Hey everyone! 👋 I'm looking for some clarity on a concern that's been weighing on me. In my country, we have public records available online, including everyone's phone numbers, and it has led to some worries on my part. I've had issues with mental health in the past, including psychosis, which makes it hard for me to determine what's real and what's not sometimes. Lately, I've been feeling paranoid that someone could hack my iPhone using just my number and expose my private information like photos, conversations, and even my diary entries. There have been posts from anonymous users in my communities sharing similar experiences that make me feel even more uneasy. Can anyone explain how likely it is for someone to hack my phone this way and what would be required for that? I'd really appreciate any reassurance or insights you can provide. Thanks!
3 Answers
While nothing is completely hack-proof, the chance of someone hacking your iPhone using only your phone number is super low. Most likely issues arise from weak passwords or compromised accounts rather than the device itself. Just ensure you’re using strong passwords and consider a password manager to keep everything secure.
I often ask people who think they've been hacked this: Are you a high-ranking government official or foreign leader? If the answer is no, then it's almost certain you haven't been hacked. No need to worry too much!
Thanks, that makes me feel a bit better! I sometimes get in my head and blow things out of proportion, so I'm going to remind myself of this.
It's very unlikely someone can hack your phone just by knowing your number. Usually, they’d need to get you to click a malicious link via a spoofed SMS or something, but that’s often prevented if your phone’s OS is up to date. So, keep updating your phone and don't click on strange links!
I use 2-step verification on my accounts, does that help? How can I make my iCloud more secure?