6 signs your phone is hacked

When hackers gain access, a user’s data may be exposed, particularly if passwords have been reused. Recognizing the signs of a hack is crucial, as they can be subtle and easily overlooked. Here are six key signs your phone may have been compromised and what to do next.

Monitor battery usage

A rapidly draining battery can indicate a hack. Spyware and stalkerware apps run in the background, using your phone's resources to track activity and transmit data, cybersecurity firm Bitdefender reported. If your phone’s battery drops significantly without heavy usage, investigate further to check which apps consume the most energy and spot unfamiliar apps.

Audit your apps

New apps that appear without your consent or apps that open and close on their own may indicate your phone has been hacked, tech site Android Police warned. Fraudulent apps sometimes disguise themselves as innocent utilities, such as calculators or QR code scanners.

A person uses a phone with a blank screen. Illustration from Pexels

Check your phone bill

Unexpected spikes in your phone bill can signal unauthorized activity, according to Forbes. Malicious apps may use excessive data, running hidden operations or browsing on your behalf. Check your bill for unusual data consumption, and look for sudden increases in data usage, which may indicate that a hacker is using your device for hidden tasks.

Watch for rogue notifications

Unexpected pop-ups, unsolicited two-factor authentication codes, or changes in your settings (e.g., camera or microphone permissions) may suggest that your phone has been compromised.

Hackers can use fake notifications to deceive you. If you receive unexpected messages or calls, verify the number before responding. Always use official contact details from your provider's website or billing information to confirm the legitimacy of any communication, The Guardian advised.

Check for account access issues

The most alarming sign of a hack is finding yourself locked out of your Apple ID or Google account. Hackers often use a compromised device to access social media, email, and other accounts, allowing them to impersonate you and gather sensitive information.

Run antivirus software

Running reputable antivirus software is the most effective way to detect whether your phone has been hacked. Programs like Bitdefender, Norton, or Kaspersky can identify and remove malware or spyware, Forbes suggested.

What to do if your phone is hacked

If you discover that your phone has been hacked, take immediate action to minimize damage. Start by contacting your bank, credit card companies, and any other financial institutions to ensure your accounts have not been accessed. Next, change all passwords for apps and websites connected to your phone, using strong, unique passwords.

Audit your phone for unfamiliar apps and delete them. Restart the phone to ensure the apps were properly removed. If the issue persists, restore your phone to its factory settings. Note that this will erase all data from the device. Finally, alert your contacts and advise them to ignore any suspicious messages that may appear to come from your phone.