Introduction
How to Check if Your Phone is Hacked or Not Ever get the feeling your phone is being weird? Perhaps it’s operating a little more sluggishly than usual, or you’re getting random pop-up ads. If so, you may be asking yourself: Is my phone hacked? Cyber threats continue to climb, and your smartphone is a prime target for hackers. But don’t worry! In this guide, we will show you how to find out if your phone is hacked and what you can do to secure it.
Common Symptoms That Your Phone Could Be Hacked
Unusual Battery Drain
If your phone’s battery is depleting at an unusual rate, it might be running a hidden malicious app in the background.
Overheating Without Reason
All phones warm during heavy use, but if yours is overheating while sitting idle, that’s a sign that unauthorized processes are running.
Strange Pop-ups or Ads
If you even see pop-up ads outside a browser, you have adware or malware.
Data Use Spike
Some malware maintains its own communications links to hackers in the background, using large amounts of mobile data.
Unfamiliar Apps Installed
If you see apps you never installed, malware could have surreptitiously downloaded them.
Slow Performance
If your phone regularly gets laggy or frozen, a virus may be consuming system resources.
Scanning for Malware and Spyware
Leveraging Industry-leading Security Features
Most phones have security tools included. On Android, navigate to Settings > Security and look for rogue device administrators. On iPhones, go to Settings > Privacy.
Running an Antivirus Scan
That’s where a trusted security app comes into play: Did your device get hit with threats? Apps like Norton, Avast, and Malwarebytes, which cost nothing or a small fee, can check for malware.
Looking at App Permissions
Head to Settings > Apps & Permissions, and see if any apps have permissions they shouldn’t (e.g., a game has access to storage).
Checking on Strange Calls and Messages
Sent Messages You Did Not Write
The same goes for your contacts if they start getting messages from you that you never sent: your phone might be compromised.
Calls to Unknown Numbers
Hackers can infect your phone and make calls from it, including to premium-rate numbers, without your permission.
Account and Security Breaches Monitoring
Make Sure No One Has Unauthorized Logged In
Check your email and social media accounts for any signs of unfamiliar login activity.
Using Security Notifications
Turn on security alerts on your various apps such as Google, Facebook, and Apple ID so that you are alerted to suspicious activity.
Identifying Malicious Network Behavior
Connecting to Unknown Wi-Fi Networks
A hacker can create bogus Wi-Fi spots to assume your identity. Always use trusted networks.
Strange Bluetooth Connections
Look in Settings > Bluetooth for any unknown devices connected to your phone.
How Hackers Gain Access to Your Phone
Phishing Attacks
Hackers trick you into clicking a malicious link through emails or messages.
Malicious Apps
Applications downloaded from outside official stores can carry malware.
Unsecured Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi can easily be cracked and open your data.
Social Engineering Tactics
Hackers socially engineer users into sharing sensitive information.
How to Protect Your Phone from Hackers: A Guide
Changing Passwords Regularly
Use unique passwords that are strong for every one of your accounts.
Setting Up Two-Factor Authentication
This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification.
Keeping Software Updated
Update regularly to fix security vulnerabilities.
Steering Clear of Apps and Links From Untrusted Sources
Do not download any apps from unknown sources or click on any untrustworthy links.
Format Your Phone to Eradicate Hacks
Soft Reset vs. Factory Reset
A factory reset will get rid of any malware, but a soft reset may not cut it.
Backing Up Important Data
If you are resetting your phone, be sure to save necessary files in the cloud or on an external device.
What You Should Do to Keep Safe Going Forward
Employ a good virtual private network, install credible security apps, and be wary of unusual behavior.
Conclusion
Your phone has become embedded into your day-to-day life, and ensuring that it is secure is critical. Being aware of hacked phone signs and taking the necessary steps instantly will save your personal data from falling into the wrong hands. If you think your phone has been compromised, act quickly to secure it and stop the damage from getting worse.
FAQs
How do I know if my phone has spyware?
Beware of unusual battery drain, slow performance, and new apps.
What to do if I think that my phone has been hacked?
Go offline, scan for malware, reset your passwords.
Can a hacker listen to my calls?
Yes, if spyware is installed. Detect and eliminate threats with security apps.
Will a factory reset delete hackers?
A factory reset does wipe all data — even malware.
Is there any way I can stop this from happening again?
Make sure your software is up to date, stay away from untrusted links, and turn on two-factor authentication.
