How to detect spyware on an iPhone or Mac

How to detect spyware on an iPhone or Mac

The most likely way for an iPhone or iPad to be infected with spyware is for it to be jailbroken. While jailbreaking an iPhone is legal (and allows you to install apps that aren’t available in the Apple App Store), it creates a lot of potential vulnerabilities. Hackers using a zero-day exploit is another way for spyware to get onto an Apple device.

While iOS devices may be more secure than Android devices, they aren’t impervious to the dangers of spyware. Knowing where to start looking for this type of malware is the first step to removing it before it violates your privacy any further. Try these ideas to detect spyware on your Apple device:

1. Look for apps you didn’t download. Apps you didn’t download are a sign that you may have spyware or another type of malware installed on your device. Delete old apps you don’t use anymore to prevent them from being a potential source of exploits.
2. Check Activity Monitor. If you’re using a Mac, the Activity Monitor tool will show you everything (processes and apps) that are running and the amount of resources they’re using. If you find a program you don’t know (and isn’t showing up in the dock), it might be spyware.
3. Use security software to scan your devices. A virus or malware scanner can identify and remove spyware and other malware quickly. It should also help prevent these malicious programs from being downloaded in the first place.

Read also, how to detect spyware on android phones and devices.

How to remove spyware from Mac and iOS

Depending on the kind of spyware installed on your Mac computer or iOS device, there are a few ways to remove it. Usually, the easiest, and most reliable way to get rid of malware of any kind is to use trustworthy security software.

1. Delete spyware with security software. Use antivirus or anti-malware software to find and remove spyware from your Mac or iOS devices. This software should regularly scan your systems and automatically remove potentially harmful applications.
2. Update your operating system and apps. App developers and Apple itself regularly distribute new versions of their software to strengthen existing security measures and remove vulnerabilities hackers can use to install spyware.
3. Perform a factory reset. Resetting your iOS device or Mac to its factory settings should be the last resort for removing spyware. When you go this route, the device will erase everything you saved. This will typically get rid of all but the most stubborn kinds of spyware, but it’s still not guaranteed. Make sure to back up your files before choosing this option.