When it comes to jailbreaking, the iPhone is undoubtedly more resilient than its competitors. Therefore, we often ask the question: “Can the iPhone be jailbroken?”
Well, like anything that runs on software, your iPhone isn’t 100% jailbreak proof. There have been cases where the user’s iDevice has been compromised . So yes, your iPhone can be jailbroken.
Do not panic. This article covers everything you need to know about how someone can jailbreak your iPhone and shows you what to do if you think your iPhone has been jailbroken.
How to jailbreak an iPhone?
Apple maintains tight control over both software and hardware to keep the device secure. However, certain things can compromise the security of your iPhone.
Let’s dig deeper and better understand what can affect your iPhone’s security (and usability):
Breaking
If you’ve jailbroken your device or launched a corporate developer account, you have the option to install apps outside of the App Store. This can (unknowingly) lead to malicious applications running on your iPhone. In short, never jailbreak!
Access to unknown links
Your iPhone can be jailbroken if you open malicious phishing links received in iMessage or email from anonymous people.
Downloading apps from unknown sources
Apple strictly adheres to App Store policies and does not tolerate any malicious apps or existing app updates that could compromise the security of your device. Also, you cannot download apps from anywhere other than the official App Store.
These two factors minimize the risk of problems from a third-party application. But still, in rare cases, an application can pass the scan with malicious code.
Plus, installing random third-party keyboards and giving them full access can also impact the security of your iPhone.
Public charging stations / Wi-Fi
This could be due to the use of unreliable public charging stations (especially if your iPhone is unlocked). Be tech-savvy, add passcodes and keep your phone locked. Plus, using free public Wi-Fi for banking transactions (and similar privacy-related procedures) on your iPhone can be disastrous.
Visiting malicious sites
Visiting malicious websites and clicking on a disguised download button. Sometimes, ‘ close ‘, ‘ okay ‘, and ‘ don’t let the button trap too. They open multiple tabs and download unsafe files.
Some free download sites have pop-ups asking you to install profiles. If you unwittingly obey, you may have problems.
A few months ago I stumbled upon a random website and mistakenly allowed me to add calendar event notifications. The next thing I remember was being bombarded with calendar popups every few minutes.
You must do your best to avoid all of the points mentioned above in order to stay safe.
Has your iPhone been jailbroken? Here’s how to check it
- You may see new apps on the home screen that you don’t recognize.
- The battery could be severely discharged.
- The iPhone can run hot and open apps randomly.
- Your iPhone is sharing an abnormal amount of data.
- The keyboard may misbehave and enter random words.
- There may be unknown entries in your call, message, and email history that you haven’t made.
- Random pop-ups may appear on your iPhone.
If you notice one or more of these points, there is a good chance that malicious code has entered your iPhone. (Your phone may get warm under load, this is normal. If your iPhone is hot when you are not running CPU intensive applications, this is cause for concern.)
4 ways to fix a jailbroken iPhone
The combination of iOS and Apple’s secure hardware provides a secure user experience. But on rare occasions, you can still fall victim to an attack.
Here’s what you need to do to keep yourself and your device safe.
Turn off the internet
Many hacks are monitored over the Internet. If you have reason to believe your iPhone has been jailbroken, the first thing to do is turn off Wi-Fi and cellular data. Try putting your phone in AirPlane mode and remove the SIM card.
- Open “Settings” on your iPhone.
- Tap Wi-Fi.
- On the next screen, turn it off.
- Go back and tap Cellular. Turn it off too.
Remove all unrecognized apps
If you see a new application that you do not remember how you installed, press and hold it and uninstall.
Reset all settings
This is a less serious solution than the next solution and is worth trying once before moving on to the final fix.
- Open “Settings” and click “General”.
- Tap Reset.
- Select “Reset All Settings” and continue.
- After the reset is complete, use your iPhone to check if everything is in order. If you still notice anomalies, the best solution is to factory reset your iPhone.
Erase everything from your jailbroken iPhone
If you have a backup (made via iCloud or computer), you can restore it after erasing your iPhone. If you haven’t backed up your iPhone, you’ll have to start over.
- Open “Settings” and click “General”.
- Tap Reset.
- Select Erase All Content and Settings.
- Enter your iPhone passcode when asked and confirm.
- After the reset, set up your iPhone and all malicious data will be gone. You have a practically new iPhone.
Note : If for some reason you are unable to use the iPhone touch screen, restore iPhone in DFU mode.
Now that everything is back to normal, here are some guidelines for protecting your iPhone in the future.
How to secure your iPhone and its data
- Change your Apple ID password frequently.
Do this from your iPhone;
- Open settings.
- Tap the Apple ID banner at the top → Password & Security.
- Tap Change Password.
- Enter your old password when prompted.
- Enter a new secure password twice → click Change.
Note: You can also change your Apple ID password through your Mac or online.
- Be sure to use a passcode on your iPhone and change it often. For this
- Open settings.
- Go to Face ID and password.
- Change your password.
- Update your iPhone to the latest iOS version.
- Update all third party apps from the App Store.
- Make sure you are not granting unnecessary permissions to the application. Usually, when you install and open an app for the first time, you will see pop-ups asking you to access your microphone, camera, location, photos, contacts, Bluetooth, health data, etc. Decline if you deem unnecessary.
- Avoid making transactions on public Wi-Fi.
- Turn on two-factor authentication for your Apple ID.
- Refrain from downloading for free. If you see a popup or something similar on a sketchy website, don’t click on it. Just close your browser tab to exit.
- Go to Settings → Face ID & Password → make sure USB accessories are disabled. This ensures that external accessories cannot connect without unlocking your iPhone.
- Avoid downloading untrusted iOS shortcuts.
- Avoid installing random profiles on your iPhone. To check installed profiles:
- Open Settings → General.
- You should see a section titled Profile. Tap it to remove the profile from the next screen.
- If you do not see the Profile option, then it is not there.
Can you prevent your iPhone from being jailbroken? Yes!
Almost all information about you is on your iPhone! And you shouldn’t ignore the possibility of someone sneaking into it and tracking you down through your iPhone’s camera, microphone, or IP address. Several preventative measures can go a long way in protecting you and your data!