Cybersecurity experts at VPNOverview are advising iPhone users to restart their phones if they see a suspicious update notification appear on their screen.
Rumours are rife online that the notification which looks legitimate is actually a rouse concocted by a hacker, according to TikTok users.
An account under the username @mrjamienyland has garnered over 15.2 million views and over 1.3 million likes after posting a short video alleging that hackers have found a way to push a notification to your iPhone asking you to update because your device has been hacked.
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Searches for 'iPhone hacked notice' are up by 2,350% in the past seven days as a result of the video circulating online.
The notification advises you to download a particular update and wherever you click on the screen, it will download the alleged software straight away.
Some have claimed that if you do click your screen, the hackers behind the notification are able to access all of your personal and private data - including photos, text messages, or anything else accessible via your apps.
Nathan Daniels, Cybersecurity Expert at VPNOverview said: “Social engineering attacks like these are very common nowadays. They can target pretty much anyone and the idea is to trick the victim into compromising their own device or accounts.
"This specific type of attack is especially common, as it tries to convince you your device is infected with malware and the attackers are offering you an easy fix. Never fall for this. Often clicking on the message will actually result in a malware infection.
"If you get such a message, simply close the window where it appeared, or if this is not possible, simply turn off or restart your phone.
“If you do suspect your phone might be compromised by a serious threat, you can always use a reputable anti-malware or antivirus solution to locate and address the threat."
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