My mom clicked on a suspicious website through her SMS

What to Do When Your Mom Clicks on a Suspicious Link via SMS on Her iPhone

In today’s digital age, smartphone users frequently encounter scam links and phishing attempts, often through simple messages. If a loved one, such as a parent, inadvertently clicks on a suspicious website link received via SMS, it can cause immediate concern about potential security threats. Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding the risks, assessing the situation, and taking appropriate steps to ensure safety.

Understanding the Risks of Clicking on Suspicious Links

When an individual clicks on a malicious or untrusted link, several risks can arise, including:

Malware or malicious software installation: Although iPhones have robust security features, there’s still a potential for exploit if the website attempts to trigger browser-based vulnerabilities.
Phishing attempts: The site may attempt to steal personal information or login credentials.
Redirects to harmful sites: Providing further opportunities for malicious activity.

However, in many cases—especially on iPhones—simply clicking a link does not automatically compromise the device unless the user provides sensitive information or downloads malicious content.

Immediate Steps to Take

Don’t Panic:
It’s natural to feel worried, but remain calm. Many phishing attempts and scam links are designed to alarm, but they often do not result in immediate breaches if no personal information was shared.
Verify the Nature of the Link:
Check if the message or SMS originated from a trusted source.
Avoid clicking further on the link or providing any personal details.
Assess the Device for Unusual Activity:
Since your initial check confirmed no new apps are installed and that battery and data usage are normal, the device shows no immediate signs of compromise.
Clear Safari Cache and Data:
Go to Settings > Safari.
Tap Clear History and Website Data.
This removes any residual data from the suspicious site and reduces potential tracking.
Close the Browser and Restart the Device:
Force quit the browser.
Restart the iPhone to clear temporary cache and potentially close any scripts that may have run in the background.
Avoid Reaccessing the Suspicious Site:
Do not click on links from unverified sources.
Delete the message if it appears suspicious.