4 Signs Your Phone Has Been Hacked – Stay Safe with These Tips
PHONE owners have been warned over four signs that their handsets have been hacked. The eerie clues can reveal if your device has been infected with dangerous “malware” – and the consequences could be dire. Malware – or dangerous software – can make its way onto your phone in many ways. It could be hidden inside a bogus app, a free download, an attachment to a text or email, or even installed manually by someone who had physical access to your device. Now security giant McAfee is warning that some old signs of a hacked phone can’t be relied on – and said there are four you must look out for instead.
Recognizing Signs of Phone Hacking
If your phone has been hacked, it’s extremely serious. McAfee warned that crooks could compromise your “personal and financial information”, as well as gain access to “payment apps, files, photos, and contacts”. The best advice is to avoid being hacked in the first place, rather than having to spot the signs. For instance, don’t click on unsolicited attachments or links – and be very careful when downloading anything online, even if it’s from a trusted outlet like the Google Play Store for Android or the Apple App Store on iOS for iPhone.
Detecting Potential Hacking Incidents
For a start, a strange pop-up – or multiple alerts – is a good sign that something is amiss. “If you’re seeing more popup ads than usual or seeing them for the first time, it might be a sign that your phone has been hit with adware,” Saleh, a cybersecurity expert, explained. “A type of malicious app that hackers use to generate revenue by distributing ads without the consent of the user.” Furthermore, those ads might be malicious in nature as well. They might take you to pages designed to steal personal information (which is a good reminder to never tap or click on them). Secondly, you might notice mysterious apps, calls, or texts appearing on your phone. If you don’t recognize them, it’s a major clue that your phone has been compromised.
Taking Action Against Hacking
Thirdly, if you’re running out of data but can’t seem to explain why – or you’re being hit with unknown charges – then hackers may have infected your device with malware. Finally, you might experience issues with your online accounts. For instance, you could be locked out, notice strange changes to settings, or spot activity you don’t recognize. If your phone is hacked, try deleting any suspicious apps or downloads. And if you’re very concerned, consider factory-resetting your device to clear any malware. Stay vigilant and protect your privacy and security online.