Is Your Smartphone Hacked? Know How to Check

With new feats in technology almost every day, the risk of cybercrimes like hacking also increases. In addition, these scams have become common knowledge now, and users try to avoid them as much as possible. However, cyber-attacks on mobile technology have become more sophisticated due to this. Interestingly, a global search trend data depicts around 20,000 Google searches for ‘how to know if your phone gets hacked.’ So, here are some of the best tips to identify a hacked smartphone – 

Reduced lifespan of the battery

It is common for a smartphone’s battery to weaken as it becomes older. But, in a new phone in good condition, weak battery life can hint that you have become a victim of hacking. Thus, a hacked smartphone is subject to a declining battery lifespan. The reason is that malware got installed on the device. And through that, hackers secretly transfer data back to themselves via the phone’s resources and apps. 

Overheating of the phone

Overusing a phone can often make it a little warmer than usual. However, a hacked smartphone gets hot even without excessive use by the owner. The reason for this is also an installed malware operating in the background. As a result, there’s added activity going on, causing the phone to become too hot. 

Background disturbance during calls

Another thing that stands out in a hacked smartphone is the background noise during a call or when the audio is on. It is a sign that someone might be listening to conversations on a phone call. Or, it might be a sign that a hacker has gained access to the device. 

Frequently getting pop-ups and weird browsing experience

Getting a pop-up is not that uncommon. However, constantly receiving pop-up ads might be a tell-tale sign that you have become a victim of hacking. In addition, users must avoid clicking on links that ask for private or financial data if they aren’t sure it’s authentic. 

Furthermore, if users discover that their browser and every website they visit look strange, chances are they are hacked. Additionally, even if they get redirected to other sites, users might have become a victim of hacking. Hence, it is best if users regularly change their passwords and uninstall any programs they do not recognize. 

Poor and slow performance of the phone

A hacked smartphone slows down significantly and frequently freezes, crashes or glitches. The reason is that unknown malware is overloading the phone’s resources. Also, users might need to restart their device to close apps shown currently running despite them closing those apps.

Unknown apps, messages, and outgoing calls on your phone

A hacked phone might contain unknown numbers, text messages, and downloaded apps. In addition, users might notice calls from unknown numbers in their recent contact list. And this might be a sign that they have been a data breach victim. Therefore, users must block such contacts, report them as spam and not respond to those numbers. Also, users need to avoid answering such calls as they have a high premium. And the proceeds from those calls directly go back to the cybercriminal. Hence, users must check their monthly bills too. 

Unusually high data usage

It is easy for mobile owners to check their data usage per month on average. However, a hacked smartphone will have an unusually high data usage. The signs of this could be large data files being uploaded and apps taking longer to load. Additionally, the spy apps or malware running in the background send data back to the hackers’ server. 

Porting attack

Porting attack is when users receive a notification from their mobile service provider regarding an unknown change in their account. Victims eventually lose signal and cannot log into any of their bank accounts or emails. Users must contact the police ASAP if this occurs, stating that they’ve been a victim of identity theft. And then contact their provider with the police report. 

Unusual, suspicious activity occurring on personal accounts

A hacked smartphone will display suspicious activity on users’ linked accounts. Hence, victims need to keep checking emails concerning password reset or a security message about a new device syncing. Users shouldn’t open any such emails, links, or apps. Plus, they must immediately change their passwords by logging in to their account via their online browser (outside the device).