Smartphones are now an essential part of our lives. Everything from personal to professional activities are now done through the phone. But, sometimes we notice unusual behavior on the phone which makes us afraid that our phone is hacked. So, know if your phone is hacked or not and what precautions should be taken.
How to understand your phone has been hacked: some important signs!
If you notice that the phone is working slowly or repeatedly hangs. But it can be a warning sign for you. Because, unknowingly, an unexpected app or malware virus is working in the backend of your phone.
Why is this problem?
Hackers install malware on the phone that uses your phone’s processor to collect various types of data. As a result, the performance of the phone decreases and hangs repeatedly.
Automatically install unknown apps without your knowledge!
You have an app installed on your phone that you didn’t install yourself! This can be a great sign of hacking. Hackers often install spyware or malware apps to steal data. These apps silently collect your personal information in the background.
Abnormal battery usage and fast charging!
If you notice that the battery is draining quickly, it may be that there is some malware running in the background of your phone that is auto-working inside your phone. Malware or unnecessary applications use more of the phone’s hardware. As a result, the pressure on the battery is increased and the battery is depleted.
Abnormal increase in internet data usage!
This can be a cause for concern if your phone’s internet data usage speed suddenly increases. Spyware apps collect data and use a lot of internet data to send it to the server.
How to monitor the use of data?
To check your phone’s data usage, go to the phone’s settings and look at the list of data used. If an unknown app is using the data, it could be malware.
Pop up ads!
If you start seeing unexpected pop-up ads on the phone’s screen, you know that your phone has been infected with malware. For example, suppose you already have a Facebook account on your phone. But suddenly the pop-up phone came on the screen and asked you to log in to your Facebook ID.
Beware! These pop-up ads allow you to install viruses or malware on your phone. They usually act as phishing links.
Automatic messages and calls!
If you receive a message or call from your phone that you did not make yourself, you may suspect that your phone has been hacked. Hackers can make spam messages or calls that can steal your data or cause financial loss if they get access to your phone.
Account login problem!
If there is a sudden login problem in your phone accounts and the problem is not solved even after changing the password, then you can assume that your phone has been hacked. Sometimes hackers steal your account data through your phone and log in there.
The restart or shutdown of the phone abnormally increased rate!
If your phone repeatedly restarts or shuts down on its own, it may be that your phone has been hacked.
How to resolve this issue?
The problem can be solved by updating the phone’s software or factory reset. Before doing so, back up all your data.
Phone storage full!
If your phone’s storage is suddenly full, it may be that malware or unnecessary files have accumulated on the phone.
Email or social media accounts are suspicious activities.
If there is unknown activity from your email or social media accounts, your phone may have been hacked.
How to protect against phone hacking?
- Install anti-virus software on your phone: Using anti-virus software, you can protect your phone from malware.
- Update software on a regular basis: The phone’s operating system and apps should be updated regularly to prevent hackers from exploiting system vulnerabilities.
- Don’t click on any suspicious link: Avoid clicking on unknown or suspicious links in any email, SMS or social media messages.
- Make use of a strong password: Keep passwords strong and up-to-date. Use a different password for each account.
- Be careful when downloading apps.: Always download apps from trusted sources. Downloading an app from an unknown source can be dangerous.
- Turn on the two-factor option (2FA): Enhance account security by enabling two-factor authentication.
After all, it is very important to follow these steps to avoid phone hacking and ensure the safety of your personal data. By keeping an eye on unusual phone behaviors, you can quickly detect hacking and take the necessary steps.