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iPhone hacked? Here’s What To Do 

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Last Updated on March 10, 2024 by Haris Khan

I have found Norton 360 Password Manager to be highly effective in enhancing the security of my online accounts , including iCloud and Apple ID. It detected that one of my passwords was vulnerable and offered to change it to a more secure one, all with just one click. I liked that I only had to remember my master password – I was able to log into all my accounts using Apple’s Face ID and Norton 360.

While Norton 360 offers a dedicated mobile security app, I recommend subscribing to Norton 360 Deluxe as it offers the best value . With the Deluxe package, you can protect your iPhone and 4 other devices, plus access the full range of Norton 360 security features. If you want to test the service, Norton 360 offers a 60-day money-back guarantee that you can use to try all the features on your iPhone. In case I’m not entirely satisfied, getting a refund is simple: an operator processed my request via live chat in minutes, and I received my money back after 5 days.

Main features:

  • Browser functionality and system security controls, device locator and VPN
  • Enhance iPhone performance with unique photo management feature
  • Compatible with iOS 9.0+ for iPhone and iPad
  • Secure up to 6 devices at a time
  • 30 day money back guarantee

With native apps in Italian, TotalAV offers a good range of features designed to improve the security and performance of your iPhone . By optimizing device performance with its security features, TotalAV ensures the speed and efficiency of your iPhone. While I was testing it, TotalAV made sure all security options were turned on (like passwords and Face ID), plus it freed up 1.2GB of space by deleting duplicate files and images. This is important, as the TotalAV iOS app is quite large: it needs around 200MB of space.

TotalAV freed up over 1.2GB in less than 30 seconds

After downloading TotalAV, the app started checking my iPhone to see if my security software and operating system were up to date. Like Norton 360, TotalAV advised me to update my iOS by explaining all the actions I should take to reduce the vulnerabilities . I also used TotalAV’s Data Breach Check feature to see if my email addresses or old accounts had been compromised – the report mentioned some breaches dating back about 10 years.

When you carry your iPhone with you, TotalAV protects the device from hackers with its WebShield feature and VPN . WebShield blocks phishing links and sites that host malware, so you’re protected from accidental clicks. During my tests, I tried to visit test sites hosting malware and TotalAV prevented me from accessing them at every opportunity . I was happy to see that TotalAV’s VPN connects automatically when you open Safari’s private browsing mode, keeping your online activity private. The VPN has unlimited data and is good at keeping speed drops at bay, so you can browse without slowdowns or interruptions.

I was disappointed to find that the TotalAV iPhone app doesn’t include a password manager , which is extremely useful for mobile security. I would like this feature to be added to improve the security of the iPhone, as well as to ensure the protection of my iCloud and Apple ID accounts.

While TotalAV is a cheap service for the first year, the price goes up dramatically after you renew your subscription . For more convenience and protection on iPhone, I recommend choosing TotalAV’s Internet Security subscription . This gives you access to the essential features of TotalAV that prevent your iPhone from being hacked or attacked by malware. In case you find that the service isn’t for you, fear not, TotalAV offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. When I spoke to an operator over the phone, it took him a few minutes to process my refund. I got my money back within a week.

Main features:

  • It offers: Safe Browsing, Dark Web Monitoring, Wi-Fi Scanning and Secure VPN.
  • Super light app with only 67MB for effective security on iPhone.
  • Compatible with iOS 13.0+ for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch
  • Protects up to 10 devices with one subscription
  • 60 day money back guarantee

McAfee’s native iOS app occupies only 67MB , and provides effective security without taking up too much space on the iPhone. That means you’ll have more space for your files, photos and apps, plus its light weight equals faster performance. During device scans, I found that McAfee didn’t negatively impact my iPhone’s performance, and the app running in the background didn’t consume my battery excessively. I got constant protection from hackers without having to worry about charging my iPhone more frequently.

Despite its small size, McAfee’s app offers several important security features to protect you from hackers and malware. While I was out with my iPhone, I used the Wi-Fi scanning feature to make sure my network connections were secure, and McAfee’s Safe Browsing blocked any suspicious sites . I also used McAfee’s VPN to keep my online activity anonymous – this feature is available with all subscriptions, but only if you choose the automatic renewal of the subscription.

I was surprised by McAfee’s secure storage features that help protect your photos and important files from hackers. The Media Vault is protected by a PIN and keeps confidential items safe from malware and unwanted third parties. While McAfee doesn’t offer cloud storage, I was pleased to see the ability to keep my information private by protecting iCloud logins, Apple IDs, and other accounts.

Sadly, McAfee’s True Key password manager was a disappointment , especially considering that other iOS security software provides a much better service. True Key only saves 15 passwords, not enough for even half of my online accounts, while to get unlimited passwords you have to pay for the upgrade. The latter is also available as a separate app, and takes up 81MB of space.

McAfee’s iOS app is an expensive choice, so I recommend going with the more affordable Total Protection plan . The latter lets you secure up to 10 devices and gives you access to most features, as long as you agree to auto-renew. Plus, you can try McAfee risk-free with its 60-day money-back guarantee.

Not sure if your iPhone has been hacked? Here’s how to find out

Here are some signs to look out for if you suspect your iPhone has been hacked:

  • Strange pop-up ads: Colorful pop-up ads with bright colors or inappropriate content are a sign of a malware infection on your device.
  • High data consumption: If you don’t use a lot of data, but your consumption has suddenly become high, there may be some dodgy processes going on without you knowing it.
  • Text messages or calls not written or made by you: Your contacts can warn you of text messages (or through apps like WhatsApp) and calls that you did not forward. These messages usually include suspicious links or files.
  • Short battery life: Similar to high data consumption, if you use your iPhone normally, but notice that the battery drains more easily, it is likely that there is some hidden process running without your knowledge or acceptance.
  • Lower performance: Hacking software is not obvious, but can be resource intensive. If your apps, messages, and files load slowly or don’t load at all, the problem could be malware.
  • Unrecognized apps: Apps that you don’t remember downloading may harbor malware that allows hackers to access your device. These apps can sneak onto your iPhone via scam links and suspicious sites. Norton 360 offers a web protection feature that blocks access to sites that host malware .
  • Changes to items on your iPhone: Changes you know you haven’t made, such as randomly deleted contacts or unknown items being added to your calendar, are signs of a hack or malware.

If you are wondering how to hack iPhone, here are some things to avoid to keep your device safe:

  • Jailbrake your iPhone: While it might give you access to more apps and customization features, it also exposes you to non-Apple-approved software. This puts you at risk of downloading apps that are crammed with malware.
  • Clicking on suspicious links: One accidental click on a scam link is enough to download malicious files and expose your iPhone to malware. A service like TotalAV blocks phishing links and scams to protect your device from malicious software.
  • Download third-party apps: Unless the app has been reviewed by Apple, there’s no way to know how secure the software is. Only download apps from the App Store.
  • Connect to unsecured Wi-Fi: Hackers often target unsecured Wi-Fi to access your iPhone and infect it with malware. Some dodgy Wi-Fi connections are actually hotspots designed to steal your information. Norton 360 offers a Wi-Fi security feature and a free VPN to protect you when you’re not connected to known, secure networks.
  • Use a public charging station: in these cases, you risk becoming a victim of juice jacking . This type of attack can infect your iPhone with malware or copy sensitive data from your device while it’s being charged via USB.

The best way to prevent your iPhone from being hacked and keep your iCloud and Apple ID accounts secure is to use quality antivirus software. A service like Norton 360 blocks suspicious links and sites, scans regularly to ensure top-notch security, and includes a VPN and password manager.