Five Ways Your iPhone Can Be Hacked – And How to Prevent It

iPhones remain among the most secure consumer devices, but they are not immune to modern cyber threats ranging from zero-click spyware to phishing, SIM swapping, and physical data extraction. This guide breaks down five realistic ways an iPhone can be compromised and the practical steps users can take to reduce risk before a small mistake turns into a much bigger security problem.

Key Takeaways

• iPhones can be targeted through multiple attack paths, including zero-click iMessage exploits, malicious apps or media files, SIM swap fraud, phishing attacks, and physical extraction attempts.
• Some of the most serious iPhone attacks exploit unpatched iOS flaws, which is why Apple’s emergency security updates are a critical first line of defense.
• Many common iPhone compromises do not rely on advanced malware at all, but instead use social engineering tactics such as smishing, fake support prompts, and credential theft.
• Stronger protection comes from layering defenses like timely updates, tighter account security, safer app habits, anti-phishing awareness, and physical device safeguards.

For years, iPhone owners have taken comfort in Apple’s reputation for security and privacy. iOS encrypts your data, blocks most malware, and updates regularly to patch vulnerabilities. Compared to many platforms, it’s one of the most secure consumer ecosystems in the world. But secure doesn’t mean immune — and recent events have shown that even iPhones can fall prey to targeted cyberattacks.

From journalists and activists to business executives and everyday consumers, attackers have found increasingly clever ways to compromise Apple devices. So far in 2025 alone, Apple has issued multiple emergency updates to fix critical zero-day flaws actively exploited in the wild. Some of these allowed “zero-click” attacks, which infect a device with spyware through a simple message — no tap or download required. Campaigns like Operation Triangulation and the long-running Pegasus spyware have proven that attackers don’t need physical access to steal your messages, photos, or location data.

And while not every iPhone owner is a spy-movie target, the line between sophisticated cyber espionage and ordinary criminal hacking keeps blurring. Scammers use the same psychological tricks and delivery methods — text messages, fake support calls, cloned websites — to dupe everyday users. The result? Your bank accounts, social media, and even cloud backups could be compromised, all through your phone.

The good news is you don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to protect yourself. By combining basic best practices with a few proactive defenses, you can make your iPhone a much harder target for both hackers and con artists. This guide walks you through five real-world attack scenarios drawn from recent incidents and news reports and offers clear, actionable steps you can take today to stay safe.

1. Zero-click iMessage exploits — when you don’t even have to tap

Attack scenario:

One of the scariest classes of attack is the “zero-click” exploit: an attacker sends a specially crafted message (often via iMessage or another messaging mechanism) that triggers a vulnerability in the operating system and installs spyware — all without the user ever tapping or opening anything.

In 2025, Apple patched two actively exploited zero-day vulnerabilities in iOS (in CoreAudio and RPAC) that had been used in attacks targeting specific individuals. Over the years, Apple has warned users in 100+ countries that they may have been targeted by “mercenary spyware” or state-level actors.
Operation “Triangulation” is another high-profile example: researchers uncovered a chain of four zero-day exploits used to silently infect iOS devices (via iMessage) to steal messages, location data, audio, and more.

Defense advice:

• Keep your iOS always up to date. These exploits rely on unpatched system bugs, so Apple’s emergency patches are often the only defense.
• Enable Lockdown Mode (in Settings → Privacy & Security) if you believe you might be a target (e.g. journalist, activist, business executive). This mode locks down many functionalities leveraged in zero-click attacks.
• Minimize attack surface: disable services you don’t need (e.g. turn off mail fetch, limit message previews, disable certain attachments).
• Use a purpose-built mobile security tool. Bitdefender Mobile Security for iOS can detect suspicious behavior or malicious intent.
• Consider periodically rebooting your device: certain types of spyware do not survive reboots (though this is not a guaranteed defense).

2. Malware delivered via compromised apps, media, or drive-by download

Attack scenario:

A less exotic but more common vector is malicious or compromised apps, or media files (audio, video) that exploit bugs to escalate privileges or drop malware. In the 2025 zero-day cases, Apple noted that a malicious audio stream in a media file could trigger code execution on a device. In past years, Pegasus (NSO Group’s spyware) has used both iMessage attachments, crafted media files, or vulnerabilities in apps to infect iOS devices.

Defense advice:

• Only install apps from the official App Store; avoid sideloading and jailbreaking, which greatly increase risk).
• Before installing, check app reviews, permissions, and developer reputation.
• After installation, audit permissions periodically (location, microphone, camera) and revoke them when not needed.
• Use a third-party mobile security solution that can detect suspicious behavior or malicious code.
• Be careful when opening media files, especially those from unknown or suspicious sources.

3. SIM swap / SMS port-out / account takeover

Attack scenario:

Even if your phone’s software is hardened, attackers might target your mobile carrier account or phone number itself. In a SIM swap or port-out attack, attackers convince your mobile provider, often through trickery, to transfer your number to a SIM they control. They then receive SMS codes, reset your passwords, and take over your accounts. Carriers have been flagged frequently for weak identity checks.

In a news example, a salon owner in Australia had four iPhones fraudulently purchased under her account after attackers changed contact details and bypassed fraud checks.

Defense advice:

• Add a PIN, passcode, or extra authentication to your mobile account (carrier-level security).
• Ask your carrier for “port-out protection” or “SIM lock” so that changes require extra verification.
• Avoid relying solely on SMS-based two-factor authentication (2FA); instead, use app-based 2FA or hardware tokens
• Watch for warning signs: sudden loss of service, receiving texts about SIM changes you didn’t initiate.
• Lock or freeze your mobile account immediately if you suspect malicious activity.

4. Phishing / Smishing / platform-agnostic social engineering

Attack scenario:

Not all attacks require technical sophistication. A common vector is phishing or smishing (SMS-based phishing). Attackers impersonate banks, Apple, or services you trust, trick you into entering credentials, installing a malicious profile, or granting access.

iPhone users have recently been targeted with smishing campaigns that aim to steal Apple ID credentials. According to academic studies, a nontrivial fraction of users still fall for SMS bait messages.

This type of attack is platform-agnostic — it works across iPhone, Android, or even desktops, because it exploits human error rather than specific software bugs.

Defense advice:

• Never click links in unsolicited SMS, email, or messenger apps — especially if they ask for passwords, one-time codes, or want you to install something.
• Verify the sender: check for official domains and known email addresses, or call the institution independently.
• Use anti-phishing or security tools that can flag suspicious URLs.
• Learn how to watch out for red flags (urgent language, typos, mismatched domains).
• Where possible, use “passwordless” login options (e.g. push-based confirmation, device keys) rather than SMS codes.

5. Physical theft, extraction, or USB / cable exploit

Attack scenario:

A determined attacker with physical access to your iPhone might try to extract data via USB, cable exploits, or forensic tools. Some zero-day attacks have targeted the USB Restricted Mode (which is meant to lock down data access when the device is locked) to bypass encryption and extract data from a locked device. Earlier this year, Apple patched a zero-day exploit that could disable USB Restricted Mode on locked devices, which might have been used in sophisticated attacks.

Defense advice:

• Enable USB Restricted Mode (Settings → Face ID & Passcode → and set Accessories to Off) so that USB access is blocked when the phone is locked.
• Use a strong passcode or biometric lock — avoid weak four-digit PINs.
• Enable Erase Data (after e.g. 10 failed attempts) if you’re comfortable accepting the risk (you’ll lose the device’s data if someone tries too many times).
• Use Find My iPhone features: remote lock, locate, or erase your device if lost or stolen.

Summary & holistic advice

Here’s a synthesis of best practices across all five steps:

• Always update your iOS version & apps — many attacks rely on unpatched vulnerabilities.
• Use a trusted, independent security solution that monitors for malicious behavior in real time.
• Harden your accounts and SIM line, and avoid SMS-based 2FA where stronger alternatives exist.
• Be vigilant for phishing/social engineering, which is a powerful and universal threat.
• Lock down your physical device and restrict USB access to prevent extraction attacks.

Cybersecurity isn’t about paranoia, it’s about preparation. Even though the average person would rarely encounter sophisticated zero-click attacks or state-level spyware, the layering of these five defenses makes it much harder for attackers to succeed. Use this as a defense checklist to reference – and share it with others.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

How can your iPhone get hacked?

An iPhone can be compromised through a mix of technical exploits and old-fashioned scams, including phishing texts or emails, malicious configuration changes, stolen Apple Account credentials, SIM-swap fraud, physical access to the device, or rare but serious iOS vulnerabilities. Apple also notes that jailbreaking weakens built-in protections and can expose the device to security issues.

How do I know if my iPhone has been hacked?

The clearest warning signs are unusual Apple Account activity rather than dramatic on-screen symptoms. Apple says red flags include sign-in alerts you do not recognize, password changes you did not make, and two-factor authentication codes you did not request. In practice, you should also treat unexplained account lockouts, unfamiliar devices tied to your Apple Account, or suspicious messages and pop-ups as signs that something may be wrong.

What does *#21 do on iPhone?

*#21# is widely discussed online as a “hack check,” but it is not a reliable iPhone malware test. It is tied to carrier service codes associated with call-forwarding status on some networks, and Apple’s official guidance shows that call forwarding is managed through carrier-supported settings, not through a secret code that detects spying or compromise. So on an iPhone, *#21# does not tell you whether your phone has been hacked.

Can I run a test to see if my phone is hacked on my iPhone?

Not a single definitive one. There is no built-in “hack test” that confirms compromise with one tap. The better approach is to review account and sharing security: check for unknown devices on your Apple Account, change your password if anything looks suspicious, review what apps and people can access, and use Apple’s Safety Check on iPhones running iOS 16 or later. That is far more useful than relying on dial codes or viral online “tests.”

You may also want to read:

5 Sophisticated Scams Everyone Should Know About – And How to Spot Them

Beyond Free Antivirus: 5 Reasons Smart Consumers Choose Full-Strength Protection for Their Devices

How to Spot a Voice Cloning Scam