Can A Smartphone be Hacked? How to Stay Protected?

The smartphone has become a part and parcel of our life, there is no way of denying this fact. And, as the mobile phone has intertwined with everyday life, it has become a top target for the cybercriminals too. As a result, a lot of mobiles are getting hacked more often than not. In this article we will tap into some basic  

How a mobile can be compromised?

There can be many different ways a phone can get compromised. Most common way is phishing, where you click a link containing malicious software. You inadvertently click a suspicious link and go one step closer to being hacked. Downloading malicious apps is another way your phone can be hacked. And another way how your phone can be compromised is when you access an unauthorized wifi network. The network administrator can pull some strings and hack your phone.   

Signs that your mobile might be hacked

It’s highly important to know about the signs that tell you there’s a high chance your phone might be hacked. Let’s look at some most common ones –

Strange or Unauthorized pop-ups:

One apparent sign of a hacked phone is non stop pop-ups. Bright, flashing ads or X-rated content popping up on the phone is a big indicator that your phone is probably compromised. 

Sudden increment of battery drainage: 

When your phone’s battery is draining faster than normal without any specific reason, it could be a sign that your phone has been hacked. Usually phone battery life depends on the screen on time and apps running in the background. If you do not drastically change the time you look at the phone everyday there’s no reason the screen on time should take up a chunk of the bratty life. Usually a hacked phone runs several background process which results in big battery drain

Data usage rate going up without particular reason

This one is also similar to the previous cause. There are many reasons for high data usage (for example, increased use of a new app). But if your phone behavior has stayed the same and your data usage has skyrocketed, it’s time to investigate. Mostly because background apps are probably taking up a big chunk of the data which you never have authorized.

Phone Temperature rises rapidly

This is also a related phenomenon. The reason behind a phone becoming hot while using is mostly apps running in the background with high processing needs. It could be possible that your Internet connection and data are being used more rapidly than usual which contributes to higher temperature.

Unauthorized Texts or calls

Every phone user is likely to remember the usage of their phone throughout the day. So, if you notice texts or calls from your phone that you didn’t make, you may have had your phone hacked.

No messages or calls

The other could also be true. If you are no longer receiving calls or messages, the hacker might have obtained a clone of your SIM card from the service provider and your original sim might have become obsolete.

How to get rid of the malware from smartphone

If it’s confirmed that your phone is under attack then it’s wise to take steps to remove the malware from the device. There are a few ways to do so, let’s take a look at them. 

Deleting app / apps responsible for the malware

Suspicious apps are the most common source of inviting malware in your smartphone. In the case of your phone being hacked, take an inventory of your apps and delete anything that came from non-authorized third-party sources. All the apps should be available in the authorized store (Google play store or Apple App store), come from reputable developers and contain good reviews. Anything else should not stay on your phone and should be deleted=

Running anti-malware software

Anti-malware software can help you identify and target malware lurking on your phone. This should be run regularly, but if you haven’t done so recently, now is always a good time to start. Modern cybersecurity software like REVE Antivirus Mobile Security helps protect your devices and online privacy. Use this to get rid of the malware from your device.

Resetting the device

Resetting the phone will remove most of the malwares, however this should be considered as the last resort. Because, a factory reset will wipe out any data stored in the device, including images, videos, contacts or any documents that are saved in the phone’s built-in memory. That’s why it’s absolutely necessary to back-up any data that is important to you and you need once the phone is in its optimum state. 

Some frequently asked questions on Phone Hack

This almost sums up the scenario of malwares on smartphones. However, there are some frequently asked questions. Let’s wrap up the discussion by answering those

What is the most common way of hacking a phone?

Hackers use a variety of methods to compromise cell phones including, Phishing attacks, Smishing attacks, Spyware, Scareware, Vulnerable Wi-Fi network, Malicious apps etc.

Can I reset my phone to remove viruses?

Yes, a factory reset is one way to potentially remove a virus from an infected mobile device. However you should back-up your data before doing so as resetting a device wipes out all data.

Does turning off your phone stop hackers?

Yes, turning off your phone can stop hackers, as most cyberattacks targeting cell phones require the device to be turned on. However, if the malware is installed on your device, as soon as you turn it on, the malicious app will start doing its job.

Can hackers hear you?

Affirmative, hackers generally try to gain access to your phone’s camera and microphone. If they are successful, there is nothing between them and hearing everything you say and record.

Can someone hack your phone and turn on your camera? 

Yes, cybercriminals can hack phones to gain access to their cameras.

Does airplane mode block hackers?

This can temporarily block hackers while the device is not connected to Wi-Fi or a cellular  network.

What can a hacker do with your phone number? 

Hackers often compromise phone numbers in order to:

• Verify 2FA requests 
• Send malicious links 
• Complete vishing attacks