Technology can improve our quality of life in many ways, but it’s an aspect of modern society that, like so many others, is not without its pitfalls. The issue of cyber security has been front and centre in recent times, with the UK Government pledging to spend up to £8 million on different projects.
With more than 19 million iPhone users in the UK, Apple’s flagship device is widely thought of as one of the more secure on the market. Yet, is it impervious to cyber threats? How does it compare to its Android competitors, and what can you do to protect your iPhone and the data it stores? Read on to find out more.
How do iPhones Compare to Android Devices?
The iPhone is famed for its strong security, with viruses relatively uncommon – especially compared to Android devices. The open-source nature of the latter’s platform means it is automatically more vulnerable to hackers, malware, and possible viruses. However, some experts in the field have warned that the surge in malicious apps means iPhones are perhaps more susceptible to attacks than we might think.
Some Examples of iPhone Cyber Attacks
There have been instances of attacks on the iPhone’s iOS platform. Many of those come via the App Store, where hackers target developers and place malware within their apps. This malicious software is then unwittingly passed on to the consumer’s device and offers criminals an alternative route to pursuing individuals via social engineering methods. As recently as 2015, Apple removed dozens of apps from the App Store after revealing that apps contained malware.
How to Enhance Your Iphone’s Security
There are several preventative measures you can implement to stop a virus taking hold on your iPhone. For example, avoid using public, unsecured WiFi networks and connect to an iOS VPN for encrypted connection that is almost impossible for others to breach. There are steps you can take, too – such as two-factor authentication, turning off location tracking in your apps, and disabling the autofill function for any passwords.
How to Remove a Virus from Your iPhone
If you do think a virus has infected your device, there are some steps you can take that may help you get rid of it. For example, a simple restart can do the trick, erasing your browsing data and history. You can also restore it to the previous backed up version, or if you think more drastic action is required, reset to the factory settings.
