Hacking is a breach of the cyber security of devices such as computers, smartphones, tablets, and networks that cause damage to or corrupt systems, gather information on users, steal data and documents, or disrupt data-related activities.
Unfortunately, the practice of hacking is rife nowadays.
According to statistics from Statista, there are 16.8 billion mobile phone users across the globe.
There are higher chances a mobile phone can be vulnerable to hacking at any time. But it would be best to be self-conscious to protect yourself from these unnecessary security breaches.
Unless you know the most common causes of phone hacking, your privacy is in danger in the hands of hackers.
However, there are crucial steps to know if your phone has been hacked, how to protect yourself, or if it has spyware installed in the system.
HOW TO KNOW IF YOUR PHONE HAS BEEN HACKED OR HAS SPYWARE
Some of the most common signs you can quickly identify are whether your phone has been hacked, how to protect yourself, or whether spyware has been installed in the system.
HIGH VOLUME OF DATA USAGE
While using internet mobile phone data, you will notice that your data is draining out rapidly. If this happens, hackers may be able to access your phone remotely.
You may turn off data or wifi/broadband mode in this scenario until you fix the issue.
PERSISTENT POP-UPS
Once you open an app or use your smartphone, you will notice unwanted pop-ups appearing on the screen.
Pop-up ads are served through an app, or some app has adware installed in the system, resulting in showing the ads.
Usually, if un-usual pop-ups appear on the phone, it doesn’t necessarily mean your phone has been hacked, or hackers are remotely controlling the device.
But some ways will help you to prevent displaying pop-ups on the phone.
You will find more information on how to stop showing up pop-ups from this link.
NEW APPS YOU DIDN’T DOWNLOAD
In order to configure this, you will need to surf and navigate different apps on your phone.
If you notice anything suspicious, you disapprove of installing the app on the phone. But it was installed.
You can easily prevent this by turning off “Automatic download” on the smartphone’s web browser. Some phones may have this functionality, and some don’t.
Before downloading any apps, at least it will show you a notification to download the app on your phone. If it seems unusual, skip this app and cancel downloading.
UNRECOGNISED OUTGOING CALLS
Even if you did not make outgoing phone calls, it appears in the front row of your call lists.
There are chances somebody can control your device and make phone calls in disguise while you are not aware of this.
BATTERY DRAINING QUICKLY
Another common of your smartphone is being hacked. You will notice that the battery of the smartphone is draining so quickly.
Even if the battery is fully charged, it will run out quickly.
APP PURCHASE UNWANTED
If you have cards enlisted, either Apple’s app store or Android’s Play Store. You may notice that someone purchased paid apps in your absence.
Even if you didn’t approve the purchase of a paid app, it will still install on your phone.
In this case, you may remove the card from any paid service app store.
UNUSUAL PURCHASES USING PAYMENT CARDS
As hackers can control your device, they can easily collect the payment card details you have stored in the browser or any note apps.
It is always ensured that no confidential information, such as payment cards or personal information, is stored in the smartphone.
Otherwise, it may fall into the wrong hands. If you have payment card details stored in a web browser, remove them immediately.
PHONE RESTARTS TOO OFTEN
Since hackers control your smartphone device, they can easily manage and hold whatever, and however, they wish.
Another typical example is if your phone will restart too often, even if you have instructed it to do it.
The smartphone may also shut down automatically.
MESSAGES ALREADY READ
While smartphones have become essential to everyday life, reading messages from various sources is standard practice.
Usually, if a message is unread, it will display as bold.
Other than this, it is a sign of something unusual. There are chances somebody can read the messages before you read this.
STEPS TO RECOVER IF YOUR PHONE HAS BEEN HACKED OR HAS SPYWARE
While hackers control your smartphone device, some valuable steps will help you get rid of them and make your phone safer and more secure.
DELETE UNWANTED APPS
You must download apps from authorised sources, such as Apple’s App Store or Google’s Play Store.
Other than this, if you have downloaded any apps from outside sources. You must uninstall and delete it from your phone without further delay.
CHANGE PASSWORDS OF YOUR PHONE
It is essential to update your phone’s password frequently. If you update your phone’s password every month, it will make your phone more secure than ever.
ANTI-MALWARE SOFTWARE
You can install anti-malware software on your phone for additional safety and security. At least it will provide you with some protection on your phone.
AVOID UNAUTHORISED URL
You may receive URLs or web links from various sources, either in text messages or instant messaging apps, which may contain links or URLs. Unless you trust and recognise the source, you may ignore and block it where necessary.
TELL CONTACTS TO IGNORE THE CALL
If you didn’t make any phone calls but appear on your phone lists. In this case, you may notify the contact of your phone to ignore the call to avoid any further misunderstandings.
DISCONNECT YOUR PHONE IMMEDIATELY
If you notice you’re a victim of phone hacking. The most crucial step is disconnecting your phone before it is too late. You can do this while removing the SIM from your phone and turning off wifi.
RESET THE PHONE
You may consider resetting or factory resetting your phone if you are a victim of phone hacking.
Resetting the phone may help overcome the issue and protect your phone from hackers.
But make sure to take a backup of your phone to avoid any data losses.