Can My iPhone Be Hacked? How to Secure iOS in 2024

Sayb Saad
Last Updated by Sayb Saad on March 27, 2024 Fact-checked by Justyn Newman Fact-checked by Justyn Newman

If you see random apps on your home screen or unknown calendar entries, your iPhone’s likely hacked. While more secure than Android, your iPhone is still vulnerable. Hackers can exploit system-level security loopholes to steal your sensitive data.

Knowing if your iPhone is hacked is tricky. Usually, you’ll notice strange behaviors like fast battery draining, new icons, excessive data usage, and unknown calendar appointments. Prevention is better than cure, so you must observe safe browsing practices.

A reliable iOS antivirus is crucial if your iPhone is infected or if you want to prevent future attacks. After testing all the top brands, Norton is my #1 pick for iPhone protection due to its perfect real-time protection. You can try it risk-free with its 60-day refund policy.

Protect your iPhone with Norton

Quick Guide: How to Quickly Fix a Hacked iPhone

  1. Download and install an antivirusI suggest Norton for iPhone due to its perfect real-time protection and useful extras like data breach scanner and spam protection.
  2. Check overall security — The antivirus will search for suspicious apps, outdated software, and malicious files on your iPhone.
  3. Remove infections — Resolve all the issues the antivirus has picked up, and your iPhone will be virus-free.

How Are iPhones Hacked?

Jailbreaking

Jailbreaking bypasses Apple’s restrictions and lets you install unauthorized apps, tweaks, and themes unavailable in the App Store. In the process, it creates holes in your iPhone’s security defenses and exposes it to malware and spyware. Jailbreaking can also disable application sandboxing, making it easier for malicious software to take full control of the device.

Phishing

A phishing attack tricks you into clicking a suspicious link and revealing sensitive data like your login and financial credentials. Hackers often use emails, text messages, or social media messages that mimic legitimate organizations. Once you click a malicious link, you may unintentionally install malware or reveal sensitive information.

MDM/Provisioning Profiles

Mobile Device Management (MDM) profiles are legitimate tools organizations use to manage devices like iPhones within their network. Malicious MDM profiles can give attackers remote control over your iPhone, enabling them to view your data, install apps, track you, or even remotely wipe your device clean.

Unsafe WiFi

Hackers can exploit unencrypted WiFi networks to intercept sensitive data flowing between your iPhone and the internet. These Man-in-the-Middle attacks allow your data to pass through them. Attackers can also create fake WiFi hotspots, luring unsuspecting users to connect. Once connected, they can steal data or redirect you to malicious websites.

How to Tell if My iPhone’s Hacked?

Phone Is Hotter Than Usual or Runs Out of Battery Quickly

Unexplained increases in your iPhone’s temperature or rapid battery depletion are potential red flags. Malicious apps consume extra phone resources, causing your iPhone to overheat and drain the battery faster. These symptoms suggest that your device could be executing tasks set by an attacker, like mining cryptocurrency or transmitting data to a remote server.

Unrecognized Apps on Your Home Screen

If you see apps you haven’t installed, your iPhone has likely been compromised. These apps could’ve been silently installed through system vulnerabilities or as payloads from phishing attacks. Such apps are trojans that create backdoors for attackers to exploit your device, steal sensitive information, or track your movements and activities without your consent.

You’re Locked Out of Your Apple ID

Being unable to sign in to your Apple ID could mean that your Apple ID has been compromised. With a successful phishing attack, hackers can access your Apple ID and lock you out of your iPhone. In such scenarios, take immediate steps to secure your account, like resetting your password and enabling two-factor authentication.

Camera or Microphone Indicator Lights

Your iPhone indicates when you’re using its camera or microphone. Seeing these lights when you’re not using an app that requires visual or audio capture is a sign of unauthorized access. Hidden malware or spyware on your device might secretly record conversations or your surroundings for surveillance and eavesdropping.

Strange Messages From You

If your contacts report receiving messages or emails you didn’t send, your iPhone’s security may be compromised. In these situations, hackers access your account to spread phishing links, malware, or scams among your network. The aim is to exploit your established trusted relationships to further their malicious activities.

Dropped Performance

If your iPhone starts acting slow or apps crash more than usual, your device could have harmful software. Malicious apps can secretly run in the background and consume your phone’s resources. Some viruses steal data from your device and send it to the attacker. This requires a lot of computational resources, which slow down your iPhone.

Unauthorized Purchases

Purchases you didn’t make on your Apple account mean someone may have unauthorized access. Once hackers have your Apple ID, they can buy apps, games, music, or physical goods. If you see suspicious financial activity, immediately change your Apple ID password and contact Apple support to report the issue.

High Data Usage

An unexpected spike in data usage often signals a compromised iPhone. This could be malware transmitting your data to an attacker or downloading malicious files. Analyze your data usage patterns, identify anomalies, and look for apps consuming disproportionate amounts of data, especially those you don’t use frequently.

Step-By-Step Guide: What to Do if Your iPhone Has Been Hacked

Download and Install an Antivirus

The first step is to install a reputable iOS antivirus on your iPhone. This will remove the existing infections on your device and prevent future infections. I prefer Norton, as its SONAR behavioral security engine examines app behavior to determine if they’re malicious, providing 100% accurate real-time protection for your iPhone.

Check Your iOS Calendar for Any Suspicious Events

Hackers sometimes add spam or phishing events to your calendar. Open your Calendar app and look for any events you don’t recognize, especially those with suspicious links or unclear descriptions. You can delete these directly and adjust your calendar settings to prevent unwanted additions in the future, such as disabling automatic event additions from emails.

Change Your Apple ID Password & Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Changing your Apple ID password lets you regain control of your account. To change your password, go to the Apple ID account page. Then, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for your Apple ID to add an extra layer of security. Even if someone discovers your password, they’d still need access to your trusted device to log in.

Update iOS and Apps

Updates include patches for vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit. To update iOS, go to ‘Settings,’ ‘General,’ and tap ‘Software Update.’ For apps, open the App Store, tap on your profile icon, and update any apps that aren’t currently running the latest version. Regular updates can significantly reduce the risk of security exploits.

Remove Any Configuration Profiles

Malicious profiles may have been installed without your knowledge. Go to ‘Settings,’ ‘General,’ and tap ‘VPN & Device Management.’ If you find any profiles that you don’t recognize or remember installing, delete them. Removing these will revoke any unauthorized controls over your device.

Check Your App Privacy Settings & Your Subscriptions

Review the privacy settings for each app and ensure they only have access to necessary information. Go to ‘Settings,’ scroll down to ‘Privacy & Security,’ and adjust permissions for location, contacts, photos, and more. Additionally, check your subscriptions. If you find unauthorized subscriptions, cancel them immediately.

Uninstall Unsafe or Suspicious Apps

If you’ve identified suspicious apps you don’t recall downloading, uninstall them immediately. Press and hold the app icon on your home screen and tap ‘Remove App.’ Or, go to ‘Settings,’ tap ‘General,’ and ‘iPhone Storage,’ then tap the suspicious apps and choose ‘Delete App.’ Removing these apps can help eliminate potential threats to your iPhone’s security.

Run a Data Breach Scan

A data breach scan compares your email address and other personal details against databases exposed in known breaches. If the scan reveals a compromise, immediately change the passwords for the affected accounts and consider additional security measures like credit monitoring, if financial information is involved.

Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network)

A VPN encrypts your internet traffic before it leaves your iPhone. It scrambles your data into bits of code. Even if hackers intercept your data, they won’t be able to read it. A VPN also masks your original IP address, making it more difficult for hackers to track your online activity. Some antiviruses have a built-in VPN, so you don’t have to buy a standalone VPN.

Reset Your iPhone

If you suspect your iPhone is still compromised, perform a factory reset as a last resort. This will erase all data, including malicious software, and return your iPhone to its original state. Before doing so, ensure you back up important data. To reset, go to ‘Settings,’ General,’ and tap ‘Transfer or Reset iPhone.’ You’ll have to initiate it through FaceID or your phone’s unlock code.

Tips to Protect Your iPhone From Getting Hacked

Besides the steps above, you must observe safe practices to prevent malware attacks. Here are a few additional tips to consider:

  • Limit Siri Access — disables Siri access from the lock screen to prevent unauthorized users from obtaining personal information without your passcode.
  • Enable Find My iPhone — helps you locate your device if lost or stolen and allows you to remotely erase data if necessary.
  • Use Guided Access for App Control — restricts your iPhone to a single app and lets you control which features are available.
  • Set up a SIM pin lock — requires a PIN to access cellular services, preventing unauthorized use of your data plan if your iPhone gets misplaced or stolen.
  • Review sign-in locations — check the list of locations where your Apple ID has been used to sign in. If you see unfamiliar locations, change your password immediately.
  • Disable automatic WiFi connections — prevents your iPhone from automatically connecting to WiFi networks to reduce the risk of joining malicious ones.

The Best Software to Prevent iPhone Hacks — Full Test Results in 2024

1. Norton — Best Overall Antivirus to Prevent iPhone Hacks

Key Features:

  • Guarantees a 100% real-time protection score against iOS-specific threats
  • Protects you from shady WiFi, spam SMS, and suspicious iOS Calendar invites
  • Works on iOS 13 or above and is compatible with macOS, Windows, and Android
  • Offers fast customer support via 24/7 live chat, phone, and online resources
  • Comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee

Norton is my #1 pick to protect iPhones. Its SONAR analysis sees how apps behave and prevents damage if they act suspiciously, like accessing your camera without permission. Heuristic analysis detects potentially harmful behavior by analyzing patterns and characteristics typical of malware, even if the threat hasn’t been previously identified. Norton also has:

  • Firewall — creates rules for each app and blocks connections with attack signatures while maintaining a safelist of trusted apps like Skype.
  • WiFi security — scans WiFi networks and lets you know if they’re safe to connect to by examining encryption standards, network configuration, and authentication protocols.
  • Spam protection — blocks scam URLs and any malicious links via SMS (iMessage not supported) and prevents annoying calls.
  • Secure Calendar — scans and blocks incoming calendar invitations for suspicious characteristics, like vague event details and unusual sender information.

It detects 100% of malware and blocks 100% of real-time infections. Norton’s web protection blocked 12 known malicious sites in my tests. When I tried visiting them on my iPhone’s Safari browser, it showed me a warning saying the site wasn’t safe. Without Norton, Safari didn’t block most sites, indicating that it’s unreliable.

Norton Mobile Security blocks malicious websites screenshot

Norton’s web protection blocked all my attempts to access unsafe websites.

Even after letting Norton run on my iPhone for over a day, I had no noticeable lag or sluggishness. Its iOS app is just over 100MB, more lightweight than contenders like McAfee. Although its built-in VPN isn’t as good as other top-tier standalone VPNs, it’s enough to keep you anonymous online with servers in 25+ locations.

While its online knowledge base should answer most of your basic queries, you can contact Norton’s live chat after filling out a brief form on its website. For personalized assistance, its phone support is available in 50+ countries and languages other than English. The US and UK helplines work 24/7, but expect some delay before connecting to a support agent.

You can get Norton on iOS with its Norton Mobile Security plan, but I’d choose the Deluxe plan at $49.99/year as it covers up to 5 simultaneous connections. It offers a separate plan for US users, with up to 250GB of cloud storage, wallet protection, and Identity Lock.

All plans are backed by a 60-day refund policy, so you can try it risk-free. I submitted my refund request via live chat, and the support agent confirmed it after asking me if I needed help troubleshooting anything. It took 5 days to get my funds back.

2. TotalAV — Optimization Tools Improve Your iPhone’s Performance

Key Features:

  • Has a 100% detection and 97% real-time protection score
  • Includes a built-in VPN, data breach checker, an ad blocker, and a password manager
  • Supports iOS 11 or above and has apps for macOS, Windows, and Android
  • Customer support channels include live chat, email, phone, and online guides
  • Provides a 30-day money-back guarantee

TotalAV’s tune-up facility removes junk from your iPhone to prevent unsuspecting attacks. Its Photo Manager scanned 5GB of albums and detected 500+ duplicate and unnecessary photos. TotalAV freed up 1.2GB on my iPhone with a simple scan that took less than 2 minutes.

TotalAV freed up more spaces screenshot

TotalAV’s optimization tools are great for freeing up space

Its Smart Scan checks for security vulnerabilities and performance issues. For instance, it identified that my phone’s FaceID was disabled. In a 2-minute scan, it checked automatic updates, unnecessary location services turned on, and weak WiFi encryption. The iOS app includes these security features:

  • WebShield — blocks unsafe websites before you can open them (you can also configure it to block crypto-mining URLs and untrustworthy sites).
  • Data breach scanner — checks if your email and passwords have been compromised in past data breaches.
  • QR code checker — blocks malicious sites hidden behind QR codes to prevent potential phishing attacks.

With a focus on improving your iPhone’s performance, it wouldn’t make sense if TotalAV was resource-heavy. Although it doesn’t have a firewall or support device scans like Norton, the Smart Scan maintains your iPhone’s health without overburdening it. With TotalAV, my iPhone didn’t slow down even when I browsed the web on multiple Safari tabs.

You can get TotalAV for as low as $19.00, but I recommend the Total Security Plan, which protects up to 6 devices simultaneously. You can try it risk-free for 30 days with its money-back guarantee. I requested my refund via live chat and had to provide a reason for leaving — I got reimbursed in a week.

3. McAfee — Identity Protection Protects Your Personal Data From Hackers

Key Features:

  • Has a real-time protection score of 100%
  • Includes identity monitoring, a built-in VPN, web protection, and a WiFi scanner
  • Supports all popular platforms and is compatible with iOS 13 or above
  • Find answers in its knowledge base or use live chat and phone support channels
  • Offers a 30-day refund guarantee

McAfee’s Identity Protection keeps your data from falling into the wrong hands. It checks if your information has been leaked on the dark web so that you can take immediate action. It also has credit monitoring and lost wallet protection to mitigate financial loss, though it’s only available in some countries like the US. McAfee also protects your iPhone with:

  • WiFi Scanner — checks a network’s encryption strength and reputation, alerting you to potentially risky public WiFi before you can connect.
  • Secure VPN — encrypts your data and routes it through another location, keeping you anonymous on the web at all times.

While McAfee’s iOS app doesn’t include device scans, its System Scan checks for outdated software and other vulnerabilities on your iPhone. You can check your device’s overall protection score and follow McAfee’s recommendations to increase it.

Screenshots of McAfee's iOS app, showing how to navigate from the home screen to the features options.

I could see my iPhone’s overall security at a glance with McAfee

Its iOS app is light but not as much as TotalAV’s. It worked perfectly fine on my iPhone 13 Pro Max, but I noticed some sluggishness during a System Scan on my spare iPhone X. That said, McAfee didn’t accelerate battery drain on either phone.

The Mobile Security plan protects 1 iPhone. I suggest the $39.99/year plan that supports 10 simultaneous devices. You can try it risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee. I tested it myself and got my money back a week after submitting a request via live chat.

Quick Comparison Table: 2024’s Best Security Apps for iPhone

Real-Time Protection Built-in VPN WiFi Protection SMS Protection Money-back guarantee
Norton 60 days
TotalAV 30 days
McAfee 30 days

How I Tested and Ranked the Best iPhone Apps to Prevent Hacks

I analyzed the industry’s top antiviruses in 2024 and used the following criteria to pick the best ones for iOS.

  • Real-time security — I picked antiviruses with near-perfect real-time protection scores and features like identity and web protection.
  • Extra features — I selected antiviruses that offer useful extras like WiFi scanning, a firewall, a built-in VPN, spam protection, and more.
  • Ease of use — I used each antivirus iOS app and ensured my top picks were beginner-friendly and didn’t affect my iPhone’s performance.
  • Customer support — I tested each antivirus support channels and rated them based on helpfulness, professionalism, and promptness.
  • Money-back guarantee — I chose antiviruses that provide a window to try them out risk-free with tried-and-tested refund guarantees.

FAQs on iPhone Hacks Recovery and Protection

Can an iPhone be hacked?

Yes, though it’s less common due to Apple’s strict security measures. However, no device is entirely immune to security threats. There are a few ways iPhones are hacked, including phishing, exploiting unpatched vulnerabilities, malicious apps, and jailbreaking.

How to know if my iPhone has been hacked?

Symptoms of a hacked iPhone include rapid battery drainage, overheating, and unknown icons on your home screen. You might also notice unusually high data usage, sluggish performance, or your camera or microphone being on unnecessarily. Getting locked out of your Apple ID or seeing unauthorized transactions is a clear sign that your iPhone is hacked.

What should I do if my iPhone is hacked?

First, get a reliable antivirus for your iPhone and scan your device for malware. After removing the infections, change your Apple ID password and all other account passwords to prevent further damage. Update your iOS and apps if you haven’t already, as that should patch potential vulnerabilities hackers exploited to get into your iPhone.

What’s the best way to protect my iPhone from hackers?

Use the top antiviruses from this list. Besides removing infections from your iPhone, a reliable antivirus protects you from phishing threats, identity theft, spam, and suspicious WiFi networks. However, safe browsing and staying vigilant are equally important to protect your iPhone from hackers.

Is there free security software for my iPhone?

Yes, but most can’t protect your iPhone. It’s better to use a premium antivirus like Norton and take advantage of its free trial and 60-day money-back guarantee.

Free antiviruses often lack powerful real-time security and features like web protection and a firewall that are a must-have for threat protection. However, there are a few free iOS antiviruses worth a look.

Are iPhones more secure than Android?

Yes, due to Apple’s sandboxing approach and strict app review process. However, that doesn’t mean iPhones are immune to threats. A reliable antivirus from this list should disinfect your iPhone and prevent future malware attacks.

Keep Your iPhone Safe From Hackers With the Best Software

If you don’t know the signs of a hacked iPhone, you could face significant financial losses. Unfortunately, Apple’s strict built-in security isn’t enough to prevent modern threats. Besides observing safe browsing practices and staying vigilant online, using a reliable iOS-focused antivirus is your best chance to protect your iPhone from hackers.

After extensively testing the industry’s top competitors, I picked the best antiviruses for iPhones. Norton is my #1 recommendation due to its perfect real-time protection scores and useful extras like phishing, spam links, and WiFi protection. You can try Norton risk-free with its 60-day money-back guarantee.


Summary — Best Software in 2024 to Protect iPhones From Hackers

Top Ranked Top Choice
Norton
$29.99 / year Save 58%
TotalAV
$19.00 / year Save 84%
McAfee
$39.99 / year Save 69%

We rank vendors based on rigorous testing and research, but also take into account your feedback and our commercial agreements with providers. This page contains affiliate links.

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