Your phone might be being spied on, here’s how to find out if it’s compromised
Cybercrimes related to mobile devices have seen a significant increase in recent years due to various factors. For example, the abundance of applications and their ease of access have led to more opportunities for the distribution of malware.
Furthermore, cybercriminals have developed more advanced techniques to carry out illegal activities, including phishing and social engineering tactics. In addition to this, people are increasingly relying on their mobile phones to access online services, store personal data, and carry out financial transactions, making these devices attractive targets for criminals.
When users fall victim to cybercriminals, their mobile phones often display certain indicators that are crucial in determining if they are being intercepted or hacked. Here’s what it means when your phone is compromised and what you can do to minimize the risks you face.
How to know if your phone is compromised?
Essentially, a compromised or hacked mobile device is one that has been accessed or manipulated by an unauthorized person, such as a cybercriminal or malicious entity. When this happens, the attacker can gain access to sensitive information, such as calls, text messages, emails, GPS location, and other private data, without the user’s consent.
In such cases, the device’s performance is affected, and you may notice some peculiar behaviors, such as receiving calls from unknown numbers, experiencing unusual noises during calls, or seeing phone numbers that you have never contacted.
Here are some signs that could indicate your phone is being compromised:
- Increased data consumption: If you notice unusually high mobile data usage without a reasonable explanation, such as a software update, it could be a sign that a malicious application is transmitting data from your device.
- Excessive heat: While a certain amount of heat is normal for a mobile phone, constant overheating, even with minimal usage, could indicate that an application is running in the background without your knowledge.
- Strange calls: When a phone is compromised, you may receive suspicious text messages, emails, or unusual calls in your call log. Additionally, the criminals behind this may be monitoring your calls or tracking your movements on the phone.
- Unknown applications: Many apps are used for spying and gathering login credentials for websites or other apps. If you notice a new application that you did not install, it is a clear sign that your phone is at risk.
- Rapid battery drain: Your phone’s battery may no longer last as long as before or may significantly drain faster than usual.
- Configuration changes: If you notice unauthorized changes in your device’s settings, such as the appearance of new apps that you don’t remember installing or modified settings, it could be a sign of compromise.
- Background noise during calls: This is a key aspect that should not be ignored. It’s not normal to have echoes or background noises during phone calls.
What to do if your phone has been hacked?
If you suspect that your phone has fallen into the hands of criminals, it’s important to take immediate security measures to remedy the situation and prevent further damage.
First, change the passwords for all the applications and platforms you use, including email, social media, and banking accounts.
Additionally, update your operating system and applications to the latest versions to avoid possible vulnerabilities.
Finally, you may consider performing a factory reset to remove any malicious software. However, remember to back up any important information stored on your phone, as this process will delete everything. If preferred, seek technical assistance to receive personalized advice based on your case.
