Spyware is an incredibly dangerous software that can result in your identity, payment information, and personal data being stolen.
Instead of using computers for everything, people have transitioned to using their smartphones for many things – online banking, social media, and emailing- just a few that come to mind.
As such, it’s no surprise that hackers now target smartphones. We will teach you how to detect spyware on your iPhone and protect your data.
10 Things That Indicate iPhone Spyware
Before knowing how to detect spyware on your iPhone, this first section will explain some notable indications that your iPhone has spyware.
1. Shorter Battery Life
One tell-tale sign of spyware is that your iPhone’s battery drains much faster than it usually does.
This is a direct result of the spyware constantly running as a background process, requiring more of your iPhone’s resources.
2. iPhone Getting Hot
Again because spyware persistently runs in the background, it requires a constant supply of resources. It won’t take long before this heats your iPhone.
3. Randomly Appearing Apps
Spyware is often covered up by bloatware. If you notice an app you didn’t install and isn’t a part of recent iOS versions, uninstall it immediately.
Although it doesn’t usually remove the spyware, it will prevent the untrusted app from harming your iPhone.
4. Inaccurate Browser History
Different types of spyware act differently and sometimes direct traffic through your browser to track your data and send it to the hacker; therefore, if you see unfamiliar browsing history, this is probably why.
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5. Data Consumption
Network carriers have limits on how much data you can use each month, and if there is spyware continuously transmitting your data, this will eat into your data allowance.
You can usually check your data usage on your carrier’s app/website or monitor the built-in iOS feature.
6. Random Restarts
Random restarting could be a sign of damaged hardware or faulty firmware. It can also be because spyware puts too much stress on the device and causes it to crash.
7. Suspicious Texts
Just like how most spyware transmits data across a network, other spyware may send and receive texts without you realizing it.
It may attempt to delete text messages, so be sure to check the messaging app if you suspect spyware is present.
8. Sudden iPhone Problems
Perhaps your iPhone is suddenly and frequently unresponsive or doesn’t connect to your Wi-Fi correctly. Any sudden problems like this can be caused by spyware interfering with the device’s functionality.
9. Background Noise in Phone Calls
Background noise can be because of spyware, but there are a lot of other factors that cause this symptom. iPhones have great audio hardware, so it isn’t common for users to hear background noise when making calls.
10. Individuals Acting Differently
Lastly, if a friend or family member starts acting strangely around you, they could be the culprit, and they may suspect you know there is spyware on your phone.
Furthermore, they may know your iPhone activity and not like what they found out, thus acting differently.
Solutions to Remove Spyware on iPhone
The indications above might lead to you finding spyware on your iPhone. Not all hope is lost; below, you can find four methods that’ll teach you how to detect spyware on iPhone.
Method #1 – How to Detect Spyware on iPhone via Updating iOS
Keeping your iOS up to date is important in this case because the most recent version may include security features that halt spyware.
On top of that, if you update iOS when spyware is present, there’s a high chance of the spyware not functioning afterward.
- Step #1 – Open the Settings app.
- Step #2 – Go to “General > Software Update.”
- Step #3 – If an update is available, tap “Install Now.”
Whether the update also uninstalls the spyware or simply isn’t compatible with the new iOS, this method will help.
Method #2 –How to Detect Spyware on iPhone via Deleting Suspicious Apps
If your iPhone has had a suspicious app appear, this could be because of the spyware, or it could be the spyware. Either way, it’s ideal to delete it.
- Step #1 – Tap and hold the app icon until it starts shaking.
- Step #2 – Tap on the small X at the top-right of the icon.
- Step #3 – Confirm that you want to delete the app.
Afterward, if the app reappears or more suspicious apps start to appear, that wasn’t the cause. You would then have to try different ways to detect spyware on the iPhone solution.
Method #3 – How to Detect Spyware on iPhone via Installing Anti-Spyware
Installing an anti-spyware app on your iPhone and running a quick scan will detect and remove the spyware. Simply search the app store, and you’ll find plenty to choose from!
Method #4 – How to Detect Spyware on iPhone via Factory Reset Your iPhone
The most effective and aggressive way of understanding how to detect spyware on iPhone is by doing a factory reset.
Since this completely wipes your iPhone and reinstalls the firmware, this guarantees that the spyware is gone.
- Step #1 – Unlock your iPhone and open the Settings application.
- Step #2 – Tap on “General” and navigate to “Reset.”
- Step #3 – From the list of reset options, tap “Erase All Content and Settings.”
- Step #4 – Confirm that you want to proceed with the factory reset.
- Step #5 – Follow the on-screen instructions to set up the iPhone once the reset is complete.
To avoid losing your data, you should make a backup beforehand. Nonetheless, this gets straight to the point and deletes the spyware.
Tips for Protecting Yourself Against iPhone Spyware
You now know how to detect spyware on your iPhone and how to remove it. Just as necessary is understanding the steps, you can take to avoid installing on your iPhone in the first place.
1. Use Strong Passwords
Those password requirements you see when making an account are crucial to follow. Including various character types and having long passwords make them harder to crack.
2. Regularly Update Passwords
As an added precaution, just in case one of your passwords has been cracked by a hacker, you should change them regularly.
This will void your old password and prevent them from accessing the account.
3. Install an Anti-Spyware App
Not only do anti-spyware apps remove spyware, but they also detect spyware almost instantly.
4. Restrict App Permissions
On both Android and iOS devices, apps may request permissions upon installation. Never provide permissions for apps that aren’t from the app store.
5. Only Install Trusted Apps.
Don’t install apps from third-party websites unless you are 100 percent certain that you can trust an app. It’s common practice for hackers to include malicious code in these apps.
Take these tips into consideration, and there will be minimal risk of spyware infecting your iPhone.
FAQs
Q1. Can I detectspyware on my iPhone without using any tools or apps?
Yes, you can detect spyware on your iPhone without relying on additional tools or apps. By closely monitoring your device’s behavior, battery usage, data consumption, and app installations, you can identify potential signs of spyware. However, using reliable anti-spyware apps can provide an extra layer of protection and simplify the detection process.
Q2. Is it possible for spyware to be installed on an iPhone remotely?
Yes, it is possible for spyware to be installed on an iPhone remotely, especially if the device is not adequately protected. Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in the iOS system or trick users into clicking on malicious links, leading to the installation of spyware without their knowledge. It’s crucial to maintain a secure device and be cautious while interacting with unknown sources.
Q3. Can I remove spyware from my iPhone by factory resetting it?
In some cases, a factory reset may remove spyware from your iPhone. However, sophisticated spyware programs can survive a factory reset by hiding in system files or using other stealthy techniques. If you suspect your iPhone is infected with spyware, it’s recommended to seek professional assistance or use reputable anti-spyware apps to ensure a thorough and effective removal process.
Q4. How frequently should I update my iPhone’s iOS?
To maintain optimal security, it is advisable to update your iPhone’s iOS as soon as new updates become available. Apple regularly releases updates to address security vulnerabilities, improve system performance, and protect against emerging threats. Keeping your iOS up to date ensures that your device benefits from the latest security patches and safeguards against potential spyware attacks.
Q5. Are there any precautions I can take to prevent spyware attacks on my iPhone?
Yes, there are several precautions you can take to prevent spyware attacks on your iPhone:
- Only download apps from the official App Store and reputable sources.
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links or opening email attachments from unknown senders.
- Keep your iPhone’s software up to date by installing the latest iOS updates.
- Enable two-factor authentication for your accounts to add an extra layer of security.
- Regularly review and manage the apps installed on your iPhone, removing any unnecessary or suspicious ones.
- Be cautious when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks and consider using a virtual private network (VPN) for enhanced security.
By following these precautions and staying informed about the latest spyware threats, you can significantly reduce the risk of spyware attacks on your iPhone.
To Conclude
Spyware can be very nasty to deal with. On computers, it is easily detected by antivirus software, but not many iPhone users have protection against viruses, malware, and spyware.
As a result of you now knowing how to detect spyware on your iPhone, you’ll notice if anything is wrong with your iPhone before any really valuable information is sent to the hacker.
Moreover, you can remove spyware and protect yourself against future attacks!
