Your phone is not working like it used to. It could be losing its charge quickly, turning itself off and on again or getting hot while you use it – these are all signs of a smartphone being hacked!
In addition to seeing strange spikes in data usage, there’s also an increased number of dialled calls coming from nowhere; this might mean someone has been accessing everything stored on the device without permission.
Several smartphone hacking warning indicators may initially appear to be technical problems. However, the truth is that these troubles can be a sign of something more serious, like spyware on your phone. Malware can slow down or perform sporadically on your phone by consuming system resources or causing conflicts with other apps and your operating system.
Signs your phone is hacked
Performance Issues:
One of the key signs that suspect your device may be hacked is its performance. Your device may be running slower, web pages and apps may be more difficult to load, or your battery never seems to hold its charge. These are all indications that your phone’s resources may be being drained by malware that is running in the background.
Phone Overheating:
In addition to performance difficulties, if malware or background mining apps have been installed, then they can consume additional CPU resources (and data). Malware and mining apps can cause your phone to overheat as well as affects its natural performance.
Mystery Apps Appearing or Increase in Data Use:
It’s a warning sign if you discover applications you haven’t downloaded or calls, texts, or emails you haven’t sent. Your phone may have been taken over by a hacker who used it to send expensive calls or messages or to infect your contacts with malware. Similar to that, if you notice increases in your data usage, that may also be a symptom of a hack.
Screen or popup Changes:
Spam pop-ups, modifications to your home screen, and bookmarks to shady websites can also be caused by malware. Another strong indicator that your smartphone has been hacked is if you notice any modifications made to the Settings on your phone.
10 Tips to protect your phone against Hacking:
Though there are many ways that a hacker can hijack your phone, there are ways that you can take precautions to stop it from happening in the first place.
- Run comprehensive online protection software: Over the years, we’ve gotten into the good habit of using this on our computers and laptops, but not so much on our phones. Installing online protection on your smartphone gives you the first line of defence against attacks.
- Update Apps on your phone: To keep your information and your phone safe, you need to update your apps regularly. Updates can close security holes that hackers use to carry out their malware-based attacks. Additionally, those upgrades might bring new, practical features while also maintaining the flawless operation of your phone and apps.
- Use a VPN when travelling: Public Wi-Fi, found in e hotels, airports, and even libraries, is one way that thieves might access your phone. Since these networks are public, all of your online activities, including banking and password usage, are visible to other users. By using a VPN, you may make a public network private and keep your online activity private from other users.
- Make use of a password manager: Protect your online accounts with strong and distinctive passwords. The temptation to use and re-use shorter passwords arises because we find it difficult to remember them. That’s where a Password manager is useful. Password managers create and store your passwords for you, securely.
- Avoid using public chargers: A public charging station makes charging look so easy and secure. However, some cybercriminals have been found to “juice jack” charging stations by inserting malware. They “jack” your passwords and personal information as you “juice up.” Consider a portable power source that you can pre-charge or use AA batteries to power. They are reasonably priced and simple to locate.
- Watch your phone constantly: It’s crucial to prevent the real theft of your phone because certain hacks only take place when a phone ends up in the wrong hands. This is a good reason to secure your phone with a password or PIN and enable device tracking so that you can find it or even remotely wipe it if necessary. A step-by-step tutorial for remotely erasing devices is available from Apple for iOS users and from Google for Android users.
- Secure your smartphone: Your calls, messages, and sensitive information can all be protected by encrypting your mobile device and preventing hacking. Go to Touch ID & Passcode, scroll to the bottom, and check to see whether data protection is enabled to see if your iPhone is encrypted. Android users can also make use of automatic encryption.
- Lock your SIM card: The SIM card that is used to identify you as the owner and link you to your cellular network can be locked, much like your phone. That prevents your phone from being used on any network other than your own by locking it. If you have one, you can lock your iPhone by following these easy instructions. Go to the manufacturer’s website to learn more about other platforms.
- Turn off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections: When not using Bluetooth or Wi-fi connections close the door on them. If left turned on, committed hackers can easily find the right tools to carry out a number of assaults.
- Avoid using app stores from outside sources. Always download apps from reputable stores such as Google Play and Apple’s App Store.
Smartphones are a major part of our lives, and many of us rely on them for everything from communication to work. It’s important to keep your phone safe and secure, especially if you have personal or sensitive information stored on it. Follow these tips to help protect your phone from hackers and ensure that your data is safe.