In today’s digital world, mobile devices like iPhones have become an integral part of our lives. We rely on them for communication, work, entertainment and more. However, just like computers, iPhones are also vulnerable to digital threats like viruses and malware. While iPhones are considered more secure than Android phones, they are not completely immune to viruses. So how do you know if your iPhone has been infected by a virus or malware? Here are some telltale signs and preventive measures to keep your iPhone safe.
What is a Computer Virus?
A computer virus is a piece of malicious code or software program designed to spread from one device to another and disturb normal functioning of the system. It self-replicates itself and infects the host device once executed. The virus attaches itself to files and spreads when the infected file is transferred from one device to another via the internet, email attachments, infected software applications or infected external storage devices.
Viruses can infect smartphones like iPhones in similar ways by tricking the user into downloading infected apps or files from unsafe sources. Once inside the system, the virus can:
- – Corrupt your files and programs
- – Slow down your device’s performance
- – Cause system crashes or freezes
- – Steal private data like contacts, messages, photos etc.
- – Gain remote access of your device
- – Delete or encrypt important files and demand ransom (ransomware attack)
- – Misuse paid services by making unauthorized purchases or subscriptions
- – And even completely damage the operating system making the device unusable.
So an iPhone virus could wreak havoc once it infiltrates your device. But how would you know if your iPhone has been infected in the first place? Let’s go through some telltale signs.
Signs Your iPhone May Have a Virus
Here are some common symptoms that indicate your iPhone is likely infected with a virus or malware:
1. Slow performance
One of the first noticeable signs is if your iPhone starts running slower than usual. Basic functions like opening apps, browsing websites, typing, switching between apps etc. suddenly take lot more time and everything feels sluggish. This lag in performance is because the virus is secretly running processes in the background hogging system resources.
2. Battery draining faster
Viruses are designed to perform hidden tasks that consume processing power and bandwidth in the background. This naturally drains out the battery at a much faster rate as the system is working harder even when you are not actively using it. So monitor your battery, if it starts depleting abnormally faster than before, it may indicate a virus.
3. Overheating
The virus infection overworks the iPhone’s processor and RAM leading to overheating issues. If your device starts getting hot with even minimum usage, it’s a red flag for virus infection.
4. Crashing and freezing
System crashes, freezes and random reboots that happen frequently could mean a virus is disrupting normal functioning. The iPhone may get stuck while operating or simply shut down and restart by itself multiple times.
5. Strange pop-up messages
Sudden increase in pop-up ads, alerts, notifications about virus infections that were not seen before is suspicious. The virus may use such pop-ups as a scare tactic or to trick you into downloading fake antivirus.
6. High data usage
A virus often sends information such as your contacts, messages, browsing history etc. back to its master. This spike in background data transfer shows up as abnormal cellular data usage if the iPhone is not on WiFi.
7. Sluggish apps
If some apps like browser, messaging etc. that previously worked fine now lag or freeze frequently, it could be a virus interfering with their processes in the background. Games and other graphic/memory intensive apps are especially vulnerable.
8. Problems connecting to WiFi
A virus can block WiFi connectivity or switch it off completely after infecting your device. If you face constant problems connecting to WiFi networks that otherwise work fine on other devices, your iPhone may be infected.
9. Auto-dialing unknown numbers
Some viruses are designed to automatically dial premium rate numbers that charge hefty fees per call or per minute. If you notice your iPhone dialing foreign or premium rate numbers by itself, your iPhone is infected.
10. Unusual activities
Strange occurrences like unknown calls or messages being sent from your device, apps opening by themselves, settings being changed automatically may all be the work of a virus secretly running in the background.
11. Suspicious new apps
Viruses need a host app to infect your device, so look out for any new or unknown apps and games downloaded recently. The virus may be hiding within them. Also watch for altered app icons that look slightly different to trick you.
Preventing iPhone Viruses
Being vigilant and following some simple precautions can minimize your risk of getting infected by viruses and malware on your iPhone:
- – Download apps only from the official Apple App Store as it scans all apps thoroughly before approval.
- – Avoid clicking suspicious links, pop-up ads and notifications received through SMS, email or messaging apps.
- – Don’t open email attachments from unknown sources as they commonly carry viruses.
- – Install a reliable mobile anti-virus app to block and remove any infections.
- – Keep your iPhone OS and security software updated with the latest patches and versions.
- – Setup passcode and enable fingerprint lock to secure your device from unauthorized access.
- – Backup your data regularly either on iCloud or iTunes to minimize loss from virus attacks.
- – Avoid connecting your iPhone to public WiFi hotspots as they carry higher risk of infection.
- – Disable installation of apps from unknown sources in your iPhone’s settings.
Following these simple precautions diligently minimizes your risk of virus infection considerably. But in case you do suspect your iPhone has been infected, how do you fix it?
Fixing an Infected iPhone
If your iPhone is showing symptoms of a virus, here are some remedies you can try to remove infections:
1. Run antivirus software
Install a trusted mobile antivirus app like Avast, AVG or McAfee on your iPhone. Run a thorough system scan to identify and isolate any infections. Such apps come equipped with various scanning tools to detect and clean viruses and malware before major damage is done.
2. Update your iOS
Apple issues frequent security updates and patches for iOS. Installing the latest iOS version can fix vulnerabilities used by viruses to attack your device. Updating also removes any latent virus infections.
3. Factory reset iPhone
This should be your last resort if all else fails. Backup your data and then do a complete factory reset of your device. This will wipe out everything including the virus, giving you a fresh start. You will have to reconfigure your device from scratch post the reset.
4. Seek professional help
For advanced virus removal, you can approach a cell phone repair shop. Experts here use sophisticated diagnostic tools to probe deep into the iPhone’s operating system and erase any stubborn infections that common antivirus apps can’t fix. However, this will involve a repair fee.
Protecting Against iPhone Viruses
Being cautious and using common sense goes a long way in keeping viruses away from your iPhone:
- – Stick to the official Apple App Store for downloading apps and games.
- – Avoid opening suspicious links, pop-ups or downloading from unverified sources.
- – Don’t click on banner ads within apps or websites as they often carry malware.
- – Install iOS and security app updates as soon as they become available.
- – Use strong passwords and enables biometrics for protecting your iPhone.
- – Always browse securely over HTTPS connections instead of HTTP.
- – Disable auto-fetching of email attachments which may contain viruses. Manually download attachments only from trusted senders.
Following these best practices minimizes your exposure to iOS viruses and keeps your iPhone secure.
Conclusion
While iPhones face lower virus risk than Android phones, the threat remains real and constantly evolving. However, being a bit tech-savvy and following basic precautions can go a long way in keeping viruses away from your iPhone. Monitor your device for any unusual behavior, refrain from downloading from unverified sources, keep software updated and use trusted antivirus apps. With a bit of care, you can enjoy your iPhone safely and prevent virus infections from disrupting your user experience.