How to Know if Your Phone Is Hacked [Guide + Prevention Tips]

Everyone’s worst nightmare is losing their phone, and that’s not even the worst of it. What happens when your phone gets hacked?

Don’t worry! In this article, we will discuss everything from how to know if your phone is hacked, to actually solving the problem. By the end of the reading, you will become secure about the topic.

How to Know if Your Phone Is Hacked

Determining this is not a difficult task. Below are a few common signs that will indicate if phones are hacked.

Battery Draining Quickly

If your battery is depleting quicker than usual, it might be a sign. Phones that are hacked have a high battery consumption.

High Data Usage

A phone that is hacked will use more data compared to a secured phone, as hackers use them to install other malicious apps or steal data. Look for signs of higher data usage than normal.

Constant Spam Pop-ups

We all deal with pop-ups and ads now and then. If you’re facing them regularly, however, it may be due to adware on your phone; this is another strong sign of a hacked phone.

Texts or Calls You Didn’t Make

If your phone is showing texts or calls that you didn’t make, it’s an indication of a hacked phone. Hackers try to use your phone to communicate, which often leads to identity theft.

Slow Phone Performance

A phone that is hacked will have a lower performance. If you notice that your phone has a slow performance all of a sudden, it might be in trouble. This is usually because hackers will install malware on your device.

Apps You Don’t Recognize

This is important! Seeing apps on your phone that you have not installed and don’t recognize is a blaring sign that your phone is hacked.

Unusual Accounts Activity

Lastly, your device may be hijacked if you notice any unusual account activity or unauthorized access. Hackers try to gather you and your contacts’ information through your accounts. This also leads to compromised passwords.

How Can a Phone Be Hacked?

Now that we have discussed the different signs, let us understand how a phone can be hacked.

Through Malicious Apps or Links

Malicious apps and links make your device prone to hackers. By downloading such apps or clicking such links on the internet, you provide access to hackers and allow their malware to be downloaded. This is commonly known as phishing; hackers will lure you into opening a link or app and hack the device through that.

By Connecting on Public WiFi

We all love free wifi! It is the modern-day equivalent of winning a lottery. However, connecting to public wifi can make it easier for hackers to hack your phone.

Through a SIM Swap

A SIM swap is not something that happens physically. In most cases, the hacker will call your SIM provider and pretend to be you. They will then import your number to their cellphones and take your data.

Through Bluetooth

Just like public wifi, hackers can connect to your Bluetooth and get access to your smartphone. This usually happens in crowded places where you leave your Bluetooth on.

How Can I Learn to Remove a Hacker From My Phone?

Now let’s talk about the most important part of a hacked phone, which is removing the hacker. Luckily, it’s not as difficult as it seems. Here are a few simple steps that you can take.

Run Anti-malware Software

The easiest way to remove a hacker is to run anti-malware software. There is a lot of software available like Avast. Such software not only removes hackers but also prevents future highjacking of your smartphones.

Change Your Passwords

Another way to remove hackers is to change your passwords. Our advice is to use complicated and different passwords for each account.

Delete Suspicious Apps

If you come across any apps that you might not have installed yourself, delete them immediately. Many of these apps are malware and are used by hackers. There are also other ways to remove malware from your phone.

Reset Your Phone: Resetting Your Phone Will Also Remove a Hacker

It should ideally be used as a last resort, as you will lose all your information. On the plus side, though, your phone will appear brand new!

Key Takeaways

How to Prevent Your Phone From Being Hacked

By now, you shouldn’t have to ask “How to remove a hacker from my phone?” Let’s focus on prevention now. As they say, ‘prevention is better than cure!’

Lock Your Phone With a Password or Lock Screen

Many of us already have a lock on our phones, but if you don’t, this is your sign to make one. This will prevent hackers from getting access to your phone.

Avoid Connecting to Unsecured Public WiFi Networks

We know free wifi is tempting, but do not connect to an unsecured network, as it will provide a freeway for hackers to get to your phone.

Switch off Your Bluetooth When You’re Not Using It

This will not only protect your phone but also save its battery.

Review Your Apps Regularly

Review and delete any suspicious apps that you may have on your phone. Also, ensure that your installed apps are not spyware that gives information to a third party.

Keep Track of Your Data Usage

High data usage is another way to conclude that you have been hacked. Keep track of your data usage, and only use the top VPN for your online transactions.

Do Not Open Suspicious Messages

Suspicious messages will not stand out at first. They will be clickbait or look too good to be true. For example, you might receive a message saying you’ve won an iPhone. Do not open these messages!

Do Not Visit Unsecured Websites

Just like messages, you will come across many unsecured websites. Do not open them, or worse, do not give them permission to access your phone.

Do Not Store Sensitive Information on Your Phone

Remember the old days when people used to store their information in diaries? Well, maybe it’s time to follow them. If you don’t have any information on your phone, hackers will not be able to access anything.

Install Anti-Malware Software

Anti-malware software or a mobile security app will secure your phone against any hacking. They can block pop-up ads, warn you if you visit an unsecured website, and much more.

Here is a few anti-malware software you can check out:

Conclusion

There are many signs of a hacked phone. It includes high data usage, slow performance, suspicious apps, and more. There are many ways your phone can be hacked, including connecting to public wifi or clicking a fraud link. You can protect your phone from hacking by installing anti-malware software or by opting for various preventative measures.