How to Tell If Your Smartphone Has Been Hacked


Written by Ankit
4 mins, 13 secs Read
Updated On November 16, 2023

It’s estimated that every person, on average, checks their phone around 80 times per day. We use our phones for nearly everything – from keeping in touch with family and friends to ordering food and entertainment to managing our finances. So it’s no wonder that smartphones have become one of the most common targets for hackers.

There are many risks of your data being compromised when using a smartphone. But, even if you want to catch a cheating boyfriend on his phone, there are things you should know about how to keep your data safe.

Phone Hacking: What It Means

Technologies have evolved rapidly in the past decade, making it easier than ever for people to connect. This includes hackers, who can now easily target smartphones and gain access to personal information. In short, phone hacking involves breaking into someone else’s phone to access their data or remotely control the device.

How Can Your Phone Be Hacked?

There are several ways that hackers can gain access to a phone, including:


  • ​​Using a spy app: A hacker can install a spy app on your phone without you knowing it. Once installed, the app will allow the hacker to see everything you do on your phone, including text messages, emails, social media activity, and more.
  • ​​Physical access to the phone: If a hacker has physical access to your phone, they can install a spy app or malware without your knowledge.
  • Exploiting vulnerabilities: Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in your phone’s operating system to gain access to your device.
  • ​​Phishing: Phishing is a type of social engineering attack where hackers try to trick you into giving them access to your device or data.

Your Phone Has Been Hacked: Main Signs

If you think your phone has been hacked, there are several signs you can look for, including the next ones.

Unexplained or Harmful Pop-Ups

If you suddenly start getting pop-ups on your phone that you can’t explain, your phone may have been hacked. These pop-ups can be harmful, causing you to click on something you shouldn’t or download a virus. So be very careful of any pop-ups that appear on your phone.

Notifications about Text and Call Notifications You Didn’t Make

Your phone may have been hacked if you start getting notifications about texts or calls that you didn’t make. This is especially true if you don’t recognize the number that the message or call came from.

Data Usage That You Can’t Explain

If you notice that your data usage is higher than usual, it is possible your phone may have been hacked. When your phone is hacked, it’s often sending and receiving data without you knowing it.

New Apps Appeared on the Phone

If you notice that there are apps on your phone that you didn’t download, someone may have access to your gadget. These apps may be malicious and could be used to collect your personal information or to spy on you.

Unexplained Battery Drainage

If your battery starts draining more quickly than usual, it’s another sign your phone has been hacked. This is because your phone is working harder than usual, which can use up more battery power.

What Should You Do If Your Smartphone Has Already Been Hacked?

Smartphone Has Already Been Hacked

If you think your smartphone has already been hacked, you shouldn’t ignore it. There are a few things you can do to take action.

Remove Unidentified Applications

The first thing you’ll want to do is remove any unidentified or suspicious applications from your phone. These could be apps that you don’t remember downloading or have permissions that seem out of the ordinary.

Use of Anti-Malware Programs

There are several anti-malware programs available that can be used to scan your phone for malware and remove it. You can find many of these programs in the app store for your particular operating system.

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Reset the Gadget to Factory Settings

If you’re still concerned about your phone being hacked, you can reset it to factory settings. Unfortunately, this will delete all of the data on your phone, so make sure you backup anything important before doing this.

Change All of Your Passwords

If you’re concerned that someone may have access to your accounts, it’s good to change all of your passwords, including those for your email, social media, and any online banking or shopping accounts.

What Should You Do to Prevent Phone Hacking?

Protected devices are hard to hack. However, if you are afraid that your phone was hacked the first time, there are things you can do to prevent it from happening again.

Here are some tips:

  1. Use a passcode or biometric lock (like a fingerprint or facial recognition) to lock your phone. This will make it harder for someone to access your device and hack it physically.
  2.  Install a security app that can detect and remove malware. Look for an app that includes anti-virus protection, real-time monitoring, and remote lock and wipes.
  3. Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Hackers often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software to gain access to devices. Keeping your OS and apps up to date will make it harder for them to do so.
  4. Be cautious about the links you click and your download files. Malicious software can be disguised as something harmless, like a game or an image.
  5. Use a secure WiFi network. Hackers can spoof public WiFi networks and intercept the data you send and receive. When using public WiFi, only connect to networks you trust.
  6. Be aware of phishing scams. Phishing is a type of online fraud that involves tricking someone into revealing sensitive information, like passwords or credit card numbers.

Conclusion

If you’re concerned that your smartphone may have been hacked, there are a few key signs. First, check for any unusual or suspicious activity on your phones, such as new apps that you don’t remember downloading, strange text messages, or increased data usage. Next, see if your battery is draining faster than usual or if your phone is overheating. Finally, listen for any strange sounds coming from your phone, indicating that it’s being used to make unauthorized calls or access hidden data. If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential to take action immediately to protect your data and privacy. We hope our article was helpful and will keep your smartphone safe from hackers! Thank you for reading!




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