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

How to Secure Your Smartphone from Hackers

In today’s digital age, our smartphones hold a wealth of personal information – from financial details to private conversations. Have you ever asked yourself, “Can my phone be hacked?” Unfortunately, the answer is yes, but the good news is that you can protect yourself. Here’s how to recognize the signs of a hacked phone and what steps to take to safeguard your information.

5 Ways Hackers Target Canadian Smartphones

Hackers use various tactics to gain access to your smartphone. Here are five common methods:

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

Signs Your Phone Might Be Hacked

Here’s what to look 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: Frequent crashes, slow responses, or overheating can indicate a problem.
• Unexplained charges: Check your bill for 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 some tips to enhance your smartphone security:

• Use strong passwords: Ensure each account has a unique password and store them securely with a password manager.
• Enable two-factor authentication: Add an extra layer of protection to your accounts.
• Keep your phone updated: Regular updates patch vulnerabilities in your software.
• Avoid public Wi-Fi: Use a VPN when accessing sensitive information on public networks.
• Download apps from trusted sources: Stick to the App Store or Google Play for downloads.
• Recharge safely: Use secure platforms like Recharge.com for mobile top-ups on networks like Bell, Rogers, or Telus.

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.

For support:

• Canadian Centre for Cyber Security: Visit cyber.gc.ca for guidance on reporting cybersecurity incidents and securing your device.
• Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: Report scams or identity theft at antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.

Stay Safe and Protect Your Digital Life

While hackers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, staying alert and proactive can greatly reduce the risk of your phone being hacked. Be vigilant about unusual activity, act swiftly if something feels off, and prioritize using trusted platforms for essential services like mobile top-ups. With a little caution, you can enjoy peace of mind while using your smartphone.