Help, I think my Ex has Hacked my iPhone!

Wednesday, 14 August, 2024

Even through the emotional process of separating, in most cases, people manage to set some reasonable boundaries around respectful communication and privacy. Although you may have had an open policy in the past with access to each other's phones, email and devices, it is good practice to firm up your security settings after separation. Changing passwords and disabling cloud sharing should suffice,

But what if you have recently separated, and your ex seems to know about information you have not shared with them? Perhaps you've noticed messages deleted or edited, or they turn up "coincidentally" at appointments that you did not alert them to. Is it possible for your ex to gain access to your iPhone?

Is remote access to an iPhone possible?

Malware, short for malicious software, refers to any software designed to harm or exploit computer systems, networks, or devices. Common forms of malware include viruses, Trojans, worms, ransomware, spyware, adware, and keyloggers.

Malware can infiltrate devices through various means, such as phishing emails, malicious websites, software downloads, or infected USB drives. Once installed on a device, malware can disrupt system operations, steal sensitive information, damage files, encrypt data for ransom, or allow unauthorised access to the device.

Is my iPhone hacked?

Detecting malware on an iPhone is relatively rare compared to other devices due to the stringent security measures implemented by Apple on its iOS operating system. However, it is still possible for malware to infect an iPhone under certain circumstances. To detect malware on your iPhone, you can follow these steps:

Check for Unusual Symptoms:

Pay attention to any unusual behaviour your iPhone exhibits, such as sudden battery drainage, increased data usage, slow performance, frequent crashes, or unexplained pop-ups.
If you notice any unexpected changes in your phone’s performance or behaviour, it may signal the presence of malware.

Monitor App Permissions:

Review the permissions granted to the apps installed on your iPhone. Malware may gain access to sensitive data by exploiting app permissions. If you notice apps requesting excessive permissions or accessing data they shouldn’t need, consider removing them.

Scan Your Device:

Apple’s App Store has stringent security protocols that help prevent malware-infected apps from being available for download. However, you can use reputable antivirus apps available on the App Store, such as Malwarebytes or Avira Mobile Security, to scan your iPhone for malware.
Run regular scans using these antivirus apps to detect and remove any potential threats from your device.

Update Your Software:

Ensure that your iPhone’s iOS software is up to date. Apple frequently releases security updates and patches to address any vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malware.
Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check for and install the latest iOS updates.

Avoid Jailbreaking:

Jailbreaking your iPhone, which involves removing restrictions imposed by Apple on the device, can make it more susceptible to malware and security threats.
Avoid jailbreaking your iPhone, as it compromises the built-in security features and increases the risk of malware infections.

Review Safari Settings:

Malware on an iPhone may also manifest as suspicious pop-ups or redirects in the Safari browser. Go to Settings > Safari and check for any unusual settings or configurations that may indicate the presence of malware.
Clear browser history, cookies, and data regularly to ensure a clean browsing environment.

If you suspect that your iPhone is infected with malware despite taking preventive measures and running scans, consider contacting Apple Support or a reputable IT professional for further assistance in identifying and removing the malicious software. Remember to exercise caution when downloading apps or clicking on links to minimise the risk of malware infections on your iPhone.

Other ways your ex could be monitoring your activities

Cloud Sharing:

Disable iCloud sharing and remove any shared data or accounts linked to your ex-partner's Apple ID.

Review and Manage Data Sharing:

Review which apps and services have access to your personal information and accounts. Revoke access to any shared accounts or devices that are no longer necessary.
Update your privacy settings on your Apple devices to limit data sharing and ensure your information is protected.

Secure Your Online Accounts:

Change the passwords for your email, social media, and other online accounts to prevent unauthorised access.
Implement two-factor authentication on your accounts for an extra layer of security.

Transfer Phone Account Ownership:

If your phone account is in the other party's name, consider transferring it to your name or setting up a new one to ensure you have sole control over your phone and data access.
Contact your service provider to discuss transferring the account or setting up a new plan that is solely under your control.

Backup Your Data:

Backup your important data, photos, and files to a secure location, such as an external hard drive or a trusted cloud storage service, before leaving the family home.
Make sure to create a backup of your data that is independent of any shared or joint accounts.

Monitor Your Accounts:

Regularly monitor your online accounts, devices, and data for any suspicious activity or unauthorised access.
Be vigilant for any signs of tampering or unauthorised changes to your settings, emails, or data. If you suspect malicious activity, visit your provider to ask for specific technical support to scan and secure your device.

By following these steps and taking proactive measures to protect your privacy in terms of IT after separation, you can safeguard your personal information, maintain control over your digital assets, and ensure the security of your online accounts.

You have a right to protect your devices, accounts, data, and privacy and to prevent unauthorised access after a separation. If you have concerns about the security of your personal information, consider seeking advice from IT professionals, legal experts, or support services to address your specific situation and ensure your privacy rights are upheld.

Published by:

Christine Weston Divorce Australia

Published by Christine Weston
Founding Director and Creator of Divorce Resource
Australian Nationally Accredited Mediator and Divorce Coach

This article contains general information only. For advice regarding your own personal circumstances, always seek individual advice from a qualified professional.
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