How to Tell if Your Phone Has Been Hacked, and What to Do if It Has

Today, many people depend on their phones for almost everything. According to Statista, about 75% of phone users around the world use their phones to chat or send messages, 60% use them for banking, and nearly half use them for navigation. Since our phones store so much personal and financial information, a hack can result in serious problems, including stolen money. That's why it's important to learn how to spot if your phone has been hacked, how to protect it, and what steps to take if it happens to you. We've compiled seven signs your phone has been hacked, so educate yourself and stay safe!

1. You're Locked Out of Your Accounts

One of the biggest signs that your phone may have been hacked is if you suddenly find yourself locked out of your Apple ID, Google account, or any other online accounts. If you're unable to log in, even though you're sure you know your password, it could mean that someone else has gained access to your accounts and changed the login information. This is a major red flag because hackers often target these accounts to steal personal information, send out spam, or even make unauthorized purchases.

If this happens, it's important to take action right away, like resetting your passwords and checking your account activity to see if anything suspicious has occurred.

2. Your Phone Feels Hot

If your phone suddenly starts feeling unusually hot or overheats more quickly than usual, it could be a sign of malware running in the background. Malware is a type of harmful software that can secretly infect your device and use up its processing power. When this happens, your phone has to work harder, which makes it heat up. Normally, phones don't get too hot unless you're using them for something intense, like playing games or streaming videos.

So, if your phone gets hot without any heavy use, it might mean that something is running in the background without your knowledge. It's a good idea to check for any unusual apps or programs, and make sure your phone's security settings are up to date. If the problem persists, it might be time to run a virus scan or contact tech support.

3. Your Battery Can't Keep a Charge

A fast-draining battery is a common sign that your phone may have been hacked. Normally, your phone's battery should last a good amount of time based on how much you're using it. But if you notice that your battery is draining much faster than usual, it could be because malicious software, or malware, is running in the background. This software can use up your phone's resources, causing it to work harder and consume more power. In some cases, this can even make your phone overheat.

If your phone's battery seems to lose power quickly or if it gets unusually hot, it's a good idea to check for any strange apps or programs that could be using your phone without your permission. Make sure your phone's software is up to date and consider running a virus scan to check for any security threats.

4. Strange Apps Appear

If you notice apps on your phone that you don't remember downloading, or if you see outgoing calls on your phone bill that you didn't make, this is a major red flag. It could be a sign that your phone has been hacked. Sometimes, hackers can install apps on your device without your knowledge. These apps can use your phone's features, like making calls or sending texts, without you even realizing it. If you suddenly notice unfamiliar apps or unexplained calls appearing on your bill, it's important to take action right away.

Check your phone's settings to see if there are any apps you don't recognize and remove them. You should also review your phone bill carefully for any other unusual charges and contact your service provider if needed. Keeping your phone secure is crucial, so don't ignore these warning signs.

5. Strange Notifications Pop Up

If you start seeing unexpected notifications or receiving two-factor authentication codes that you didn't request, it could be a sign that your phone has been hacked. Hackers sometimes try to gain access to your accounts by triggering these codes without your knowledge. Along with strange notifications, you may also notice pop-ups or changes to your phone's settings.

For example, your camera or microphone permissions might suddenly be turned on without you allowing it. This is particularly concerning because it means someone might be secretly watching or listening to you through your device. If you notice any of these unusual activities, it's important to investigate and take steps to protect your phone. Check your device's settings regularly, look for any unfamiliar apps or changes, and consider resetting your passwords and enabling stronger security measures.

6. Your Phone Bill Seems Off

One major sign that your phone might have been hacked is an increase in your phone bill. If you suddenly notice that your bills are higher than usual, it could be because your phone is doing things without your knowledge.

For example, the hacker might be using your phone to make unauthorized calls, send messages, or use data. This can lead to a jump in your monthly charges. Another clue could be a sudden increase in the amount of data or bandwidth your phone is using. If your phone is sending out unwanted communications, such as emails or messages, it will consume more of your data.

If you see a rise in your usage, it's a good idea to look into it right away to avoid further problems. Check your phone's activity and consider contacting your service provider to investigate any suspicious activity.

7. Use Software to Detect a Hack

To confirm if your phone has been hacked, you can install and run a trusted security software. Popular programs like Bitdefender^™, Norton^™, Kaspersky^™, AVG^™, and McAfee^™ are great options to help detect and remove any malware or spyware that may have infected your phone.

Once the software is installed, use it to scan your phone for any suspicious apps or files. If any malware is found, delete it, then restart your phone. After restarting, run the security software again to make sure your phone is completely clean and free from any threats.

What to Do if You've Been Hacked

If you discover that your phone has been hacked, follow these steps and take action quickly to prevent further damage:

• Contact your bank and financial institutions to check if your accounts have been accessed.
• Change all your passwords to strong, unique ones for any apps or websites connected to your phone.
• Review all the apps on your phone and remove any suspicious or unfamiliar ones, restarting your phone afterward to ensure they were deleted. If the problem persists, consider doing a factory reset, though this will erase everything on your phone.
• Alert your friends and contacts about the hack and warn them to ignore any strange messages that may come from your phone.

How to Prevent Future Hacks

Having your phone hacked can cause serious problems. To keep your phone safe from hackers in the future, there are several important steps you can take:

• Install a reliable security software and make sure it's always updated.
• Keep your phone's software updated, as these updates fix security issues.
• Use strong passwords.
• Avoid using public charging stations or Wi-Fi and turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when you're not using them.
• For added protection, consider encrypting your phone, locking your SIM card, and using a virtual private network (VPN) when on public Wi-Fi.
• Stick to official app stores like Google Play^® and Apple's App Store^® to avoid risky third-party apps.

References: 6 Ways to Tell If Your Phone Has Been Hacked | How to Tell If Your SmartPhone Has Been Hacked | Leading Smartphone Users Activities Worldwide in 2023