Scientists discovered that a hack happens on average every 39 seconds – and that was back in 2017. That number is constantly changing for the worse, especially when you consider that hacking grew by 17% between 2019 and 2020. Some of those hackers will be targeting your smartphone or tablet. But how to know if your phone is hacked? And how can you protect yourself from being hacked in the future? This article is here to answer these questions. 

How to tell if your phone has been hacked? 

1. Phone slows down, heats up, or drains the battery
2. Your contacts receive messages you never sent
3. Increased mobile data usage or phone bill
4. Unknown apps or uninstalled antivirus software
5. Your phone settings change mysteriously
6. Phone reboots, may not shut down at all, or acts bizarrely
7. Purchases you did not make on your credit card 

These are the most common symptoms that will let you know that your phone has been hacked. Individually, they don’t necessarily indicate that a hack took place, but if your phone shows several of them, you can tell that your phone has a virus or has been the target of a hack. We’re going to explain the why’s and how’s now.  

1. Your device is slowing down or heating up, or draining the battery for no reason
There are several reasons why your phone could slow down, heat up, or start gobbling up energy. 

On the other hand, if you haven’t carried out any OS (Operating System) updates recently and you’re not running any resource-intensive apps, you should start worrying. This may be a sign that there’s malware running in the background. For example, hackers may be using your phone to mine cryptocurrency, which is a resource-intensive process. 

That’s why you should check which apps are running, how much memory they’re using, and how much free space exists on your device. If you can’t find the reason, hackers may have infected your phone. 

2. Your contacts receive messages you never sent
If your phone is hacked, malware the hackers left on your phone may use your email, instant messaging services, and text messages to spread itself to your contacts. They usually send messages in your name and attach a link or a file that would infect other devices. If someone complains to you about something suspicious you sent, start looking into it.  

3. Your data usage increases without you doing anything, or there’s a spike in your phone bill
Unexpected increases in data use could mean that your phone was hacked to transmit data; for instance, it may be mining cryptocurrency or stealing your photos. It may also mean that a hacker is spying on you. Check your app data usage and see which app could be blamed for that. If there are anomalies, you can tell that your phone has been hacked. 

You may also notice that your phone bill has increased – yet you don’t remember making that many calls. It would be a sign to check your records for numbers that you didn’t call. If you find any, your phone might have been hacked, and criminals may be using it as a proxy. 

Also, be aware of strange background noises and interference when you make a call. It may be a sign of weak reception. However, it may also show that your call is being tapped, and someone is spying on you by listening to your calls. 

4. You notice a new app you didn’t install and/or the antivirus software has been uninstalled
The former means that somebody – a hacker, abusive spouse, or someone else – has installed spyware on your phone. The latter may be the effect of a virus protecting itself – malware sometimes uninstalls antivirus software. If you didn’t do it yourself, it’s one of the ways you can tell that your phone is hacked. 

5. Your phone settings change mysteriously
If your phone was physically accessed, the culprit might have changed the settings manually. If you notice that, for example, your Bluetooth is on despite you not using it, it may be a sign of malware using it to infect other devices or transmit data. 

6. Phone reboots without reason, may not shut down at all, or acts bizarrely
It’s bad if your phone restarts without any warning, doesn’t shut down, or is opening apps and calling people on its own. Software errors may be the cause of that. It may also be a sign that your phone is hacked. 

7. Purchases that you did not make show up on your credit card
This could indicate some other form of credit card fraud, but a hacked phone is one way a thief can get around fraud protection. It’s also worth checking your phone if your bank informs you that they blocked a suspicious transaction. 

Take these steps to prevent hacks 

Avoid public Wi-Fi and using Bluetooth
A free public Wi-Fi hotspot may actually be a trap! Hackers set up fake ones to steal your data once you connect. You have to be careful and make sure that you’re connecting to the actual, real Wi-Fi spot.
To prevent accidentally exposing your data in public, turn off your Wi-Fi auto-connect feature, Bluetooth, and personal hotspot functions when not in use. 

Stick to apps from the official store
Official app stores are less likely to provide apps that are infected with malware. Some privacy risks may still exist, but those can be avoided by being selective.  

Don’t click suspicious links or download suspicious attachments
If a file or link looks suspicious, then it probably is. Remember that some malware spreads automatically – so strange links from your friends and relatives may be a virus trying to get in. Don’t open the file or link, and inform the person it came from. 

Install extended cyber security software, not just antivirus, and update it often
Traditional anti-virus software no longer suffice to guarantee personal security. Be sure to have an extended cyber security app for better protection and update it regularly. Updates for apps and the OS both often include patches for recently-uncovered security issues. 

Only charge your phone via a secure charger
USB chargers use wires and ports that can be used for data transmission. Hackers are fully aware of that, so only use your own charger and be careful with charges in rental cars. If you must use a charger you can’t trust, choose the “Only Charging” option on your phone. 

Use a PIN and never leave the phone unattended
A pattern lock is mostly a nuisance, and a PIN or a fingerprint scanner is a much better way to secure your phone if you let it go out of your sight. Even better: don’t let it get out of your sight, and don’t leave it unattended. 

 

 

* source: Surfshark website (surfshark.com)