To keep apps safe for iPhone, iPad and Mac users, Apple’s App Store prevented over $2 billion in potentially fraudulent transactions and rejected nearly 1.7 million apps found to be breaching privacy, security and content standards in 2022.
Apple reports that the Cupertino-based tech giant protected users from nearly 57,000 dodgy apps from illegitimate storefronts, stating that these app markets imitate popular apps to distribute harmful software, like malware or adware.
The App Store also shut down 428,000 developer accounts for fraud and abuse last year, along with 282 million customer accounts. Moreover, it rejected nearly 400,000 apps that would try to steal a user’s personal information right under their nose.
“During the development stage, Xcode systematically inspects apps to certify they are using authorized technologies and to make sure the app meets minimum requirements for the App Store,” Apple states. “In more than one case this year, App Review caught apps using malicious code with the potential to steal users’ credentials from third-party services.”
Even though some apps get through, Apple states that it blocks 24,000 apps from the App Store that disguised themselves and could morph into a completely different app – deceiving users.
As for payment and credit card fraud, Apple blocked nearly 3.9 million stolen credit cards from being used for online transactions, stopping $2.09 billion in potentially fraudulent transactions and banning 714,000 accounts.
With the Google Play Store for Android users seeing apps infested with malware make their way onto users’ devices (such as the recent FluHorse and Fleckpe Android malware), it’s clear Apple’s App Store is one of the safest app markets around.
While Apple keeps its App Store secure, some malicious apps can slip through the cracks. If you do find an app behaving suspiciously, the good news is you can get rid of nasty apps safely.
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Signs of malware on iPhone
Malware can be hard to spot, as cybercriminals will do everything in their power to hide the malicious software so they can carry out their cruel acts right under a user’s nose. However, there are telltale signs that your iPhone is under attack, which may include your device’s browser (like Safari or Chrome) redirecting you to different web pages and installing unwanted toolbars, extensions or plugins. Any malware can also affect your device directly.
- Your device is slower than usual and crashes frequently.
- Your browser is slower than usual and crashes frequently.
- Browsing through websites takes longer.
- You need to recharge your device more often.
- Apps take longer to load.
- There’s an unknown app or software on your device you didn’t download.
How to remove malware on iPhone
Malware can hide in seemingly trustworthy apps you download from the Apple App Store, meaning all you need to do to eliminate any harmful effects on your iPhone is to delete the app. Instead of deleting the app directly, it’s best to remove it safely.
How to safely remove an app on iPhone
- On your device, press the necessary buttons to turn off your device.
- Turn your device on again by holding the power button.
- Once it lights up, hold down the volume down button until you see the Apple logo. Your iPhone should now be in Safe Mode.
- Tap and hold any suspicious or unwanted apps.
- Tap Delete App. Restart your device to go back to normal mode.
How to clear cache on iPhone
Apps and browsers that store your online activity can be used and spied on by malware. With this in mind, it’s a good idea to clear your browser and app cache on your iPhone to minimise the effects of the malicious software. Moreover, clearing the cache can also help clear up space on your iPhone or iPad, boosting performance.
- To clear app cache, go to Settings on your device.
- Tap General.
- Select iPhone Storage (or iPad Storage).
- Choose an app you wish to clear.
- Tap Offload App.
- A message will appear stating it will delete the app but keep its documents and data. Tap Offload App.
Many iPhone owners use Safari as their default browser. Here’s how to clear cache in Safari on iPhone.
- Go to Settings.
- Scroll down and tap Safari.
- Navigate to Advanced at the bottom and tap on it.
- Tap Website Data.
- Tap Remove All Website Data.
Use antivirus software
Simply put, the best way to eliminate malware is to use the best antivirus software.
Many free malware removal apps will dispatch malicious software on your device. Still, it’s a good idea to ensure these tools are trustworthy, as hackers can also disguise these apps on the Apple App Store to deploy even more malware.
The best antivirus apps come with a suite of security features that can eliminate viruses, malware, ransomware, spyware or any malicious software that burrows into your iPhone. Some antivirus software, such as Bitdefender, offers security subscriptions specifically for iPhone, making it a more cost-effective option for those needing only iPhone protection.
We recommend free apps from known cybersecurity companies, including Avast One, AVG and Malwarebytes Mobile Security. These will detect and remove malware on your iPhone. Check out our thoughts on each antivirus below.
How to clear iPhone data and restore from backup
Some malware on iPhone can be tricky to detect and remove. If your iPhone is still acting strangely and the harmful side effects persist, you’ll want to try erasing your data and restoring your iPhone to a previous state. Hopefully, before the malware sneaked its way onto your device.
- On your device, head to Settings and tap on General.
- Scroll to the bottom and select Transfer and Reset.
- Choose Erase All Content and Settings.
- Tap Backup Then Erase.
- A menu will pop up. Select Restore from iCloud Backup.
- in your iCloud account, select the backup that should resolve the issue. Make sure you have the right documents and files you need saved.
