How to know if your phone is hacked: Warning signs and what to do

Our smartphones hold vast amounts of personal data. From banking details to private messages, these devices are treasure troves of sensitive information. If you’re wondering “can someone hack my phone?”, the answer is yes. But there are ways to protect yourself. Let’s explore how to know if your phone is hacked and what you can do about it.

5 ways criminals can compromise your phone

Wondering “can someone hack my phone?” Here are five ways that could happen:

1. SIM swapping: Fraudsters can transfer a victim’s phone number to a new SIM card in their possession, allowing them to intercept calls and texts intended for the victim.
2. Account takeover: Criminals may gain control of an individual’s mobile account to intercept communications or order fraudulent upgrades and services. 
3. Call diversion: Attackers can divert calls intended for the victim to another number. This is often associated with banking fraud. 
4. Social engineering: Fraudsters may impersonate mobile operator staff to trick individuals into revealing security information, one-time codes, or passwords. 
5. Phishing attempts: Customers may receive suspicious texts or emails attempting to steal personal information. 

Tell-tale signs of a hacked phone

“Can someone hack my phone without me knowing?” is a common question. In short, yes. But there are warning signs to watch for. If your phone shows any of these symptoms, it could indicate a security breach:

Unusual battery behaviour

If your fully-charged phone is dying unusually quickly, it could indicate malware running in the background. Keep an eye on your battery usage statistics to spot suspicious activity.

Data usage spikes

Unexpected increases in data consumption often signal that something’s amiss. Malware might be sending your personal information to remote servers or downloading unwanted content. Check your data usage regularly through your phone’s settings.

Mystery apps and messages

Found apps you never downloaded? Are your contacts receiving strange messages from your number? These are classic signs of compromise. Hackers often use infected devices to spread malware or conduct phishing attacks.

Performance issues

A hacked phone often shows these symptoms:

• Frequent crashes
• Unexplained restarts
• Sluggish performance
• Overheating during basic tasks
• Apps opening by themselves

Unexpected charges

Check your mobile bill carefully. Hackers might subscribe your number to premium services or make unauthorised purchases. If you spot suspicious charges, contact your provider immediately to report and dispute them.

Pop-ups and adverts

While some ads are normal, excessive pop-ups or inappropriate advertising could indicate adware infection. This is especially concerning if these appear when you’re not using any apps.

Account anomalies

When considering how to know if your phone is hacked, watch out for:

• Unexpected password changes
• Unfamiliar account activity
• Emails about login attempts you didn’t make
• Social media posts you didn’t create

Protection strategies

While no security measure is perfect, these steps significantly reduce your risk:

Use secure passwords
Create strong, unique passwords for all accounts. Consider using a password manager to keep track of them safely.

Enable two-factor authentication
This adds an extra security layer to your accounts, making unauthorised access much harder.

Update regularly
Keep your phone’s operating system and apps updated. These updates often include crucial security patches.

Be cautious with public Wi-Fi
Avoid accessing sensitive information on public networks. Consider using a VPN for additional protection

Use official app stores for downloads
Only download apps from Google Play Store or Apple App Store to avoid malware-infected applications.

Keep transaction receipts
Save your mobile top-up confirmations and payment receipts to track spending and resolve any disputes quickly.

Check balance regularly
Monitor your mobile balance frequently through your provider’s app or SMS service to spot unusual deductions early.

Enable spending notifications
Set up SMS or app alerts for all transactions to catch unauthorised spending immediately.

Secure top-up practices

Use secure platforms like mobiletopup.co.uk that offer protected payment options and instant delivery for all UK networks. Use payment methods that offer buyer protection, like credit cards or PayPal. And save your confirmation emails and voucher codes for reference. Whether you’re buying EE call credit or topping up another network, never share your top-up codes on social media or messaging apps. And always verify the amount matches your purchase before applying the code.

What to do if you’re hacked

If you’ve confirmed your phone is hacked, take these steps:

Immediate actions

• Disconnect from the internet
• Remove suspicious apps
• Run a security scan
• Change all passwords from a different device
• Contact your mobile provider

Long-term solutions

• Consider a factory reset
• Install reputable security software
• Review app permissions
• Update security settings
• Monitor accounts for unusual activity

Who to contact for help and support

In the first instance, speak to your mobile operator. If you believe a crime has taken place, you can call 101 to report this as a non-emergency issue to the police.

You can also report scams and cybercrime anonymously to Crimestoppers online or by calling 0800 555 111. And The Cyber Helpline provides free, expert help for victims of cybercrime, digital fraud & online harm. 

The future of mobile security

As threats evolve, so must our security practices. Stay informed about new security features and updates from your phone manufacturer and mobile provider. Regular security audits of your device can help catch potential issues early.

Remember, being proactive about mobile security is far easier than dealing with the aftermath of a hack. By understanding how to know if your phone is hacked and taking preventive measures, you can better protect your digital life.

You may also like these articles

• How to clear cache and cookies on iPhone and Android
• How to transfer data from iPhone to iPhone
• Scam calls: who is calling me from this number?