Your smartphone contains a wealth of personal data – from photos and videos to emails, banking information and more. So having it compromised by hackers is a serious privacy and security risk. Knowing the warning signs that your phone has been hacked is crucial for catching any breach early and taking action.
Here are 10 key red flags that your mobile device may have been hijacked by malware or unauthorized third-party access:
1. Unexplained Data Usage
If you notice an unusual spike in data usage that doesn’t line up with your normal activity, it could indicate a hacker is leeching data from your phone remotely. Apps running in the background or transferring data without your knowledge can be a sign of compromise.
2. Battery Draining Rapidly
Malware infections can cause your battery to deplete much faster than normal as rogue processes run in the background. If your phone’s battery life suddenly takes a nosedive, it’s a potential red flag.
3. Outgoing Calls, Texts or Emails
You Didn’t Send Receiving replies to messages you never sent is a clear indicator that your phone could be hacked. Hackers can gain access to make calls, send texts and emails from your device.
4. Strange Noises During Calls
Hearing pulsating static, high-pitched tones or electronic interference during calls is a possible sign that your phone has been compromised and calls are being monitored or recorded by a hacker.
5. Apps You Didn’t Download
Finding apps on your phone that you didn’t install yourself is a major warning sign of a potential hack or malware infection. These could be malicious apps deployed to monitor your activity.
6. Abnormally Sluggish Performance
If your phone suddenly becomes painfully slow to operate apps, load websites or function normally, it could be bogged down by running malware in the background hogging resources.
7. High Device Temperature
Is your phone getting hot to the touch even when not in use? This could indicate excessive, unwarranted processing activity caused by malware operations running in the background.
8. Unusual Activity on Accounts
Linked to Your Device Keep an eye out for suspicious actions like unrecognized purchases, funds transfers or password resets associated with your online banking, shopping and other accounts connected to your phone.
9. Decreased Battery Life from Full Charge
Is your phone no longer lasting as long on a full charge compared to its normal battery capacity? This battery drain could hint at covert background operations.
10. Apps Constantly Crashing
If apps on your phone keep crashing for no apparent reason, even after restarting, it’s possibly due to instability caused by hidden malware.
If You’re a Businessman or Politician, using an Encrypted Phone is Critical If Hacked
For high-profile individuals dealing with sensitive data, having a phone hacked is disastrous. If you suspect a breach, immediately transition to a secure encrypted smartphone. Encrypted devices with hardened security provide vital protections when proprietary info, communications and insider dealings are at risk of exposure.
If you notice one or more of the above signs, taking prompt action is advised. First, update and run a malware scan using recognized security software. You may need to do a factory reset to fully remove any malicious code. As a last resort, contacting your mobile carrier or manufacturer for assistance with a potential compromise is recommended.