Got a "Your iPhone Has Been Hacked" Pop-Up? Don't Worry

Humanity makes incredible advancements in technology seemingly every week. But no matter how many leaps and bounds we seem to make, one internet inconvenience never seems to go away: Pop-ups. 

Whether you’re reading a totally legitimate academic journal for very professional purposes or are browsing a less legitimate website for extremely unprofessional purposes, pop-ups seem to be everywhere. They even get to you when you’re on your phone. 

While it’s often as simple as ignoring them, notifications that say something intense like “your iPhone has been hacked” can be alarming, to say the least. If you’re staring at this pop-up with your life flashing before your eyes, take a deep breath. We’re here to help.

So, Has Your iPhone Been Hacked?

The million dollar — or however many dollars you have in the bank accounts attached to your phone — question. Does this pop-up actually mean you’ve been hacked? Almost definitely not. While it’s possible to get malware by downloading a malicious file, the chances you’ve done this on your iPhone are slim to none.

In reality, these pop-ups are often how people with ill intentions get you to allow spyware or other malicious apps onto your phone or computer. If you’re not informed about this common scam, it’s easy to panic and click whatever link or button the pop-up shows you — and that’s where you can potentially end up in hot water.

We’ll get into the best way to prevent getting your iPhone hacked shortly, but the only immediate action you need to take with these pop-ups is simple. Don’t click anything!

What if Your iPhone Really Has Been Hacked?

Let’s say you installed whatever dodgy antivirus app the pop-up offered you or followed some prompts to input your passcode in a panic. If your phone’s battery seems to run out more quickly than usual, it’s running slower, and you’re noticing endless downloads from the app store you didn’t authorize, it is possible you’ve been hacked.

That said, scams are much more common than outright hacking. Cybercriminals generally aren’t as slick or populous as the movies would have you believe. More likely, your Apple ID password has been stolen rather than your actual device.

If you think your account has been compromised, start by following the steps provided on Apple’s FAQs. If these steps don’t immediately work or you’re especially concerned about private information, a factory reset is the best course of action.

How Do You Prevent These Pop-Ups and Stay Safe?

Although these pop-ups generally aren’t cause for concern — as long as you don’t click on them! — there are steps you can take to avoid receiving them. 

More importantly, there are steps you can take to protect your information from more sophisticated attacks or moments of personal panic when you get particularly convincing fake pop-ups.

1. Avoid Sharing Your Phone Number

Often, the second step after getting a fake pop-up is being asked for your phone number. Then, you’ll likely get text messages asking for credit card information or warning you to reset account information or passwords. 

The best way to avoid falling prey to often convincing fake SMS messages is to keep your number private. A fake number generator like Burner is the best solution. You’ll create additional numbers and limit access to your primary device.

2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication

If, despite your best efforts, you’re alerted that someone has logged into your account, there’s still no need to panic. There are many steps you can take to reclaim your accounts. But one of the best pre-emptive security measures is to ensure you’re using strong passwords.

It’s hard to keep track, so a password manager is useful here — just make sure you’re using a legitimate app to do this. Then, turn on two-factor authentication for any sensitive accounts. This works by requiring you to either receive texts or phone calls to your mobile device or to confirm via a Google verification code every time you log in.

3. Don’t Download Weird Internet Software

Be smart about what you download. You are one of your phone’s biggest vulnerabilities regarding identity theft and hacking. 

Don’t enable permissions for suspicious apps. Don’t download third-party apps that aren’t available in your Mac or Android app store.

And never, ever, ever download antivirus software from a pop-up. Mostly because it’d be embarrassing to get hacked by a ploy that’s been around since the nineties.

4. Buy Phones From Reputable Retailers Only

While jailbroken phones can have benefits, unless you’re a world-class programmer who needs the extra functionality to run your own custom operating system, which we’re willing to bet you’re not, it’s better to get your iPhone from a reputable retailer. 

Your phone provider or the manufacturer are the safest options. Jailbreaking can nullify security features, warranties, and leave you vulnerable to hacking and spyware.

5. Steer Clear of Public Wi-Fi

It’s often unavoidable that you’ll need to use public Wi-Fi from time to time. But stick to browsing social media or doing other basic tasks. Even if you’re using a secure website, avoid inputting any financial information or personal data when you’re on unprotected Wi-Fi networks.

The hit to your data usage is worth the additional safety.

Gone Phishing

Honestly, phone malware and phishing scams are common. But these sorts of attacks aren’t often very sophisticated. 

So, unless you’re some kind of spy or government official with state secrets, it’s much more likely that these types of pop-ups are the work of unsophisticated scammers than Hollywood movie-style hackers.

Limiting who has access to your number is one of the easiest ways to avoid scams and malicious software. Try Burner today and get additional phone numbers to keep your private information, well — private.

Sources:

If You Think Your Apple Account Has Been Compromised | Apple Support

What Is Malware | Microsoft Security

Recovering Hacked Accounts | National Cyber Security Centre

iOS Mobile Malware Analysis: A State-of-the-Art | National Library of Medicine