SOS mode

Chrissyc77 Said:

"SOS mode: It appears as though someone is accessing my device through my wifi I’ve switched out the modem, router and SIM card.[...]"

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Reporting Pranks:

One thought is to report pranks using screenshots. You can report this to Apple, and to whomever else (i.e. federal government or an attorney). Use my User Tip: Using the Photos App to Report Scams: - User Tip

If you feel an unauthorized person/app is remotely using, controlling or monitoring your device, then that is possible only if you have done one or more of the following Don'ts...

1. Don't hand over an iPhone to kids or to a stranger without Enabling Guided Access
2. Don't share Apple IDs
3. Don't Jailbreak
4. Don't share sensitive information pertaining to your device
5. Don't give in to Phishing
6. Don't plug in your device in Airports and Public places through third-party cables and trust the device. Beware of Juice Jacking. (Especially in India)
7. Don't leave your iPhone unlocked and unattended in public places like offices, schools, malls, etc.

If one of the above is true then quickly change the Apple ID Password and Return iPhone settings to their defaults.

Chrissyc77 Said:

"SOS mode: It appears as though someone is accessing my device through my wifi I’ve switched out the modem, router and SIM card.[...]"

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About a Hacked iPhone:

Unfortunately, there is no way to determine if it has been hacked, unless you know that it has been jailbroken. And, the only way for an iPhone to have hacked is if it has been jailbroken.

So, what to do...

Resetting to Factory Settings:

If you are so concerned, then reset you iPhone to factory settings, as if you were to sell it. Go here: What to do Before you Sell, Give Away, or Trade in your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support. Perform as instructed there, including the backup creation and iCloud logout.

To me, this seems more like a prank than a hack.

It is highly unlikely that skilled hackers would choose to invest their time and resources into monitoring their neighbor's viewing habits for several reasons. Firstly, hacking requires a certain level of expertise, knowledge, and tools, which can be quite valuable assets. A proficient hacker typically has a specific agenda, such as gaining unauthorized access to sensitive information, financial gain, or advancing their own personal or political interests.

Controlling someone's devices would not yield any substantial benefits for a hacker. It would be a trivial and unproductive pursuit that lacks any significant value or purpose. Additionally, hacking activities are often motivated by tangible gains, such as financial rewards, access to valuable data, or the ability to manipulate systems for personal or ideological motives. Monitoring someone's entertainment choices would not offer any meaningful advantage or serve a legitimate purpose.

Moreover, hacking is an inherently risky activity that can have serious legal consequences. Engaging in unauthorized access, surveillance, or invasion of privacy is illegal in most jurisdictions. Skilled hackers typically operate with more calculated precision, targeting high-value entities or systems that present greater opportunities for achieving their objectives. The risks associated with hacking a neighbor's media consumption would far outweigh any potential benefits, making it an illogical and unprofitable endeavor.

In summary, hackers typically focus their efforts on more lucrative targets that align with their motives and offer substantial rewards. Investing time and resources into monitoring a neighbor's entertainment choices would be an inefficient and unproductive use of their skills, knowledge, and tools.

Regarding your specific concern about hackers trying to put your device in SOS mode, it is essential to remember that any electronic device can be vulnerable to security risks if not properly secured. However, it is relatively uncommon for hackers to specifically target individuals' devices to put them in SOS mode. Most hacking incidents are more focused on gaining access to personal data, financial information, or controlling devices for other purposes.

To protect your devices and personal information, it is crucial to follow good security practices such as using strong and unique passwords, keeping your software up to date, being cautious with email attachments and links, and ensuring that your devices have appropriate security measures in place.

SravanKrA has great recommendations.

If the problem persists, or if you prefer a nuclear option, I could recommend backing up your media (icloud is convenient for this, at a modest cost), erase your device to factory settings and then bring your media (photos, notes, files, etc) back onto your device by signing into iCloud so your media will download from the cloud. If you have any trouble doing this, you can download the step by step guides from Apple, or call their free technical support line.

A possibility for weird behaviours is sometimes data corruption. This can happen even if you regularly update your device. Sometimes it’s good to start with a fresh iOS.

Maybe tmobil gave you a wingman service with your account. A store manager gave me this service without my knowledge or consent. After finding both listed under WiFi edit I contacted tmobil and was told they took it off but I still have an additional tmobil private WiFi name under managed accounts in addition to my named network. Called tmobil many times and get NOTHING!

I would add carrier participation to the above list of reasons for "sharing" without your consent.

SravanKrA Said:

"To me, this seems more like a prank than a hack."

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Good point. I now see it that way too.