Securing your smartphone: How to know if your phone is hacked
August 14, 2024
Smartphones are an integral part of our daily lives, with the average person spending upward of three hours on their phone daily.
While these devices provide unmatched convenience, they also hold highly personal and valuable information, like private messages, media, and account login credentials. These sensitive details tend to attract cyber criminals looking to access your credit and banking accounts or even steal your identity.
If you’re worried about your phone security and want to reduce your vulnerability, you need to learn how these hacks work and how to identify them in action. With these tips on how to know if your phone is hacked, you can begin to take the proper precautions to keep your phone and sensitive data safe from cyber criminals.
Can someone hack your phone?
It’s possible for someone to hack your phone, just like it’s possible for hackers to tap into your computer or any other device that connects to Wi-Fi networks. Ultimately, your likelihood of having your phone hacked depends on the security measures you take and your user behavior.
How can hackers access your phone?
Cyber criminals will look for different security gaps to install malicious software (malware) on your phone or tap into your personal accounts. Understanding the methods they use to manipulate you or bypass security measures can help you develop a proactive defense strategy. Here are some common hacking schemes to look out for:
Phishing and smishing: These schemes involve deceptive communication tactics to trick you into revealing sensitive information. While phishing happens through email, smishing occurs in text messages (SMS). Cyber criminals will create convincing messages pretending to be trustworthy entities to lure you into sharing personal data or clicking on harmful links. For example, they might pretend to be your bank's customer service department to tap into your trust and claim there’s an unauthorized purchase on your account to trick you into sharing login details to “solve this issue.”
Exploiting unprotected public Wi-Fi networks: Using open Wi-Fi networks that lack password protection or encryption (code that scrambles communication so that only the sender and recipient can read it) can leave your phone vulnerable to snooping. Hackers often monitor these unsecured networks to intercept users’ unencrypted data, steal login passwords, and gain access to other private information.
Malicious apps and spyware: Sometimes, what we willingly download is our most significant vulnerability. If you accidentally install a malicious app masquerading as legitimate software, you might infect your phone with spyware or malware without realizing it. These harmful programs can track your activities, steal data, and even take over your device's functions. Always review app descriptions closely before installing and avoid questionable software that requires excessive permissions.
Bluetooth signals: Hackers can also intercept Bluetooth signals and connect external devices to your mobile phone as a means of viewing your phone data.
SIM swap fraud: SIM swapping is a deceptive approach where hackers trick your mobile provider into switching your mobile number to a new SIM card to steal your phone number. Once the hacker gains control of your number, they can bypass security measures like SMS authentication, where you receive a code via text to confirm your login and access your online accounts.
QR codes: Scanning a compromised QR code can redirect you to a malicious website that downloads malware onto your phone.
7 signs that your phone has been hacked
Learning how to detect potential hacks on your phone is the first step to regaining control of your device. Here are seven signs that indicate someone has likely compromised your device:
Unusual data usage: A sudden increase in data usage signals that malicious processes might be transmitting data from your phone to a hacker's server. This spike often occurs while hidden applications run in the background.
Sluggish performance: If your smartphone starts running slower or becomes unresponsive, it could be a sign of malware consuming your phone's resources. Malicious software often runs multiple processes in the background, leading to a noticeable slowdown in device performance.
Battery drain: Similar to performance issues, unexpected battery drain can indicate that hidden apps or malware are overworking your phone's processor. While smartphone batteries tend to depreciate over time, you should still take note of any sudden changes to your phone's battery life.
Pop-ups and unwanted ads: An influx of ads, especially outside of a browser, is often a symptom of adware or spyware. These intrusive pop-ups may appear as fake virus warnings or too-good-to-be-true offers, often leading to more malicious sites or further malware downloads.
Unrecognized apps or activity: If you notice any apps on your phone that you have no memory of downloading, consider this a warning sign. Hackers often install spyware or trojans (malware disguised as legitimate apps). Be vigilant for any unusual activity, like strange text messages or calls, which might indicate that a hacker is controlling your phone remotely.
Changes in phone settings: Unauthorized modifications to your settings or new device profiles can indicate that a hacker has successfully accessed your device. Look for changes in your phone's permissions, like location and data sharing settings, or new accounts added to your device.
Increased device temperature: If your phone often feels warmer than usual, it might be from hidden malware using some of your phone's processing power. Close out all your apps and monitor your phone's heat to see if anything is running in the background.
How to remove a hacker from your phone
If you suspect someone has compromised your phone, you need to take immediate action to protect your data and restore security. Here's a breakdown of what to do if your phone has been hacked:
Change your passwords: Your first line of defense is to change the passwords to any accounts accessible from your phone. This includes your banking apps, social media, and any other service that requires a login. Ensure each new password is complex and unique, using a mix of numbers, symbols, and upper and lowercase letters. This can effectively block the hacker from gaining further access.
Run anti-malware software: Install a reputable anti-malware application specifically designed for smartphones and run a full scan to detect and eliminate any malicious software. These tools are adept at identifying and removing a range of threats, from spyware to trojan horses disguised as harmless apps.
Factory reset as a last resort: If the previous steps don't resolve the issue, consider performing a factory reset. This will erase all data from your device and return it to its original state. Before you do this, ensure you backup any important files, as the reset will permanently delete everything on your phone.
Update your operating system and apps: Make sure your phone's operating system and all apps are up to date. Software updates often include security patches to fix any known software vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit.
Seek professional help: If you're unsure about handling the situation yourself, don't hesitate to contact your phone's service provider or a professional cyber security expert. These professionals can offer guidance and take necessary actions to secure your device.
How to protect your phone from hackers: 5 extra tips
Your best defense against hackers is a proactive approach. Here are five extra tips to protect your phone from hackers and stay one step ahead of their dark plots:
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): 2FA adds an additional security layer, typically requiring a code sent to your phone or email in addition to your password. This makes it much harder for hackers to gain unauthorized access, even if they have your password. For even further security, use biometric authentication, which requires physical data like a fingerprint or face scan to grant login access.
Be cautious on public Wi-Fi networks: Public Wi-Fi networks are hot spots for hackers looking to intercept data. Using a virtual private network (VPN) encrypts your online activity, making it harder for hackers to access your information. Always ensure your VPN is active when using public Wi-Fi.
Only download apps from official stores: Stick to official stores like Google Play for Android and Apple's App Store for iOS when you download any apps. These platforms have strict security measures to filter out malicious apps. You should always check app ratings and reviews before downloading, too.
Avoid clicking on suspicious links: Whether in emails, text messages, or social media, be wary of clicking on links from unknown sources, as these links can lead to phishing sites or directly install malware on your phone.
Educate yourself about phishing scams: Understanding the phishing tactics hackers use, like urgency or impersonation, can help you avoid falling prey to these scams. Awareness is your first line of defense in digital security.
Proactively secure your digital details with IronVest
Learning how to recognize the key signs of a phone hacking incident and understanding how to remove a hacker from your phone is extremely useful, but preventing hackers from ever accessing your phone in the first place is the best way to safeguard your personal information. Since your smartphone is teeming with personal information, protecting yours is a critical part of your overall digital security plan.
Luckily, tools like IronVest can provide robust layers of smartphone protection with features like biometric authentication, masked phone numbers, and masked emails. For a more comprehensive digital defense, sign up for IronVest today.