If you see the message “Viruses have been detected on your iPhone”, you should keep a cool head. Under no circumstances should you click on the message.
Viruses have been detected on your iPhone: what does it mean
As long as you haven't changed anything on iOS, such as jailbreaking it, a virus on the iPhone is possible, but very unlikely. iPhones are far better protected from viruses than Android smartphones thanks to the self-contained system. However, phishing on the iPhone can be used to get your data. This is usually attempted through a virus message.
- The message will occur when surfing in the Safari browser. In addition to the warning, you will also receive a message that you can remove the virus by tapping “OK”. Don't do that under any circumstances!
- You don't have a virus on your iPhone. The false message with the supposed immediate help is intended to entice you to tap the “OK” button.
- In this way, those behind the campaign want to gain access to your Apple account and personal data.
This is how you react correctly to a virus notification
As already explained: Do not click anything on the virus notification. Simply closing the page can be difficult while the message is shown.
- But the solution is very simple: deactivate Javascript. To do this, open Settings and scroll down to “Safari”.
- Here tap on “Advanced” and switch off “Javascript” using the slider.
- Now close the Safari app by double-clicking the home button and swiping up.
- Then start Safari again. The page now appears, but without the pop-up with the virus message. Close the affected page and also clear the history in Safari.
- Finally, you can re-enable Javascript for the Safari browser.