iPhone hacking may not be widespread, thanks to iOS security, but it does happen. Recent findings show that iPhones are susceptible to hacking software, even if users don't click on any link.

In fact, if you're an Apple user, you are around 167 times more likely to get hacked than other smartphone brands.

Therefore, you must beef up your device's security to ward off attacks and protect your phone.

How Do You Know Your iPhone Was Hacked?

Hackers are daily looking to gain access to important files or accounts and steal valuable information and/or money from your phone. Therefore, you need to ensure you don't leave any security holes for them to exploit and get into your device.

Fortunately, there are ways you can detect an iPhone hack and apply reactive measures to regain control or cut access.

The following are the most common signs you should watch out for:

• Your battery suddenly starts draining more than usual.
• Your phone starts overheating.
• You notice strange applications that weren't present on your phone before.
• You consume more data than usual.
• Your iPhone is slower and takes longer to load web pages.
• Your contacts report getting strange messages from you that you didn't send.

Can Someone Hack Your iPhone and Watch Your Screen?

All digital devices are susceptible to hacks, and your iPhone is no different. If this wasn't troubling enough, you should know that hackers can even monitor your mobile screen. When your phone camera gets hacked, the attacker can control what you do on your phone. They can use your phone's camera to spy on you and access information like:

• Keystrokes.
• Login credentials.
• Credit card information.
• Contact details.
• Passwords.
• Search Entries.

How to Protect Your iPhone From Hackers?

Here are some of the best iPhone security tips to prevent hackers from getting into your phone.

1. Update Your iPhone

Apple takes user security very seriously. Each new update has features to improve iPhone security and fix bugs that could render you susceptible to hacks. You should regularly install iPhone updates to safeguard your device from security breaches.

Follow these steps to ensure your iPhone is up-to-date:

• Go to Settings.
• Go to General.
• If there is a software update available, follow the instructions and install it.

Otherwise, you're good to go!

2. Use a Strong Password

Using strong passwords is an effective way to boost online security. Ensure you don't keep easy-to-guess passwords that will allow hackers to penetrate your iPhone. Use a combination of numbers, letters, and symbols to create a strong password.

You can also opt for a password manager to create an encrypted master password for all your iOS apps.

However, if you want to start by creating a stronger password for your Apple ID, here's how you can change it:

• Go to Settings>Your Name.
• Tap Password & Security>Change Password.
• Type in your current password along with a new and improved one.
• Tap Change.

3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Protect your Apple ID using Apple's two-factor authentication (2FA) as an added layer of security. This added verification, which could be in the form of an authentication code sent to another email ID, could make it harder for hackers to break into your account.

Here's how to activate two-factor authentication on your iPhone:

• Go to Settings.
• Scroll down to 'Your Name.'
• Choose Password & Security.
• Enable Two-factor authentication.

4. Use VPN and Avoid Public Wi-Fi

Using a VPN network will hide your actual IP address, making it difficult for cyber attackers to hack your phone. Avoid using public Wi-Fi that can allow hackers to intercept your private data.

Here are the benefits of using a VPN:

• It protects your phone from cyber attacks.
• Provides you anonymity.
• Allows you to browse safely.

5. Don't Jailbreak Your iPhone

Jailbreaking your iPhone means bypassing the restrictions Apple applies on your operating system.

The dangers of jailbreaking exceed the minor benefits, namely, the installation of apps not authorized by Apple. Jailbreaking allows you to run untrusted applications that disable Apple's tight security features.

This makes your iPhone far more vulnerable to malware.

What To Do If My iPhone Has Been Hacked?

If you suspect your iPhone is hacked, don't panic. In this section, we'll share a few strategies to protect your device in the future:

1. Install Antivirus Software

Immediately install good AV software on your iPhone, so the malware does not affect the rest of your phone. Keep this software running in the background, so it gets rid of the virus altogether.

2. Delete Apps You Didn't Download

Get rid of any applications that you didn't install. Make sure you thoroughly check so you don't miss anything!

3. Factory Reset Your iPhone

Alternatively, shift important data to another device and factory reset your iPhone. This will restore the original settings of your iPhone, i.e., exactly how you purchased it.

Here's how to factory reset your iPhone:

• Go to Settings
• Choose General
• Scroll down and click Transfer or Reset iPhone.
• Click Reset
• Also, click Erase all content and settings

4. Change Your Passwords

Change all your passwords (and your passcode) using a robust alphanumeric code.

5. Enable Login Security

Activate two-factor authentication to make it doubly hard for hackers to retrieve access to your iPhone.

Conclusion

Equipped with knowledge, iPhone users are better positioned to spot signs of an iPhone hack and take appropriate action to prevent further damage.

Following iPhone security protocols will minimize your risk and ensure you enjoy your phone with the highest level of security.