How to Find Spyware on iPhone?

Spyware refers to the malware that snoops on your device. Its primary purpose is to collect and send your personal data to a third party.

The National Cyber Security Alliance said 80% of internet users had spyware infection. This malicious software can go unnoticed for a long time, resulting in severe damage. 

Despite iPhone’s built-in security, spyware still finds a way to enter the device and access your microphone and camera. It is a major threat to a user’s security. 

Discover the different ways to spot and get rid of spyware on iPhones with this article. Read on. 

Spyware: How To Detect Them On Your iPhone?

Spyware is a malware variant that can go into your device unnoticed. It can also pretend to be legitimate software that checks your activities.

This malware can cause data breaches and invasion of privacy.

It is challenging to detect spyware on iPhones. Knowing the early signs of spyware infection can help you solve the problem immediately.

Here are signs that you can look out for to detect spyware on iPhones:

1. Decreased Battery Life

Decreased battery life is common for old phones. However, it is odd if this happens to newer models. 

Spyware is to blame for this issue. This malware overuses the device’s battery to track your activities. It uses the phone’s microphone and camera to spy on you, resulting in abnormal battery drain.

2. Random Browser Redirects and Pop-up Ads

Spyware might convince you to click on something to install more malware on your phone. It will show pop-up ads that lead to malicious websites using browser redirects.

3. Suspicious Messages

Messaging can be an attacker's communication method. They can send you or your contacts suspicious messages with links that install spyware on iPhones. 

SMS-phishing, better known as smishing, also happens daily. According to statistics, 8.9% to 14.5% of the recipients click the attached link. 

This leads hackers and scammers to send more messages, luring people to click on the link that contains spyware. 

4. Slow Operating System

One of the apparent signs of an iPhone having spyware is its slow performance. You can notice that it freezes all the time.

Spyware takes space on your device to do its activities, leading your phone to slower performance.

5. Suspicious App Activities

Spyware can cause weird applications to pop up on your phone. It can be "anti-virus" apps, camera apps, games, or anything that you did not download. 

If you notice these signs on your iPhone, there’s a high chance your device has spyware. Make sure to remove it immediately using the methods in the next section. 

iOS Spyware Removal for iPhone

Apple products are famous for their secure protection against malware. 

According to Panda Security, Android devices are more vulnerable to malware—experiencing almost 50% of malware infections. 

On the other hand, iPhones reported having less than 1%. However, this does not mean iPhones are 100% safe from malware, especially spyware. 

Here are some tips on how to clean your iPhone from spyware: 

1. Update iOS Software

Hackers infect your phone with spyware through vulnerabilities in software. Apple regularly makes solutions for this by updating its security. 

At the time this article is being written, the latest version of iOS is iOS 16. The public is now waiting for the release of iOS 17, which is expected to roll out in September 2023. 

iOS 17 is said to offer more security features. For instance, you can lock your Safari windows automatically when using Private Browsing. 

iPhones will also be able to block automatic connections to open networks, reducing the risk of catching malware in public WiFi. 

This is why it is vital to install system updates regularly. Here's how you can do it:

Step 1: Go to your phone's "Settings" and click "General."

Step 2: Search for "Software Update." Click it once it shows up on the search results.  

Step 3: Select "Download and Install" and enter your "Passcode."

Step 4: Click Download and Install to start to update. Users can activate Automatic Updates. 

2. Delete Suspicious Apps

If you notice that your phone has an application that you do not remember downloading, it might be spyware. This malicious software can pretend to be legitimate mobile apps to access your device, files, and personal data.

Delete suspicious apps on your iPhone immediately with these two easy steps:

Step 1: Long-press the application icon.

Step 2: Choose "Remove App" or "Delete App."

3. Do a Factory Reset

Occasionally, the methods above do not delete spyware entirely. If this is the case, you can still remove it through a factory reset. 

Here's how you can execute a factory reset on iPhones:

Step 1: Go to your "Settings" and click "General."

Step 2: Search for "Reset.” 

Step 3: Select "Erase All Content and Settings." Click to confirm. 

After knowing how to get rid of spyware on iPhones, users should also understand why they should be wary of spyware. 

Keep reading to discover the risks of this malicious software. 

The Dangers of Spyware

Spyware effects can range from mild to severe. iOS devices rarely get infected by spyware, but they are not safe. 

If your device gets infected by spyware and it is not removed immediately, you or your device may experience the following: 

1. Identity theft

Spyware can steal your identity. Hackers use the information collected by the spyware on your phone to perform illegal activities under your name. 

One of the most notorious spyware today is the Pegasus. It is a zero-click software that collects information on iOS and Android devices. 

Its data collection capability can gather messages, app usage, and location. It can even access an iPhone's microphone and camera. 

AppleInsider says Pegasus affected several victims in a military conflict in Armenia.

2. Financial loss

One of the most common goals of hackers that spread spyware is to steal money. They can get your bank details using the spyware on your phone. 

Over 25% of all cyberattacks hit banks than other industries. These statistics show that financial institutions are more prone to malware attacks. 

3. Permanent damage to your device

Spyware can initiate illegal activities on your device. It can also lead to cyberattacks and cause significant and long-term damage to your device. 

Since spyware needs processing power to run, it can drain your device's performance. If not removed soon, it can slow your device and experience lags.

Other long-term or permanent damages Spyware can do to your phone are:

• Sudden battery drain
• Unusual overheating
• Strange actions of the OS and the apps

Spyware can also run other processes without your consent. 

For instance, you may see your GPS and other location functions even if you don't do anything. You'll also encounter random rebooting without your permission.

5 Ways To Protect Your iPhone From Spyware

Malware rarely infects iPhones, but these devices are still not immune to spyware. Users must know the best ways to avoid it.  

To protect your iPhone from spyware, follow these tips:

Refrain from Clicking Untrusted Links

Spyware can hide in links waiting for an unsuspecting user to click on them. If you stumbled upon links from questionable sources, avoid clicking on them. Verify first if they are safe to visit. 

Download Applications Only on the App Store

Apple does not allow the installation of apps from untrusted sources. This is why Apple devices have its exclusive App Store, where you can download legitimate applications. 

App Store’s exclusivity is one of the contributing factors to why iPhones are known to be secure. Tim Cook, the Apple CEO, said in a live interview with Brut: 

Since Apple values privacy and security, you are assured that all App Store apps are safe to download.

If you find an application online, search for it on the App Store and download it there. 

Do Not Connect to Unsecured Networks

Unsecured networks have a high risk of malware infection. Hackers can access your phone once you connect to them. 

Avoid joining public WiFi and other untrusted networks as much as possible. Switch off your phone’s “Auto-Join to Hotspot” option to avoid connecting to networks automatically. 

Avoid Jailbreaking

Bypassing your iPhone can weaken the device's innate security. It can experience frequent freezing and crashing. 

Jailbreaking your phone also means violating Apple's Terms and Conditions. If this happens, the company can no longer protect your device within its limits.

Set Up Passwords and Biometric Authentication

Securing your phone with unique passkeys is one of the best protection practices. Cybercriminals cannot access it if it has passwords.

Depending on the model that you have, iPhones have either Face ID or Touch ID as a security layer. These biometric authentications are common types of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). 

Make use of those features to establish higher security on your services. 

Final Thoughts

Detecting spyware on iPhones is crucial for maintaining privacy and security. While spyware can be unnoticeable, several methods exist to uncover its presence. 

Avoid spyware by staying alert, updating your OS, and doing other security measures. Implementing these practices lets you protect your device along with your personal information. 

Prevention is vital to avoid the dangerous effects of spyware on you and your device.