APPLE iPhone owners are being urged to check their devices for malware – here’s what you need to know.
Malware can infect your device using many different methods and the outcome can prove disastrous.
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What is malware?
Malware is a malicious file or code that can infect your phone or computer.
It can attack your device through malicious apps, compromised emails, or non-secure WiFi connections.
In many cases, users may even receive a text message that redirects them to a malicious link if they tap on it – this is known as ‘smishing’.
How can malware affect my phone?
If malware targets your phone, a number of scenarios can happen – but it depends on the type of malware.
For example, ‘ad malware’ can overwhelm your iPhone with advertisements in the form of pop-ups.
Banker malware specifically targets your sensitive banking information in the hopes of stealing your money.
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Spyware can monitors and record your device’s information as well as your activity without your knowledge.
And ransomware demands money from you in exchange for access to your sensitive files that are being held ‘hostage’.
What red flags should I look for?
There are several signs that point to your device having malware.
As previously mentioned, incessant pop-ups are a red flag to watch out for.
If your phone’s battery drains noticeably faster or there’s a surge in data consumption, those could be tell-tale signs.
Furthermore, if you find your device is full of unexplained apps, it may be infected.
How to get rid of malware on your device
There are several ways to rid your device of malware.
For starters, you can delete the malicious app, emails, or files– if you’re aware of their existence.
If that’s not the case, you could reset your iPhone to its factory setting, which will eliminate all malware on your device.
How to reset your device
Before you do anything, It’s important to remember to not back up your information to the cloud as you might upload the malware as well.
You can start the process by heading to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
Then, select Erase all contents and settings.
How to restore your device to a previous version
Another option to rid your iPhone of malware is to restore your device to a previous version from iCloud backup.
However, this should only be performed if you can safely assume when the malware hit your phone.
To do this, first, erase all of your phone’s content (see above).
And then when setting it up again, select Restore from iCloud Backup – remember to choose the dates wisely.
How to protect your device from malware
To prevent your device from getting compromised again, you’ll want to make sure that it is updated with the latest iOS.
You also never click on random or suspicious-looking links in emails or text messages.
Furthermore, you should avoid using public WiFi if you can.
