Can an iPhone be hacked/monitored remotely?

[Blackforestguy]

Hi!
this is probably a dumb question, but hear me out.

I was surfing the web recently via the DuckDuckGo-App. When I pulled down the Control Center it showed "Camera, recently", but I did not use the camera. I can't remember if the green dot showed when I was browsing, I just did not pay attention to it.

Now would it somehow be possible that my phone got hijacked just by browsing some site that had malicious code in an image or ad or so? I am really worried someone's been using or can use my camera, or control my iPhone remotely.

I do know that swiping left just a little on the lock screen activates the camera, but I can't recall if I did that or not.

I have an iPhone 12 Pro Max and running iOS 15.6 (have updated to 15.6.1 now)

Thanks for any help!

 

[ct2k7]

Theoretically yes; likely no.

Usually a swipe down to Control Centre shows what app recently used the camera.

 

[Blackforestguy]

It just said „Camera, recently“, so I assume it was the camera itself. But I just can’t recall using it in any way.

I am really worried now.

 

[Tagbert]

It just said „Camera, recently“, so I assume it was the camera itself. But I just can’t recall using it in any way.

I am really worried now.

"Camera" is the app for taking photos. it is not the camera function that other apps can use. If an app is using the camera function, that app would show up in the list. I do see that an accidental mistype on the Lock Screen can partially trigger the camera app. That seems a likely cause of this.

I'd say just keep an eye on the green icon for a while and see if any surprises come up.

 

[Blackforestguy]

That is what worries me. I fear that someone can control my camera and film or take pictures at will.

 

[velocityg4]

Are you sure you didn't just accidentally fumble open the camera app while removing the phone from your pocket or something. It's pretty easy to do. As the camera can be opened without unlocking the phone. I do it quite often. Same with the flashlight.

DDG isn't going to be able to use the camera unless you gave it permission. If you did. I don't think it'll let random websites then access the camera without your being prompted for approval.

 

[eyoungren]

Hi!
this is probably a dumb question, but hear me out.

I was surfing the web recently via the DuckDuckGo-App. When I pulled down the Control Center it showed "Camera, recently", but I did not use the camera. I can't remember if the green dot showed when I was browsing, I just did not pay attention to it.

Now would it somehow be possible that my phone got hijacked just by browsing some site that had malicious code in an image or ad or so? I am really worried someone's been using or can use my camera, or control my iPhone remotely.

I do know that swiping left just a little on the lock screen activates the camera, but I can't recall if I did that or not.

I have an iPhone 12 Pro Max and running iOS 15.6 (have updated to 15.6.1 now)

Thanks for any help!

Totally possible to be hijacked.

Are you a high value target that has very sensitive information that a government or a spy would very much like to get a hold of?

If your answer is no…then it's highly IMPROBABLE that you've been 'hacked'.

The kinds of tools that are used to do what you're asking about are (in general) espionage tools used on high value targets. Specific targets, specifically targeted.

The agencies who use these tools for this purpose have no interest in you.

 

[Blackforestguy]

Totally possible to be hijacked.

Are you a high value target that has very sensitive information that a government or a spy would very much like to get a hold of?

If your answer is no…then it's highly IMPROBABLE that you've been 'hacked'.

The kinds of tools that are used to do what you're asking about are (in general) espionage tools used on high value targets. Specific targets, specifically targeted.

The agencies who use these tools for this purpose have no interest in you.

I am of course just an ordinary guy.

You made me feel a bit more at ease, it still felt weird to see that camera notification without doing anything.

 

[eyoungren]

I am of course just an ordinary guy.

You made me feel a bit more at ease, it still felt weird to see that camera notification without doing anything.

Law enforcement also has access to these tools. But if law enforcement is specifically targeting you to monitor your activity I would suggest you have a much bigger problem than just being hacked.

 

[Blackforestguy]

So, basically you’re saying I need not worry that a creepy guy on the internet can monitor my phone? 😃

 

[eyoungren]

So, basically you’re saying I need not worry that a creepy guy on the internet can monitor my phone? 😃

That's right.

The creep is far more likely to be phishing, not hunting or trapping.

And you're a smart fish.