Phone hacking
ARTICLE - SYMPTOMS OF PHONE HACKING
Description
Hacking a phone is a common practice to obtain invaluable data, including stealing personal information or eavesdropping on phone calls. A phone can be hacked in several ways, such as through phishing attacks, tracking software, or unsecured Wi-Fi networks.
A phone is a source of valuable information such as email addresses, phone numbers, login data for various websites from banks to online stores, photos, notes, etc. Hacking methods are becoming increasingly sophisticated and difficult to detect. An attacker can remotely disable the phone, change settings such as ad blocking, send messages from unknown numbers, or make calls. They can also install malicious apps running in the background to track, download data, or cause the battery to overheat.
The most common symptoms of phone hacking:
- **Adware infection**
Despite having ad blocking enabled, pop-ups keep appearing. Under no circumstances should you open them, as this can only worsen the problem.
- **Messages and calls from unknown numbers**
You are likely a victim of data theft. If you are not expecting an urgent call, do not answer calls you cannot verify. Block and report unknown numbers as spam.
- **Sudden increase in data usage**
A malicious app running in the background can cause a sudden high data usage. Check your apps and remove any unknown or suspicious ones.
- **High battery usage**
The battery drains quickly and requires constant charging. A suspicious app has likely taken over resources, causing the battery to drain quickly.
- **Phone overheating**
The phone heats up and remains hot even after you stop using it. Malicious software is causing it to overheat.
- **Reduced performance**
The phone drops calls, does not receive SMS messages, or sent messages do not reach the recipient. Malicious software running in the background is exhausting the phone's computing power.
- **Unwanted websites**
An infected smartphone may redirect to unwanted, infected websites.
- **Increased phone bill**
The bill is higher than usual - this could be the work of Fleeceware apps, which additionally charge the bill if someone has remote access to the phone and uses subscriptions and other services. Cancel subscriptions and remove unknown apps.
- **Changed settings**
The smartphone has changed settings, such as the camera or microphone. A hacker has likely attempted to track activities on the phone and in the surroundings.
- **Apps you did not install**
Apps you did not install have appeared on the phone, which is a clear sign of hacking.
These are the most common methods of phone hacking. It does not mean that if a call is dropped, it is the hacker's fault; it could be due to an older device or lack of coverage in the area. Nevertheless, you should check what is on your smartphone's home screen, and if something happens, clean the phone of inappropriate apps and get a good antivirus.
2024.
