Phone Hacking

Handling post cyber-attacks on Phone

With cyberattacks becoming more advanced and widespread, it is harder than ever to detect if phone has been compromised. From remote control takeovers to stolen data being sold online, the consequences can be severe IPhone, Samsung, or other devices gives clear indicators that suggest that phone may have been hacked.

Warning Signs of a Hacked Smartphone

Unrecognised texts or calls

·   Contact from unrecognized numbers could indicate the victim of a data loss.

·   Do not answer calls from unrecognized numbers, unless expecting them or can verify their authenticity.

·   Check call logs for unusual activity. If see a mysterious number, consider blocking the contact and reporting it as spam.

 High data usage

·   If data usage is suddenly much higher but haven’t changed how to use phone, it could be a sign of hacking.

·   Some malicious apps run in the background and use up data without knowing.

·   Check apps and delete anything that looks suspicious.

High battery drain

·   Is phone battery running out faster than before? One might think ones phone is just getting old, but it could be something else.

·   Harmful apps or software—possibly installed without  knowing—can secretly run in the background and use up battery quickly.

 Phone Overheating

·   Is iPhone or Android getting hot for no reason?

·   it’s normal for phones to heat up during heavy use, like gaming or streaming.

·   But if   phone feels hot even when idle, something might be wrong.

·   Hidden malicious software could be running in the background, causing it to overheat.

 Reduced performance

·   Is phone dropping calls or not getting texts?

·   Are messages not being delivered?

·   Is phone freezing, crashing, or restarting on its own?

·   These problems could be caused by malware or unwanted apps running in the background and using up phone’s power.

Websites look strange
 

·       Malware on phone can redirect unsafe websites without knowing.

·       Just visiting a dangerous site can be enough to get phone hacked.

·       Some fake websites look just like real ones, even mimicking trusted brands like Apple or Samsung.

·       It is not always easy to spot a malicious site, especially if its looks professional.

·       Always check for an SSL certificates (look for "https://" and a padlock icon in the address bar).

·       If a site does not have it, you could be on a fake page controlled by cybercriminals.

Unexpected charges on phone bill

·   If phone bill is higher than usual, one could be incurring unexpected charges from unwanted apps spiking your data use.

·       Fleeceware apps trick you into paying for features do not need or did not know subscribed to.

·       If someone has remote access to phone, they could misuse subscriptions and other paid services.

·       Check phone bill for any strange charges or unknown subscription.

·       Cancel subscriptions do not recognize, and delete any suspicious or infected apps right away.

 App don’t recognize

·       Unexpected apps may signal a hack
If spot apps on phone that did not download itself, it could be a sign that device has been compromised.

·       Not all unknown apps are dangerous
some apps — known as bloatware— come pre-installed by manufacturers. These are not usually harmful, but they can be annoying or unnecessary.

·        Hard-to-remove apps are a red flag
If an unfamiliar app resists removal or reinstalls itself, it could be malicious software.

·         Look for other warning signs
strange behaviour like high data usage, fast battery drain, or unexplained charges on  bill could also indicate a malware infection.

·         Act fast if you suspect malware
Don’t wait. Follow a reliable guide to remove viruses from Android or clean malware from iPhones to protect your data and privacy. 

How do Phones Get Hacked?

·   Phishing Attacks
Hackers often trick users into revealing sensitive information by posing as trustworthy sources. These attacks can come via:

• Emails

• Text messages

• Social media DMs

• Scam phone calls
    Tip: Never click suspicious links or respond to unknown messages.

·   Brute-Force Attacks
  This is a trial-and-error method where attackers systematically guess passwords until they gain access.
  Tip: Use complex passwords and enable account lockout features.

·   Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) Attacks
Hackers intercept data being transmitted between two devices, often on public Wi-Fi, to steal login credentials or other sensitive data.
  Tip: Avoid unsecured networks and use VPNs for secure communication

·   Physical Access Breaches
  if your phone is lost or stolen and lacks strong authentication (like a passcode or biometric lock), it becomes vulnerable.
  Tip: Always lock device and enable remote wipe options.

·   Software Exploits and Programming-Based Attacks
Skilled attackers identify and exploit software vulnerabilities to gain control or escalate privileges.
  Tip: Keep your OS and apps updated and only install software from trusted sources.

How to Prevent Your Phone from Being Hacked?

1. Install Antivirus Software (Android Only)

   • Scans and removes malware/viruses.

   • Recommended for Android, not essential for iOS due to Apple’s built-in protections.

   • Pro Tip: Choose reputable antivirus apps like Bitdefender, Norton, or Avast.

2. Use a VPN on Public Wi-Fi

   • Encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address.

   • Protects against MITM and DDoS attacks.

   • Available for both Android and iOS devices.

3. Avoid Jailbreaking or Rooting Your Device

   • Disables built-in security measures.

   • Increases exposure to malware and unauthorized access.

   • Note: Android allows third-party apps without rooting—use the Google Play Store.

4. Stay Alert to Phishing Attempts

   • Avoid clicking on unfamiliar links or opening unknown attachments.

   • Use antivirus tools with phishing protection features.

   • Trust your instincts: if something feels “off,” it probably is.

5. Use End-to-End Encryption

   • Prefer apps and websites using AES 256-bit encryption for secure communication.

   • Common in apps like Signal, WhatsApp, and secure email providers.

6. Avoid Untrusted Charging Stations

   • Public USB ports can expose you to "juice jacking."

   • Use AC outlets or USB data blockers to charge safely.

7. Enable Lock Screens and Passcodes

   • Always use a password, not just a pattern or PIN.

   • iPhone: Settings → Face/Touch ID & Passcode → Turn Passcode On

   • Android: Settings → Security → Screen Lock → Password

8. Turn On Biometric & Two-Factor Authentication

   • Use fingerprint, face recognition, or 2FA for added protection.

   • Helps protect accounts even if your phone is compromised.

9. Disable Voice Assistants on Lock Screen

   • Prevents unauthorized use of Siri or Google Assistant before unlocking.

   • Adjust settings in Face/Touch ID & Passcode (iPhone) or Assistant settings (Android).

10. Enable "Find My Phone" Features

• Helps locate or remotely wipe a lost/stolen device.

• iPhone: Settings → [Your Name] → Find My iPhone

• Android: Settings → Security → Find My Device

11. Turn Off Autofill in Browsers

• Prevents automatic entry of personal info if your phone is stolen.

• iPhone: Settings → Safari → Turn off AutoFill Passwords

• Android: Google App → Settings → General → Turn off Autocomplete

12. Limit App Permissions

• Review app access to camera, location, messages, etc.

• Only grant necessary permissions for functionality.

13. Disable Location Tracking When Not Needed

• Prevents apps (and hackers) from knowing your real-time location.

• iPhone: Settings → Privacy → Location Services → Off

• Android: Swipe Down → Hold Location → Turn Off

14. Manually Toggle Wi-Fi On/Off

• Prevents automatic connection to unsafe public networks.

• Turn off Wi-Fi when not in use via quick settings.

15. Keep Software Updated

• Updates include essential security patches.

• Regularly check for and install the latest OS and app updates.

16. Use Strong, Unique Passwords

• Avoid reusing passwords across apps and services.

• Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.

• Consider a password manager for convenience and security