In our digital world, smartphones are vital for communication and daily tasks, but their connectivity makes them targets for hacking. Recognizing the signs of a hacked device is essential for protecting your personal information.
This blog outlines key warning signs of phone hacking and provides practical steps to take if you suspect your device has been compromised.
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Unexplained High Data Usage
A sudden increase in phone bills may mean that malware is using up your data. This may occur if malicious software is running in the background, sending and receiving information on its own accord. If your Internet service has fairly liberal allowances even then it’s better to keep an eye on data consumption. Regular monitoring can help you spot unusual patterns or spikes that might indicate hacking activity. If you find that there was a huge traffic and data usage, investigate further to determine the cause.
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Frequent Unwanted Notifications
An influx of intrusive pop-ups or inappropriate ads can signal that your device has been compromised. A sudden appearance of numerous pop-ups or ads that are hardly appropriate can be a sign of your device’s compromise. These notifications might be due to the adware or any other malicious software that has entered your phone. Also, receiving two-factor authentication(2FA) codes for which you did not try to sign in to any of your accounts can be a sign of a violation of your accounts. It is therefore important to close the pop-up without clicking because if you do, it will create more problems.
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Unknown Apps Installed
Although there are some useful apps installed by manufacturers or carriers, it is shocking to find out unknown apps that were not installed by you. These could be:
Backdoor Access: Perhaps, there are some apps that look quite harmless, but in fact, they can open the door to hackers who will take your data or place other malicious programs on your device without your knowledge.
Remote Control: In worse-case scenarios, hackers may download apps that allow them to have full control over your gadget. This may allow them to get through your files, microphone, and camera, or even make calls and send messages on your behalf, and charge them to you. -
Unrecognized Outgoing Calls
An occasional accidental call is normal, but if your call history shows numerous outgoing calls to numbers you don’t recognize, it could be a sign of hacking. They can also make calls on their own, and this may lead to a very large bill that you are not in a position to explain. The hackers can also use the phones to dial the number of your choice, or use international toll services which is very expensive and a way of embezzling your credit and also intruding your privacy.
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Unexpected Charges on Your Bill
If you notice unfamiliar charges on your phone bill, it may mean that hackers are using your phone to call or text. Infected devices can cause fairly steep bills as hackers may log onto expensive services or even make phone calls for an absent party, and be charged accordingly.
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Attempts to Access Inappropriate Websites
If your device is opening blocked or wrong sites without your consent then it is an indication that your device has been hacked. If you find out that your smartphone has tried to visit these sites while connected to a network that may have blocked them, it might be that your phone has been infected with malware that seeks to compromise it.
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Rapidly Draining Battery
Phone batteries are made to have a reasonable duration of power, depending on how people use the phones most often. If you find that your battery is discharging much faster than it used to, without any change in how you’re using the phone, then you may be infected with hidden malware. For instance, if you normally get through a day of intensive use of your phone before it runs out of battery, and it is now draining the battery in a few hours, this could indicate that malicious software is actively working to transmit stolen data or perform other harmful tasks.
Steps to Take If Your Phone Has Been Compromised
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Notify Your Contacts
Inform your contacts that your phone may have been hacked and advise them not to open any link that they have received from you.
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Scan for Malware
Run an anti-malware software that will help you to scan and eradicate the malware present in the device. This software should be run frequently and if this has not been done then the best time to start is now to enhance security.
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Update Your Passwords
After removing any malware, reset your passwords, as your login credentials may have been compromised. Always set a distinctive password for a given account in order to increase the levels of protection. One idea for making your passwords better would be to turn to a password generator.
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Remove Unfamiliar Apps
Review your installed apps and delete any that seem suspicious, particularly those downloaded from third-party app stores. Check what information these apps are collecting and change your profile if needed. It is also important to check that any new apps that have been installed were sourced from the store by a trusted developer, with good ratings; if not, delete them.
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Reset your phone
A Phone reset can remove most of the malware, but in the process, it will delete all the data on the phone, such as pictures, memos, and contacts. It is recommended to save all your valuable information before moving forward. When resetting, do not back up your apps if you think that you are infected with malware. However, write down the apps you wish to reload and make sure they are genuine before you re-download them.
Awareness of the signs of phone hacking is crucial for safeguarding your information. If you suspect your phone has been compromised, prompt action can help protect your data. It is also important to know that if you think your phone is infected, there are things you can do to minimize the damage. To prevent further loss, lock your phone, download anti-malware software, and format the device if you think it has been compromised. Your device and data are in your own hands and if you see something unusual, then act quickly.
