Introduction
Do you have a smartphone on you right now?
If you’re like 4.88B others, then you absolutely do! In fact, because so many people have multiple devices (for instance, one for work and one for personal affairs) there are actually about 7.21B registered smartphones in the world.
Unfortunately, hackers can turn these convenient devices for communication and learning…against us.
In December 2023, there were approximately 5.4 million mobile cyberattacks globally, which is a 147% increase from December 2022. Now let’s explore some common ways that the a hacker may compromise your devices!
Malware and Phishing on Your Phone
Malicious software like viruses, worms, trojans, and spyware can be installed through malicious apps, infected websites, or compromised email attachments. Once installed, malware can steal data, monitor activities, or even take control of the device. Even legitimate apps may have security flaws that cybercriminals exploit to gain access to sensitive data, execute malicious code, access sensitive data, or gain control over the device.
Phishing attacks have more avenues to target you on your mobile device as well. Smishing is SMS-based phishing, and threat actors can even “spoof” their phone number so it looks like the text comes from a legitimate source. You can block and report spam messages on your phone, which helps keep everyone safer!
How Can Your Smartphone Be Hacked?
Since you use your mobile device out and about throughout the day, hackers also intercept communication between two parties by setting up rogue Wi-Fi hotspots, fake WiFi networks, or exploiting vulnerabilities in public Wi-Fi networks. Known as a Man-in-the-Middle attack, MitM allows threat actors to steal or alter information being transmitted. That’s just one more reason not to use public WiFi unless it’s absolutely necessary!
Finally, beware SIM Swapping attacks. Cybercriminals use social engineering to convince mobile carriers to transfer a victim’s phone number over to a new SIM card. That SIM, however, is controlled by the attacker.
Cybercriminals want to use the lack of robust privacy protections to infiltrate your phone! Knowing what red flags to look out for is the first step to recovering your data security.
How to Tell If Your Device Is Compromised
How do you know if your phone has been hacked? Here are some common red flags to watch out for:
- Your phone’s battery depletes faster than usual. That could be due to malicious apps running in the background.
- Your phone runs slowly, crashes randomly, or behaves erratically.
- Frequent, intrusive pop-up ads can indicate adware or other malicious software.
- Unexpectedly high data usage can be a sign that malware is sending and receiving data in the background.
- You notice apps on your phone that you didn’t download.
- Strange activity on your accounts, such as emails or messages you didn’t send.
- Your phone is overheating without heavy usage, which could be due to malicious processes running in the background.
- Receiving or sending strange texts or calls can signal that someone else is using your device.
- You suddenly can’t access your accounts, which can indicate that a hacker changed your passwords and/or account credentials.
If you suspect your phone has been hacked, it’s important to take action immediately. Consider running a security scan with a trusted antivirus app, changing your passwords, and contacting your mobile carrier for further assistance. If a work device is compromised, contact us!
How to Save Your Hacked Phone
If you suspect your phone has been hacked, it’s important to act quickly to minimize potential damage. Here are some steps you can take:
- Disconnect from the Internet, including turning off mobile data, to prevent the hacker from accessing your device remotely.
- Run a security scan using a trusted antivirus app to scan for and remove malicious software.
- Change your account passwords, especially those linked to your phone, such as email, banking, and social media. Use strong, unique passwords for each account.
- Remove suspicious apps, including any you don’t recognize or didn’t install yourself.
- Check for unfamiliar accounts or profiles that you didn’t create, and remove them.
- Update your software so your phone’s operating system and apps are protected against known vulnerabilities.
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of security to your accounts.
- Monitor your accounts for any unusual activity and report any suspicious transactions to your bank or service provider.
- Contact your mobile carrier about the hack. They can help secure your account and provide additional guidance.
- Factory reset your phone if all else fails. Doing this will remove ALL of your data and restore your phone to its original settings. Be sure to back up important data before doing this! Definitely don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Knowing how to flag a hacked phone, and then regain control of your compromised device and protect your personal information and profiles!
Conclusion
Are you prepared to defend your devices against the latest cyber-threats? Now you have the first step! If you know how to recognize a hacker when they enter your digital ecosystem, you can take appropriate action more quickly. That includes reporting and blocking any malware or phishing messages that come your way.
Mobile cyberattacks on the rise, and we all need to know how to flag these breaches and respond to these incidents. Stay safe while you enjoy your smartphone too!
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