Why are there no iPhone virus scanners?

In a world where more and more of your life happens digitally, it’s natural to sometimes think of something as exciting as hacking. Your iPhone has long since ceased to be a simple device for just calling and texting. It’s a mini computer in your pocket. Internet banking, DigiD, WhatsApp, social media, work files and years of photos, all things you’d rather not see fall into the wrong hands. Fortunately, iOS is one of the most secure mobile operating systems in the world. Apple builds in strong security by default and keeps the system well shielded. As a result, there are no real virus scanners for the iPhone like there are on computers. Still, you may think your iPhone has been hacked, such as through phishing, data breaches or suspicious activity.

In this blog, we discuss:

• Check your activity and collect evidence
• Check your calendar app
• Remove suspicious apps
• Update iOS and apps
• Change passwords
• Enable two-factor authentication
• Restore your iPhone

Check your activity and collect evidence

When you think your iPhone has been hacked, it’s important to stay calm. First, take a close look at exactly what has changed. If you see unfamiliar apps, strange notifications, suspicious emails or login attempts, or notice that your battery or data is suddenly draining faster, then this could indicate abuse of your accounts. Write down what you see and take screenshots if necessary. This can help later when you contact your bank, provider or other agency. If you think an account has been taken over, contact that organization immediately.

Want to know how to ensure your data privacy as best you can? Then read: Privacy tips for your smartphone

Check your calendar app

If you get strange notifications such as fake virus alerts, it is often due to spam in your calendar. This happens more often than people think and usually has nothing to do with hacking. Open the calendar app, tap the suspicious appointment and choose to cancel the subscription. After that, the notifications disappear and the problem is solved.

Remove suspicious apps

Check all the apps on your device. Scroll all the way to the right and look at the full list. If you see something you don’t recognize, delete it immediately. Hold down the icon and choose delete. This will also delete any data from that app. Only install apps from the App Store and be careful with links in messages.

Update iOS and apps

Updates are one of the most important security measures. Apple regularly fixes vulnerabilities, giving hackers less of a chance. Go to Settings, General and Software Update. Always install the latest version of iOS. Then open the App Store and update your apps as well.

Change passwords

If you suspect accounts have been hacked, change your passwords immediately. Use strong and unique passwords and avoid personal information such as birth dates.

Preferably use a password manager. That way you can create secure passwords without having to remember them yourself. Have you forgotten your password? Then read; Recover your password.

Enable two-factor authentication

Two-step verification, also known as 2FA, adds an extra layer of security. In addition to your password, you then need a code or confirmation. Activate this for your Apple ID, email, bank and social media. This will make it much harder for hackers to gain access.

Restore your iPhone

If you want to make sure everything is clean, you can restore your iPhone to the factory settings. This removes all settings and any harmful configurations. Then start over and only restore trusted apps. Prefer not to use an old backup if you think it might be infected.

Stop by the store

If you are still in doubt or there is something wrong with your device, feel free to come and visit us. We can help you with an inspection and security check.