“Apple Security: Hackers Are Watching You!” Scam Explained

The “Apple Security: Hackers Are Watching You!” pop-up is a browser-based advertisement that uses fake alerts stating that your device is under attack or infected to trick you into installing unwanted apps or subscribing to unneeded paid services. 

Hackers are watching you! Apple Security scam

What is the “Apple Security: Hackers Are Watching You!” pop-up?

The “Apple Security: Hackers Are Watching You!” pop-up is a scam that claims your iPhone has been hacked and that your Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram accounts will be compromised if you don’t take immediate action. The goal of this scam is to trick you into installing unwanted apps or subscribing to unnecessary paid services.
It is important to be aware that Apple will never send a message like this to its users, and that such messages should be ignored. If you are concerned about the security of your device, it is always best to contact Apple directly or visit an Apple store for assistance.

When the “Apple Security: Hackers Are Watching You!” pop-up ad is displayed in your browser it will show this message:

Apple Security
Hackers Are Watching You!
Your Apple iPhone connection has been hacked and someone is watching you!
Please do not close this page.
If you don’t fix this in two minutes the hacker will reveal your identity and send your browsing history and front-facing camera photos to everyone in your contacts!

1)Click on the “Connection Protection”
2) you will be redirected the App store
3) Install and run the recommended protection app to recover your Apple iphone.

The “Apple Security: Hackers Are Watching You!” pop-up has nothing to do with Apple and anything it states is just false. If you have been redirected to the “Apple Security: Hackers Are Watching You!” ads, we recommend closing the page and do not enter any personal information.

Why am I seeing the “Apple Security: Hackers Are Watching You!” pop-up ads?

You are seeing the “Apple Security: Hackers Are Watching You!” pop-ups because of spam push notification ads, or a site that you have visited has redirected you to this page.

Less than reputable sites can display malicious ads that redirect your browser to the “Apple Security: Hackers Are Watching You!” fake alert messages to generate advertising revenue. If this happens, you can close the page and install an ad blocker like AdGuard to block the malicious ads.

If your computer starts redirecting you to the “Apple Security: Hackers Are Watching You!” sites for no reason then you can reset your browser to its factory settings.

Removal Instructions for “Apple Security: Hackers Are Watching You!” Pop-up

This malware removal guide may appear overwhelming due to the number of steps and numerous programs that are being used. We have only written it this way to provide clear, detailed, and easy-to-understand instructions that anyone can use to remove malware for free.
Please perform all the steps in the correct order. If you have any questions or doubt at any point, stop and ask for our assistance.
To remove the Apple Security: Hackers Are Watching You!” pop-ups, follow these steps:

STEP 1: Clean your browser

In this first step, we will clean your Safari browser by using the built-in “Clear History and Website Data” feature.
“Clear History and Website Data” allows you to delete the browsing history and website data that is stored on your device. This can include information such as the websites you have visited, your search history, and any data that has been stored by websites you have visited, such as cookies and cache.

  1. Do not tap on the malicious browser window or pop-ups. Instead, tap on the tab icon located in the lower right corner of the screen, as shown in the image below.
    Tabs Icon
  2. Tap the X button on the tab or swipe up to safely close it.
    Tap X to close malicious site
  3. Tap the Settings app.
    Open Settings App
  4. Toggle on Airplane Mode to temporarily disconnect your phone from the internet and block unwanted access.
    Enable Airplane Mode
  5. Scroll down and tap Safari.
    Tap Safari
  6. Tap Clear History and Website Data.
    Tap Clear History
  7. Confirm that you want to clear the history and data by tapping “Clear History and Data” in the pop-up window.
    Tap to confirm
  8. While in Safari settings, make sure to toggle on Block Pop-ups and Fraudulent Website Warning.
    Enable Popup Blocker
  9. Tap on Settings in the upper-left corner to return to the main Settings menu.
    Settings Shortcut
  10. Toggle Airplane Mode back off to re-connect your phone to the internet.
    Disable Airplane Mode

STEP 2: Delete unwanted apps

In the next step, we will remove any potentially unwanted apps that may be installed on your iPhone. If you have downloaded an app after being redirected to the App Store by suspicious websites, it is recommended to delete it.

  1. On the home screen, tap and hold on the app icon until all of the icons start to wiggle.

  2. Tap the “X” button that appears on the top left corner of the app icon.

  3. Confirm that you want to delete the app by tapping “Delete”.

That’s it, your iPhone should be clean and you can continue browsing the Internet. We recommend that you install an ad blocker like AdGuard to block the malicious ads.

If you continue to have malware related issues with your device after completing the above steps, we recommend to take one of these actions:

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Stelian leverages over a decade of cybersecurity expertise to lead malware analysis and removal, uncover scams, and educate people. His experience provides insightful analysis and valuable perspective.