-shaped icon, don?t open it ? delete it.
  • If you opened it, don?t click on anything. It will take you to a website, download and install malware on your iPhone.
  • Just Delete it

Using Public WiFi

  • It?s convenient and free, but public Wi-Fi networks can be exploited by hackers.
  • Public Wi-Fi – ok to look up a movie time – don?t log in to your bank or other sensitive sites – don?t pay a bill or buying anything.
  • Websites are another place where you can pick up malware allowing hackers to access your iPhone. Avoid clicking on anything that pops up- even established websites.
  • Pop-up ads are a good source of malware. If a pop up takes over your screen, look for a safe way to close the window without clicking ?ok? or ?continue? or anything like that.
  • X?s on the screen known to be embedded with the command to download infectious software.
  • Pay attention and practice Safe Browsing

Plugging your iPhone into charging stations that may be infected.

  • Public charging ports and cords are available everywhere.
  • Georgia Tech researcher demonstrated software that can be used to download malware from a public charging port.
  • Stay safe – bring your own portable power source.
  • Lock your iPhone locked when using a public charging port
  • Lock your iPhone while charging

I Think My iPhone Was Hacked!

It helps to have a plan in case something does happen. Things to watch for include:

  • New apps on your screen that you didn?t download
  • Calls, texts or emails in your history that you didn?t send
  • iPhone opening apps or words being typed when you aren?t touching it.

What Now?

It?s scary to see your iPhone acting on its own! Follow these steps:

1. Turn off your iPhone immediately and stay off a while
2. Turn back on and stay with Airplane Mode
3. Reset Settings ? Erase All Content and Settings, reinstall or recover from your iCloud backup
4. The worst case – Go ask for help to perform a Default Firmware Update Restore

You must be careful to keep this from happening. You should be scared!

Your iPhone can be hijacked without you knowing. Hacker uses your microphone, camera and keystrokes to track everything you do. Take the risk seriously and pay attention to the websites you visit, the links you click, and the networks you use.

Has your iPhone been hacked? Call ITensure for help.