Although iPhones have strong security features, they are not completely immune to threats. While they are generally safer from viruses and malware than Android devices, no device is completely invulnerable.
This point was reinforced by a strange experience that caught our attention when “Pam” from Mesa, Arizona, wrote to us: “My iPhone says I have 14 viruses. What program can I [install] to help me with my phone? how can i [make] Is my phone safe?”
Well, Pam, we’re more than happy to explore why you’re receiving strange messages on your iPhone suggesting there were 14 viruses on it. There are several reasons why you might see these types of messages and there are solutions to make your phone safe again.
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Woman surprised by virus alerts on her phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Why am I receiving virus or malware alerts?
The iPhone is less vulnerable to viruses and malware due to its closed source design. This means that Apple does not share all the information in its code, making it difficult for hackers to exploit vulnerabilities to take over apps or a user’s iPhone. It is important to note that Apple will never send you an alert via pop-up, text message, or email that you have a virus on your device.
Warning on phone home screen (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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Beware of these false virus alerts on your iPhone
Below are several reasons why you might receive notifications on your iPhone about viruses, which you may or may not have.
1) Popup Ads: You may not actually have any viruses or malware on your iPhone. Instead, it may be an ad that appears in your mobile browser indicating that you have a virus or malware on your iPhone. These can scam you in several ways:
- It causes you to click on the ad, which may cause you to download viruses or malware.
- It sends you to another website that asks for private information, such as payment, so you can pay to get rid of the virus or malware.
2) Fake apps: Some scammers have fake apps that show fake alerts about viruses or malware to scare people into downloading their apps or purchasing their services to get rid of these fake problems.
3) Phishing scams: This virus alert may be a fraudulent email or text message claiming to have viruses or malware that needs to be removed from your device. Do not click on any links or call any numbers as this will likely transfer you to the real scammer, who will likely convince you to purchase their services, provide you with private and financial information, or give you access to your iPhone.
Man scrolling on his iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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How do I protect my iPhone?
Although it is more difficult to penetrate the iPhone, that does not mean it is impossible. In fact, some hackers look for particular vulnerabilities in iOS to launch their attacks. If you see these types of warnings, it is best to ignore them and avoid clicking on any links or downloading any suggested software. Below are several key steps you can take to protect your iPhone.
1) Keep your iPhone updated: From time to time, Apple releases new iOS updates to address known vulnerabilities. When possible, it is best update iOS so your iPhone is safe from known vulnerabilities.
2) Install and run powerful antivirus software: Antivirus software that is actively running on all your devices can help keep them safe, including your iPhone. With iPhones, powerful antivirus software will prevent you from clicking on malicious links which can then install malware on your devices, potentially exfiltrating personal information from your device. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These may be phishing attempts designed to steal your personal information.
The best way to protect yourself from malicious links that install malware and potentially access your private information is to have antivirus software installed on all of your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best antivirus protection winners of 2024 for your Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.
3) Download apps only from the App Store: Stick to downloading apps from Apple’s official App Store. Apple vets the security of apps in the App Store, reducing the risk of downloading malicious software.
4) Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Adding an extra layer of security to your Apple ID can help protect your personal information. With 2FAEven if someone gets your password, they won’t be able to access your account without the second factor.
5) Use strong passwords: Make sure your passwords are strong and unique for different accounts. Consider using a password manager to keep track of them.
6) Monitor app permissions: Periodically check the permissions granted to your applications and revoke those that seem unnecessary. This can help prevent applications from accessing more information than they need.
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Kurt’s Key Takeaways
While most iPhone users have peace of mind knowing that iOS keeps most common viruses and malware at bay, they are still susceptible to scammers trying to bypass closed source and scare people into making bad decisions that put them at risk. endanger your phones and data. Because Apple never sends alerts about viruses or malware on your iPhone, it should be your first clue to a scam. Even if it looks official, iPhone users do not receive alerts from Apple about viruses or malware. If you install a good antivirus program, that will be the only program that will notify you that there is something wrong with your iPhone. Understanding these scams can go a long way to keeping you calm and your phone safe.
Have you ever received what seems like an official alert from Apple notifying you about viruses on your iPhone? Have you received pop-ups and other alerts trying to get you to purchase services or redirect you to random websites? What steps did you take to determine if it was legitimate or not? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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