Can iPhones Get Viruses? (Short answer: Yes—rarely. But iPhones still get hacked.)

If you’ve heard “iPhones can’t get viruses,” here’s the truth: iOS is very well-designed. However, attackers don’t need a classic “virus” to compromise an iPhone. In 2025, the biggest risks are zero-click exploits, phishing, shady profiles, and unsafe add-ons—threats that target people, not just code.

The real ways iPhones get compromised

1) Zero-click & zero-day exploits.
Sophisticated spyware can land on a phone without taps or downloads by abusing previously unknown flaws (“zero-days”). These are rare but real—and they’re used against executives, journalists, and small businesses alike. Keep iOS auto-updates on, and take urgent updates immediately.

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2) “Quishing” (malicious QR codes).
Bad actors stick fake QR codes on tables, posters, even parking meters. You scan, and they send you to a credential-stealing page or a malicious profile install. Treat QR codes like links from strangers.

3) Sideloading/jailbreak & sketchy profiles.
Installing apps or configuration profiles from outside Apple’s App Store (or via enterprise certificates) creates a backdoor around Apple’s protections. If you didn’t intentionally install a profile, remove it.

4) Phishing (SMS, email, social DMs).
Most “iPhone hacks” start with a convincing message. This message tricks you into giving up Apple ID. It also tricks you into surrendering 2FA codes or MDM approval. iOS is strong; humans are busy. Use a password manager and passkeys to remove the guesswork.

5) Insecure or buggy apps.
Even App Store–approved apps can have weaknesses that leak data or enable interception attacks. Update apps, limit permissions, and prune what you don’t use.

Bottom line: iPhones are secure, not invincible. Your daily habits matter as much as Apple’s engineering. Bitdefender

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10 quick wins to harden your iPhone (STS-approved)

1. Update iOS automatically. Install rapid security responses fast. Bitdefender
2. Use passkeys + a password manager (we recommend 1Password) to end password reuse and stop phishing wins. Bitdefender
3. Enable advanced 2FA for Apple ID and business apps; never share codes over SMS/DM. Bitdefender
4. Review installed profiles (Settings → General → VPN & Device Management). Remove anything unfamiliar. Bitdefender
5. Kill quishing: don’t scan unknown QR codes; if you must, preview the URL and open in a non-logged-in browser. Bitdefender
6. Lock down lost-device risk: strong passcode (not 1234/000000), Face ID/Touch ID, and Find My iPhone. Bitdefender
7. Trim app permissions (Location, Photos, Contacts, Bluetooth). Least-privilege wins. Bitdefender
8. Use a trusted mobile security app for breach alerts, safe browsing/VPN, and scam filtering (Bitdefender Mobile Security is one option). Bitdefender Thailand
9. Separate personal vs. work data with MDM where appropriate; avoid mixing company logins on family devices. Bitdefender
10. Teach the team: quick, quarterly training beats annual slide decks—especially on QR scams and Apple-ID hijacks. Bitdefender

Warning signs your iPhone may be compromised

• Battery drain and heat when idle
• Unknown devices tied to your Apple ID
• New profiles, VPNs, or “management” prompts you didn’t approve
• Random 2FA prompts. Accounts are locked out. There are unfamiliar logins.
  If you see these: change Apple ID on a clean device. Remove unknown devices or sessions. Delete suspicious profiles. Update iOS. Rotate passwords or passkeys. Bitdefender

STS “No-Surprise IT” protections for iPhone fleets

For South & Central Texas businesses, we bundle iPhone protection into our Cyber Essentials rollout:

• 1Password-led access control (passkeys, vault policies, MFA coaching)
• Mobile device baseline in 48 hours (enrollment, profiles, encrypted backups, lost-device plan)
• DNS & phishing protection and safe-QR playbook for frontline staff
• Monthly Trust Report: patch levels, breach checks, and incident drills you can actually read

It’s part of our No-Surprise IT promise: public pricing, plain-English scope, named techs, and measurable SLAs.

CTA: Get a free 15-minute iPhone security checkup → We’ll spot the top 3 risks and give you a 30-day fix plan.