How to Know If My Phone Is Hacked? 6 Signs to Watch Out For

How to Secure Your Smartphone from Hackers

In today’s world, our smartphones are treasure troves of personal information – from banking details to private messages. Ever wondered, “Can my phone be hacked?” Unfortunately, the answer is yes, but there are ways to protect yourself. Here’s how to spot if your phone has been hacked and what you can do about it.

5 Ways Hackers Target Australian Smartphones

Hackers are creative when it comes to accessing your smartphone. Here are five common tactics:

• SIM-swap fraud: Criminals transfer your number to a SIM card they control, intercepting calls and messages.
• Account hijacking: Hackers gain access to your mobile account, allowing them to place fraudulent orders or intercept texts.
• Call forwarding scams: Calls are diverted to other numbers, often as part of financial fraud.
• Fake support calls: Impersonators claim to be from your provider to extract sensitive details.
• Phishing attacks: Suspicious emails or texts try to trick you into sharing personal data.

Signs Your Phone Might Be Hacked

Here’s what to watch out for:

• Battery draining quickly: Malware running in the background could be the cause.
• Unexpected data usage: Malware might be sending out your information without your knowledge.
• Unfamiliar apps or texts: Apps you didn’t download or strange messages sent from your number are red flags.
• Device performance issues: Look out for frequent crashes, slow response times, or overheating.
• Unexplained charges: Check your bill for any unknown subscriptions or purchases.
• Excessive ads or pop-ups: If ads appear outside apps, your device might have adware.

How to Protect Your Phone

Here are tips to boost your smartphone security:

• Use strong passwords: Ensure each account has a unique password, stored securely with a password manager.
• Enable two-factor authentication: This adds an extra layer of protection.
• Keep your phone updated: Regular updates fix vulnerabilities in your software.
• Avoid public Wi-Fi: Use a VPN if you must access sensitive information on public networks.
• Download apps from trusted sources: Stick to the App Store or Google Play for app downloads.
• Recharge safely: Use platforms like Recharge.com that offer secure payment options for mobile top-ups on networks like Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone.

What to Do If You’ve Been Hacked

• Disconnect from the internet immediately.
• Delete suspicious apps.
• Change your passwords on another secure device.
• Contact your provider and consider a factory reset.

The ACSC provides guidance on how to report cybersecurity incidents. You can visit their website to report a hack or seek advice on how to secure your device. Their website is www.cyber.gov.au.

If the hack involves identity theft or other serious criminal activity, you can report it to the AFP through their online reporting system.

If you believe the hack is related to phishing or scams, report it to Scamwatch, which is run by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). Their website is www.scamwatch.gov.au.

Keep yourself safe and safeguard your online life

You can greatly lower the chance of your phone getting hacked by being proactive. Although hackers are getting more creative, you can protect your devices and personal information by being aware of strange activity and taking quick action. Be aware of your digital footprint and only utilise reliable platforms for necessary services like mobile top-ups. You can use your smartphone with confidence and peace of mind if you exercise a little caution.