There is an opinion that iOS has exceptional protection against viruses, and it is hardly possible to catch malware on an iPhone. Unfortunately, this is not true. You will learn more about how things are with “infection” on Apple smartphones from our material.
How to Catch a Virus and Other Malware
Applications from dubious developers
The most common way to infect your device with malware is to install apps from dubious developers, downloaded bypassing the App Store. As a rule, the greatest risk threatens hacked devices that have been jailbroken. If your phone has not been subjected to any manipulations at the software level, then you can not worry.
Visiting websites with viruses
In addition to malware from dubious developers, viruses can also lurk on websites and then exploit vulnerabilities in browsers (Opera, Chrome, and Safari) and iOS itself to trick users into installing infected files.
Via the iMessages messaging system
Hackers may try to steal information from your device through the iMessages messaging system, which is built into all iOS devices by default. Attackers send a message that supposedly contains important and necessary information, as well as a link to a resource that, if clicked, can infect your device. The resource at the link may also contain forms that, by filling out, you can unwittingly provide attackers with information about yourself.
How to Know if Your Smartphone is Infected
Devices infected with viruses and malware begin to behave in unusual ways: the battery drains faster than usual, applications start to crash, the device becomes slower, and the memory is filled with unknown files.
Viruses can not only bombard you with unwanted ads, but also gain access to personal and banking information.
How to get rid of a virus on iOS
Remove questionable applications
Check the list of installed apps and ask yourself if there are any that you didn’t install and don’t understand their purpose. Often, simply deleting a mysterious and unused app will completely fix the problem, as iOS removes not only the app itself, but also the files associated with it.
To remove apps from your phone, you need to:
- Go to “Settings”
- Go to “Basic”
- Select “iPhone Storage”
In the list of applications that appears, find the one that you do not use and find strange, click on it and select the option “Delete application”.
Clear your browser history and delete website data
Since malicious code can remain in browser files, it is important to be able to clear the history of various pages and delete data. Even if you are sure that you have not visited questionable sites, it is still advisable to delete browser files from time to time.
To clean up your browser files, you need to:
- Go to “Settings”
- Go to Safari
- Select “Clear history and data”
It is important to note that deleting files, cookie data and browsing history information for automatically filling in bank card data, logins and passwords, and addresses is not affected.
Recover Smartphone Data via Backup System
Apple phones regularly upload data to the cloud, allowing you to restore the device to a fully functional state after a general reset to factory settings and deletion of all information. However, it is worth understanding that malicious code could also be uploaded to the cloud, so the option with data recovery may not help.
How to reset phone
- Go to “Settings”
- Go to “Basic”
- Select “Move or reset iPhone”
By selecting “Reset All Settings”, you will return your device to its most basic “Out of the Box” settings, removing any malicious code and software that may have affected the safety of your data and the functionality of your phone.
How to protect your device from viruses and malware
Preventing a problem is often much easier than dealing with its consequences. You already know that it is undesirable to follow unfamiliar links or install questionable applications, but there are still a few surefire ways to protect your device.
Download apps only through the App Store
It is possible to download and install safe apps from third-party sources, but it is better to avoid such practice. Downloading licensed apps from the App Store ensures that your iPhone is protected from most malicious apps.
Before downloading a new app from the App Store, take the time to check reviews. If users claim that the app slows down the device, it is better to look for an alternative.
Update iOS regularly
Whenever Apple releases a new iOS update, it usually includes several security improvements. The latest version of iOS is always the most secure. If you are concerned about system glitches that may occur with the newest version of iOS, wait a week or two after its release, giving Apple time to fix them after user complaints.
Update your apps regularly
Apps that receive regular updates to fix bugs and improve security are protected from many of the vulnerabilities that attackers exploit. Like Apple, app developers may not discuss details publicly, but they still regularly monitor vulnerabilities and possible fixes. The longer an app goes without an update, the more opportunities hackers have to probe for vulnerabilities in its code and exploit them.