Apple gadgets are known for having great security. That's because Apple devices using iOS are built in a way that denies files access to any system directories.
That leads some Apple users to "jailbreak" their gadget. As you might know by now, jailbreaking is a risky way of bypassing Apple's software restrictions on iOS devices, allowing a user to install unauthorized apps and services.
It is a practice that is highly discouraged by Apple since it could lead to security holes that hackers could exploit. In fact, several users have reported that their Facebook, PayPal, and credit accounts were hacked after using jailbreaking tools.
How to detect an infected Apple device
If you did jailbreak your Apple gadget, here are some symptoms that it's infected with a virus:- Data usage - One thing you will notice if your gadget is infected with a virus is a large increase in data usage. A virus can eat away at data so you should compare the last few monthly statements from your cellphone provider. If you notice a huge spike in data usage, there's a good chance your gadget is infected.
- Crashing apps - If you have a virus on your gadget, most likely apps will no longer function properly. They will crash continually while you try using them.
- Pop-ups - While surfing online with the Safari browser, you might see pop-up ads all over the place. This could be the result of an infected gadget.
How to update your iOS
Hackers are always looking for ways to infiltrate our gadgets. That's why it's important to keep your operating system up to date.Whenever Apple discovers a vulnerability in iOS, it sends an update to patch it. Here are the steps to update your iOS:
Go into your "Settings" app and select "General." From there, select "Software Update" and your device will begin to check for updates. Then select "Download and Install."
To get the update from iTunes, connect your device to a computer, open iTunes, and select your device from the menu in your iTunes Library. Select "Summary" and then click on "Check for Update." Finally, select "Download and Update" and wait for the update to sync to your device.
How to remove a virus
If you suspect your iPhone or iPad may be infected with a virus, don't panic. You can easily wipe your gadget and start over with factory settings.Here are the steps to wipe your Apple gadget:
- Backup your device and all of the personal data on it using iCloud or iTunes - Click here for detailed steps to backing up your smartphone.
- Go to Settings >> Tap General >> Tap Reset.
- Tap "Erase All Content and Settings" to clear all apps and data from the gadget.
- Restart your device and go through the initial setup steps again.
- Sync into iCloud when you set up your device and restore your backed up data.
You can also attach your iPhone or iPad to your computer and use the "Restore iPhone/iPad" button in iTunes to factory-reset the device. The key to these steps is they clear out all programs on your iOS device, which may have been compromised, and replace them with fresh copies. Your data and files should all be preserved, though you might lose some application settings.
If you suspect that restoring your phone to factory settings didn't do the trick, then feel free to take the gadget to Apple's Genius Bar. They have system-scanning software that detects and removes any hidden files.
