How to know if your phone is hacked – 5 Signs
Is your cell phone too slow? Consumes more data and battery than usual? That could indicate that the phone is hacked and that you are being spied on.
Some of the most common signs to know if the security of the phone was violated:
1. Pop-up windows or pop ups
These “digital invasions” are often a clear indicator that something is wrong. Usually they redirect the user to another application or invite them to click on a link to take them to another screen.
2. Unknown Messages
If the user’s contacts begin to receive messages that the user did not send, then it is very likely that there is some malware on the phone trying to virilize deceptive content (usually through links) to affect other mobiles.
3. Suspicious Purchases
If the hacked phone has payment details uploaded it is likely that hackers will use that information to make purchases. It is essential that the user have control over their transactions to prevent this from happening.
4. Increased Consumption
If the cell phone was hacked, it is likely that there is a malicious application consuming more data than usual because it is running continuously in the background.
To find out which applications are installed on the device and how much data they consume, in the case of Android, go to Settings/Applications and there enter each of the listed apps. In the case of iOS, you have to go to Settings / General / Storage and use of iCloud / Manage storage.
5. Overheating
This could also be a symptom of a malicious app running continuously in the background.
It is common for the phone to discharge faster after a year or a year and a half of use. But if the power drop is very drastic and sudden, then it could be a virus.
What to do if the computer was hacked.
- You can install an antivirus and try to identify the malware. Sometimes it is possible to remove it this way, although it does not always work.
- Report identity theft to different social networks or even cancel the credit card in the event of unauthorized purchases.
- In the event that suspicious behavior of any application has been identified, you must enter Settings and uninstall it.
- If none of the above options work, you can restore the factory settings of the equipment.
In the case of Android, you have to go to Settings / About the device and select the Reset option. The location of this option may vary depending on the version of the operating system that you have. In iOS, you must go to Settings / general and press where it says Reset.
How to avoid being a victim of this cybercrime:
Avoid using public Wi-Fi: Free and open connections are often used by hackers to gain access to phones. It is advisable to avoid connecting to these networks since the user is left completely unprotected against a possible attack.
Use antivirus: While many users are accustomed to having some type of antivirus installed on their desktop or personal computers, they often forget to take this precaution when it comes to their phones.
However, it is a measure that should be implemented especially on mobile phones, since these devices contain all kinds of personal information: from photos, documents and email accounts to, in some cases, credit card data.
Keep the operating system up to date. It is essential to have all updates installed. When a new version of the operating system arrives, the user receives a message on his phone with this notice. Just accept the request to install the new version.
This is important because with each update, solutions to errors, bugs, and different vulnerabilities are released that could affect the proper functioning of the cell phone.
Use official stores: Download applications only from official stores such as the Apple Store or Google Play and avoid downloading content from third parties or unknown sites.
Be selective with links and files: Avoid downloading attachments from unknown users or clicking on links that lead to supposed offers that may be too tempting.
