What to do when your Phone is hacked has been a major concern among mobile phone users. Humans are inherently private creatures. We may share a motivational essay or images from a nice trip, but we keep our personal information private. Consider what would happen if a stranger had complete access to and control over your mobile device. All of your personal information is accessible, including your contacts, emails, payment information, and passwords. Cybercriminals are always on the lookout for that pot of gold, which is private information.

The techniques of cybercriminals are continuously changing, and once a device has been breached, it is in their hands. The ramifications of a hacked phone are more than annoying—they’re hazardous. From online poker to shopping sprees using your payment information, the consequences of a hacked phone are more than annoying—they’re dangerous.

It’s critical to understand the indicators of a breach and how to avoid them in the future if you want to keep your device safe.

How to know  If Your Smartphone Has Been Hacked

Unfamiliar Apps 

You may have been hacked if strange apps appear on your phone or strange messages are sent to  numbers in your contact book.  Things will start to look out of order after hackers gain control of your device. Hackers frequently hack devices in order to load dangerous programs or encrypt personal data for their own gain. So, don’t dismiss changes you don’t recall making.

Feeling Hot and Poor Performance

If your phone suddenly stops charging, spyware could be running in the background. Depending on the apps you have running, you may be able to estimate how long it takes for your mobile device to die. If you notice it’s dying faster than usual, it could be a sign that someone else has acquired access. 

Similarly, malware might infect a hot mobile device because the program will run in the background all the time.

Increased Data Usage

This could be due to a variety of factors, including high-quality photo uploads, automatic app updates, or higher network speeds.  If you believe nothing has changed yet your data consumption has soared, it’s possible that your phone has been hacked.

Go to Settings > Mobile Data to see how much data your iPhone has consumed.

If you’re using an Android device, go to Settings > Connections > Data Usage.

Examine your data use for any odd surges. If you notice that some unknown program is consuming the majority of your allowance, this could be the issue.

You should uninstall that application in this instance. (You’ll need to take additional steps if the damage has already been done, but we’ll get to that later).

Purchases made using an unauthorized credit card

Pay attention to your credit card statements. There’s clearly something wrong if you notice strange purchases that you didn’t make. It’s possible that your smartphone isn’t to blame; it might be a different type of credit card theft. 

To avoid this, go through a website carefully before making a purchase or inputting your credit card information. 

For example, look at its SSL certificate. SSL is an acronyme for Secure Socket layer.

If the site you’re viewing appears suspicious, with a lot of strange pop-ups and advertisements. Don’t visit it or type any sensitive information there.

Suspicious Text Messages

Does your phone send strange messages to unknown numbers? This is a sure sign that your phone has been hacked. 

A random app that appears on your phone without your knowledge could be the source of this. Look for any apps that have access to your communications that you aren’t sure about. If you find this, you should immediately revoke its access and remove it. 

Go to Settings > Privacy to figure out which app is causing the problem on your iPhone.

Open the Settings app on your Android device and go to Privacy > Permission management.

What to do when your Phone is hacked?

You’ve discovered that your smartphone is infected with malware. Go through the contents to know what to do when your phone’s been hacked. You must now learn how to uninstall a hacker from your iPhone or Android smartphone. 

The first thing you should do is seek for any apps that you haven’t used in a while. If you have an iPhone, go to Settings and scroll down to see all of your installed apps. Because of the folders, you may not see all of the apps on your home screen. So, this is the ideal method.

If you have an Android phone, go to Settings >Apps > App Manager to manage your apps.  Examine your device’s app list carefully, and if you locate a questionable program, tap it and select Uninstall.

Also, antivirus software should be installed. 

For Android users, there are several good options on Google Play,  such as Sophos Intercept X. 

This app is absolutely free to use and includes a variety of important functions such as virus scanning, online filtering, a link checker, and Wi-Fi security, among others. Apple’s security is excellent, but we always recommend additional precaution. Though, if your device is jailbroken, you are more likely to be hacked.

Get your security suite to scan your complete smartphone for any residual harmful software once you’ve removed any questionable apps. You can checkout for Cell Phone Security Concerns.

To factory reset your Android phone, follow these steps

1. Connect the charger to the device.
2. Go to System > Reset options in the Settings menu.
3. Select Erase All Data (factory reset).
4. Your phone will then ask for your PIN; enter it. 

To confirm your selection, tap Erase all data one more.

If you have an iPhone, follow these steps to factory Reset it

1. Plug in the charger to your device.
2. Open the Settings app and select General from the drop-down menu.
3. Tap Reset at the bottom of the menu as you scroll down.
4. Choose Erase All Content and Settings from the drop-down menu.
5. If you have an iCloud Backup, your phone will ask if you want to upgrade it or delete it right. You’ll have to determine if it’s worth it to risk losing important images and communications.

How to Stay Away From Another Mobile Hack

As we explained earlier on what to do when your phone’s been hacked. We have listed the following on how to stay away from another mobile hack.

1. Run Anti-Virus Software on Your Mobile Device

You can protect your device with comprehensive security software. McAfee Mobile Security is a free app that helps safeguard your smartphone and its data from hackers. Everyone like entertaining apps, so what’s one more?

2. Watch What You’re Browsing on Public Wi-Fi

For mobile phone users, WiFi connections that offer fast, free internet can be easy lure. We’ve all been thirsty for internet access, but choose your networks carefully. 

Cybercriminals could gain access to your personal information by gaining access to a compromised one.

3. Keep Your Phone Up to Date

Mobile operating systems are updated on a regular basis to give greater security against new threats. It may appear to be just another duty, but the ramifications of failing to install the update could take far longer than the half-hour it takes for your mobile device to reset.

4. Review Your Credit Card Statements on a Regular Basis

I understand that no one enjoys reviewing their credit card statements, but it’s an unavoidable reality of life. You’ll be even more surprised if you get your bill and it appears like someone else went on a shopping spree. 

If you notice any unusual charges on your credit card, cancel it right away. If you need more information on what to do when your phone’s been hacked.

Kindly send us a mail via our contact page. Also, checkout what to do if your Samsung galaxy phone has been hacked.