Did you know that your phone might be hacked?

Most people don’t employ the same strict safety measures when it comes to phones. Our phones like a mini computer, where we download apps, play games, chatting and even a place to save our personal data. Inside your mobile, hackers can find information about your contacts, read your text messages, and steal personal data or access to your bank account! 

Now, let’s see how you can find out if your phone is hacked and what you can do to prevent it. Keep reading 🙂

HOW COULD YOUR PHONE GET HACKED?

  • The easiest way is by taking possession of your phone for a few minutes and installing spy apps such as Spy Phone App, Sypzie, or Spyera.
  • Via an unprotected Wi-Fi network in a cafe or airport.
  • When charging your phone via an unknown USB (even in an airplane or a car), there is a risk that all your data will be revealed and transferred.
  • SMS / MMS phishing. This happens when you receive a message with a link saying that it is, for example, your bank statement, a money transfer, or your photos. So, you click it, download the file, and then reveal all your phone contents to hackers.
  • With the help of the Signalling System SS7, used by the majority of telephone stations all over the world, hackers can read your text messages, listen to your phone calls, and track your cell phone locations. But if you are not a celebrity, there’s nothing to worry about.

7 CLEAR SIGNS YOUR PHONE WAS HACKED

#1 Look for strange apps

Has a new application appeared on your phone and you don’t remember installing it? It might be a spy app, malware, or ransomware.

#2 Battery drains quickly. 

This can happen when there is an unknown app running inside your phone.

#3 Your phone gets warm, even when you don’t make a call or work with it.

This is another sign that there is an unknown app running.

#4 Your phone reboots itself, switches off, dials numbers, or starts applications.

If it’s not a system breakdown, then it could be tapping.

#5 Unknown phone numbers in your ‘Recent calls’.

#6 You cannot switch off your device. Instead, your phone stats opening different apps, increasing the lighting, and so on.

#7 There are noises or echo during calls, and you haven’t had them in this location before.

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR PHONE?

  • If you received a message with a link and you cannot see the full URL, never open it.
  • If you charge your phone via an unknown computer, when connected, choose “Only charging”.
  • Don’t use the “remember passwords” function.
  • Switch off automatic connection to public Wi-Fi networks. Choose manually.
  • Avoid networks with suspicious names, such as FreeInternet or wifiFree. Choose those which are protected with a password, especially if you are somewhere like a cafe.
  • Don’t make online purchases or funds transfers in public Wi-Fi networks.
  • If you use Android, install a reliable anti-virus program.
  • And, don’t forget to add password to your phone.

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~consumerinfo.my :: another website by Communications & Multimedia Consumer Forum of Malaysia (CFM)~