Even though your Apple device is protected by a number of built-in safeguards, it is possible for malicious software to bypass these defenses. More than 2500 apps in the App Store were infected with XCodeGhost malware in 2015, which means a large number of iOS devices were affected. Malware, viruses, and other security risks may be eliminated, thankfully. The internet is made even safer with Clario’s security app.
Many people believe that iOS devices can’t get viruses, but that’s not true. For instance, XcodeGhost malware has infected over 2,500 apps in the App Store since 2015.
This means there is a very serious possibility of damage to iOS devices. Malware attacks on iOS are uncommon, but they do occur, and hackers find novel ways to compromise mobile devices every day. Devices that have been jailbroken are more vulnerable since they are unable to use Apple’s native security protections, which is akin to leaving a door unlocked.
Social engineering is frequently used by cybercriminals to infect devices by tricking unsuspecting users into taking action that is counter to their best interests. Currently, iOS has no ransomware, however, there is spyware and scams that seem like ransomware.
So, if you discover that your gadget is contaminated, what should you do? Read this article to learn how to clean your iPhone or iPad of malware and viruses.
How to remove viruses from an iPhone or iPad
Don’t freak out if malware has infected your gadget. Virus removal from mobile devices can be accomplished in a number of ways.
Restart your iPhone
Too many processes running in the background might cause your device to malfunction or perform slowly, which can be the initial indicator of some malware outbreaks. While restarting won’t get rid of malware, it will stop it from running in the background and maybe make your iPhone faster.
Restart your iPhone in three simple steps:
- When the Slide to power off knob appears, release the power button.
- Putting the device to sleep is as simple as sliding the knob to the right.
- To activate the device, press and hold the power button
To power cycle, an iPad, follow the same procedures but use the top button. You shouldn’t panic if nothing happens immediately after you slide the knob to turn off the iPad; the process takes about 30 seconds.
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Clear browsing history and cache
If restarting your iOS device didn’t fix the issue, erasing your browser’s history and cache might help. Your browser keeps track of everything you do online, from the websites you visit the passwords you type. Threats can “hide” there, too.
Therefore, deleting your browsing history will delete all traces of your online activity, making it impossible for hackers to access, and may also get rid of any malware that may have been lurking in your system.
Please note that the steps outlined below are written with the Safari web browser in mind; if you’re using another browser, the steps may differ.
How to clear your browsing history and data:
- Just on the gear icon in the app drawer.
- Safari should be the one you choose.
- In the History and Cookies section, click Clear. A confirmation window will show after you make your selection.
- Select All Browsing Data and History.
Voila! You have just finished erasing all of your recent web history and data.
Restore a previous backup to a device
It is possible to return an infected iPhone or iPad to its pre-malware state by using the iCloud backup feature.
Here’s how to restore your iOS device from a backup:
- Just on the gear icon in the app drawer.
- Navigate to Settings, then General, and finally Reset.
- Choose Completely Remove All Data and Preferences.
- Determine Which Method of Storage You Need As such, you can choose between Erase and Erase
- Now (pop-ups will ask you to confirm the action and enter your password)
- On the Apps & Data page, choose to Restore from an iCloud Backup.
- To restore from an iCloud backup, sign in and select the backup you wish to restore from.
- If your iPhone or iPad becomes infected after your most recent backup, you can remove the infection by following these instructions.
Reset your device
If you’ve exhausted all other options and the malware is still there on your iOS device, a factory reset is what you should do. When you perform a factory reset, all of your data will be permanently erased.
Everything you have set up and installed will be deleted (save for Apple’s own default programs). It’s a good idea to back up important files and documents somewhere before risking losing them on your device.
For a thorough reset, follow the instructions for the preceding approach up to and including Wiping All Content and Settings. As an alternative, you’ll select Clear Data and Settings. After the reboot, your iPhone or iPad will be as good as new. Since everything will have to be set up from start, that involves reinstalling all your apps.
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How to protect your iPhone or iPad from online threats
Here are a few tips to keep your smartphone safe, whether you’ve been hacked before or not.
- Protect your devices with iOS security software. Why bother worrying about malware at all if you can safeguard your iOS devices with industry-leading software like Clario, which provides ad blocking, a robust VPN, and round-the-clock human support?
- Don’t jailbreak your iPhone or iPad. Bypassing Apple’s security safeguards, or “jailbreaking,” allows you to install software that isn’t available through the official App Store. It’s not worth taking the chance of infecting your computer with malware and exposing your sensitive information.
- Update iOS and all your apps. Bugs and security flaws that could be used by hackers to compromise your devices are typically addressed in newer versions of the program.
- Don’t open email attachments from unknown sources. Email attachments containing malware are a common tactic used by hackers. In most cases, this takes the form of a Word or PDF document that appears to be completely harmless.