What do hackers do? They hack into computer systems. Your Mac is a computer. Despite the contrarian arguments against such a notion, so is an iPad and an iPhone.
Computers can be hacked. Question: “Do you know anyone whose computer– Mac or Windows PC, iPhone or iPad or Android-whatever– has been hacked?” I asked around. My unofficial and unscientific survey of co-workers, family, friends, neighbors, and a few passers by revealed the basic truth.
None of them had been hacked but all had read about hacks and exploits and breaches. Schwartz is the contrarian:
4 Scary Signs That Your iPhone Has Already Been Hacked
How does one go about hacking your iPhone? It’s not easy. First, they need to be near your iPhone. Second, it’s even better for the hacker if they take your iPhone. Yet, even the F.B.I. has trouble getting into an iPhone so what’s all this noise about hacking?
Just ask Jennifer Lawrence or Kate Upton: having your smart phone hacked is the worst.
Their iPhones were not hacked. Their Apple ID was hacked. If one of those is not the same then both are not the same. Yes, there are methods hackers can use to infiltrate mobile devices, but have you ever read of such an event? How would you know? Schwartz:
Your phone drains the battery quickly or feels warm to the touch – Uh oh. That’s about half of humanity.
Your phone reboots – that has happened; about four iPhones ago.
Calls, texts or emails that you did not make are in your history – that would be a clue, but I would look to a significant other, family members, friends, or co-workers first.
It sounds fishy – this whole premise of someone hacking an iPhone sounds more fishy.
If you’re paranoid– and since everyone is out to get you and your personal information, a little paranoia goes a long way— Schwartz has a few tips if you fear you’ve been hacked by a friend, the feds (remember, the F.B.I. has trouble getting into an iPhone), or a red, white, and true blue non-American hacker.
Change passwords.
I found that nonsensical missive on the website SheFinds. She, meaning, Schwartz, didn’t find any evidence of actual hacking– mostly because there isn’t much evidence of it taking place on iPhones– but broadened the term hacking to include password guessing. I guess. If someone guesses your iPhone’s password don’t they still have to gain physical access to said iPhone? Guessing or hacking an Apple ID is a different issue and can cause enough problems on its own.
Physical access goes a long way toward hacking, but it isn’t the only way to do the deed. These days I use two-factor authentication on my Apple ID, and a somewhat convoluted password to get into every Apple device I own (thank you Touch ID and Face ID for blending higher security with easier convenience).
So, there you have it–everything you need to know about your iPhone being hacked.
Rubbish. That’s educated talk for bullshit.
Why not discuss all the hacking and malware on Android, Justine? Both are far more pervasive on Android, and Windows PCs than iPhone, amirite?
iPhone hacked? Move along. Nothing to see here.