Introduction
Viruses are notorious for wreaking havoc on electronic devices, and iPhones are no exception. With the increasing dependency on iPhones for various tasks such as banking, emails, and social media, keeping it compatible and free from viruses has become crucial. A virus-infected iPhone can lead to numerous problems, jeopardizing your personal information, data, and identity. This article is aimed at providing a comprehensive guide on how to get rid of viruses on an iPhone and how to prevent it in the first place.
Preventive Measures
Prevention is better than cure, and this applies to keeping your iPhone virus-free. Below are some of the preventive measures you can take:
- Update iOS regularly: Updating your iOS regularly ensures that your iPhone is protected against the latest security threats.
- Avoid downloading unverified software and apps: Only download applications and software from reputable sources such as the Apple store. Otherwise, you may unknowingly introduce viruses into your iPhone.
- Avoid suspicious emails and links: Cybercriminals often lure unsuspecting users with tempting emails and links. If you receive an email with unusual messaging, it is best to delete it immediately without opening it.
- Discourage jailbreaking: Jailbreaking your iPhone exposes your device to potential security threats. Besides, it is an infringement of Apple’s policy and may void your warranty.
Running a Virus Scan on an iPhone
Running a virus scan on your iPhone is the first step towards determining whether your device has been infected with a virus. There are several ways you can run a virus scan on your iPhone, including:
- Anti-virus software: Installing anti-virus software such as Avira Mobile Security or Norton Mobile Security can help detect and eliminate viruses from your iPhone. The software usually runs in the background and provides real-time protection for your device.
- Third-party tools: Some third-party tools such as Malwarebytes can also perform virus scans on your iPhone. The software is available for download on the AppStore, and the results are displayed immediately.
Below are step-by-step instructions on how to run a virus scan on an iPhone using Norton Mobile Security:
- Go to the AppStore and download Norton Mobile Security.
- Once installed, open the app, and select “Scan Now.”
- The app will scan your iPhone and alert you if it identifies any threats. If it does, follow the prompts to eliminate the virus.
Removing Malware from an iPhone
If your iPhone has already been infected with malware, you need to take urgent action before it interferes with your device’s functionality. Below are a few methods you can use to remove malware from your iPhone:
- Erase all content and settings: This method erases all your data and settings, including the malware, allowing you to start afresh. To complete this process, go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.
- Perform a factory reset: A factory reset will restore your iPhone to its original settings and erase all data on the device in the process. To complete this process, go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings > Erase iPhone.
- Use apps like Malwarebytes: Malwarebytes is a free application on AppStore that effectively removes malware from your iPhone. Download the app and scroll through the list of malicious apps that would be removed promptly.
Backing Up
Securing backups helps ensure that you do not transfer malware from your iPhone to other devices. Here are steps to backup your iPhone:
- Connect your iPhone to a computer or a Wi-Fi network.
- Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup.
- Select the “Back Up Now” option and wait for the backup process to complete.
Conclusion
Viruses on iPhones can be detrimental, leading to lost data and exposure of personal information. While it is easy to get rid of viruses on your iPhone, it is best to take preventative measures to avoid infection in the first place. Consider regularly updating your iOS, avoiding unverified software, and refraining from jailbreaking your iPhone. In case of an infection, running a virus scan and installing anti-virus software or third-party tools can help, and it equally vital to back up your important files to prevent any significant loss. Lastly, if you are unsure about the process or need assistance, it is recommendable to discuss your concerns with an authorized technician.