Although iPhones have robust security features, they are not entirely safe from threats. Although they are generally more protected against viruses and malware than Android devices, no device is completely invulnerable.

This point was reinforced by a strange experience that caught our attention when “Pam” from Mesa, Arizona wrote to us: “My iPhone says I have 14 viruses. What program can I (install) to help with my phone? How can I (make) my phone safe? »

Well, Pam, we’re more than happy to explore why you’re receiving strange messages on your iPhone suggesting it had 14 viruses. There are various reasons why you may see these types of messages, and there are workarounds to make your phone secure again.

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Woman shocked by virus alerts on her phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Why am I receiving virus or malware alerts?

iPhone is less vulnerable to viruses and malware thanks to its closed-code design. This means Apple doesn’t share all of its code information, making it harder for hackers to exploit vulnerabilities to take over a user’s apps or iPhone. It’s important to note that Apple will never send you an alert via pop-up, SMS, or email that you have a virus on your device.

Warning on phone home screen (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Beware of these fake virus alerts on your iPhone

Below are several reasons why you might be receiving notifications on your iPhone about viruses, which you may or may not actually have.

1) Pop-up ads: You may not have any viruses or malware on your iPhone. Instead, it may be an ad that appears on your mobile browser stating that you have viruses or malware on your iPhone. These can scam you in several ways:

• This leads you to click on the ad, which may lead you to download viruses or malware.
• It sends you to another website that asks for private information such as payment so that you can pay to get rid of the virus or malware.

2) Fake apps: Some scammers have fake apps that show fake alerts about viruses or malware to trick people into downloading their apps or purchasing their services to get rid of these fake problems.

3) Phishing scams: This virus alert may be a scam email or text message claiming that you have viruses or malware that need to be eradicated from your device. Do not click any links or call any numbers, as this will likely transfer you to the real scammer, who will likely hard sell you to buy their services, part with private and financial information, or give them access to your iPhone.

Man scrolling on his iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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How do I protect my iPhone?

Even though it’s harder to break into the iPhone, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. In fact, some hackers look for particular vulnerabilities in iOS to launch their attacks. If you see such warnings, it is best to ignore them and avoid clicking on links or downloading suggested software. Below are several key steps you can take to secure your iPhone.

1) Keep your iPhone updated: Sometimes Apple releases new iOS updates to fix known vulnerabilities. When possible, it is preferable to update iOS so that your iPhone is safe from known vulnerabilities.

2) Install and run powerful antivirus software: Antivirus software actively running on all your devices can help keep them safe, including your iPhone. With iPhones, strong antivirus software will prevent you from clicking on malicious links that could install malware on your devices, which could potentially extract personal information from your device. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could be phishing attempts to steal your personal information.

The best way to protect yourself from malicious links that install malware and potentially access your private information is to install antivirus software on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, protecting your personal information and digital assets. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

3) Download apps only from the App Store: Stick to downloading apps from the official Apple App Store. App Store apps are verified by Apple for security, reducing the risk of downloading malware.

4) Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Adding an extra layer of security to your Apple ID can help protect your personal information. With 2FAeven if someone gets your password, they won’t be able to access your account without the second factor.

5) Use strong passwords: Make sure your passwords are strong and unique for different accounts. Consider using a password manager to keep track of it.

6) Monitor app permissions: Regularly check the permissions granted to your applications and revoke those that seem unnecessary to you. This can prevent applications from accessing more information than necessary.

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Kurt’s Key Takeaways

Although most iPhone users can rest easy knowing that iOS keeps the most common viruses and malware at bay, they are still vulnerable to scammers who try to bypass the closed code and scare people into that they make bad choices that put their phones and data at risk. Since Apple never sends alerts about viruses or malware on your iPhone, this should be the first clue of a scam. Even though it seems official, iPhone users don’t receive alerts from Apple about viruses or malware. If you install a good antivirus program, it will be the only program telling you that there is something wrong with your iPhone. Understanding these scams can go a long way in keeping you calm and protecting your phone.

Have you ever received what looks like an official alert from Apple informing you that there are viruses on your iPhone? Have you received pop-ups and other alerts trying to trick you into purchasing services or redirecting you to random websites? What steps did you take to determine if it was legitimate or not? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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