There’s no denying that cell phones benefit us in various ways. These compact devices are packed with features, tools, and functionalities that make our daily routines, scheduled tasks, and urgent transactions smoother. And since several deals are now being transacted online through phones, these are hot targets for hacking.

Phone hacking is one of the most rampant cybercrimes. Unlike phone tracking – which is usually done for child safety or business security – hacking is usually a malicious act gaining access or damaging the device. Hence, we must take precautionary measures when using our mobile phones. After all, it’s not only the device that’s at stake during hacking, but all the stored data and personal information would be in danger. Learn how to find out who hacked your cell phone and put an end to your worrying and find out who has access to your device. Also, read on as we’ll be sharing some tips on maintaining mobile safety and data security.

Is My Phone Hacked? 10 Signs Your Phone Is Hacked

Have you been experiencing latencies more frequently? Do you often end up wondering, “is my phone hacked?” Are you worried that your phone engagements could result in getting your Android or iPhone hacked?

To know for sure, here are some effective ways on how to tell if your phone is hacked.

1. Slower Response Times

Mobile malware such as viruses, phone trackers, spy apps, Trojan, and adware eats up a chunk of your device’s processing power. This results in slower responses to navigations, commands, and selections. 

2. Warm Phone Even When Idle

Programs used by hackers usually run continuously in the background even if, per se, you’re not actually using your device. So, phone overheating could be a clear indication of hacking.

3. Shorter Battery Life

Since malicious apps are programmed to function in the background constantly, it leads to significant battery drains. Shorter battery life, especially if you’re sure that your phone hardware is still in optimum condition, may be a sign that your phone’s been hacked.

4. Spike in Data Usage

In most cases, such malware extracts data and simultaneously uploads it to the hacker’s network or cloud storage. Since this process heavily relies on a strong virtual connection, it could lead to unexplainable spikes in your data usage.

5. Frequent System Crashes

Service disruptions and system crashes could also be caused by hacking. This is because the codes used on these malicious programs compromise your mobile device’s built-in functionalities and settings.

6. Random Pop-ups, Notifications, or Alerts

Hacking software usually triggers random pop-ups, notifications, or alerts. These are, in most cases, adverse effects of the algorithms used; hence, uncontrollable. The most common examples are out-of-the-blue text messages that contain random codes and alphanumeric phrases.

7. Unfamiliar or Suspicious Apps

Any app showing on your files or downloads page that you don’t remember installing is most likely to be malicious. These suspicious apps may have been remotely installed on your device without your knowledge.

8. Spam Messages to Contacts

Be extra careful if your phone’s doing any unusual activity or actions you don’t initiate, such as sending spam messages to all your saved contacts, accessing certain web pages, or clicking on online buttons. 

9. Background Noises During Calls

When initiating calls or listening to audio files, be attentive to certain background noises. Of course, there are noises caused by poor connection or the environment, but be on guard with murmurs, static or click sounds, echoes, or other unusual noises. These are telltale signs someone is recording your conversations or tapping on your line.

10. Power On/Off Delays

If there’s a few seconds delay in turning on or off your cell phone, it’s likely because specific programs take longer to close, and usually, these are suspicious or malicious apps.

How To Unhack Your Cell Phone

It’s not always easy – or even possible – to find out who hacked or compromised your mobile device. But at least, there are various efficient ways on how to tell if your phone is hacked. In most instances, just knowing that your device is at risk is enough to save your data from getting completely exploited or to steer your safe away from worse situations.

As soon as you’ve confirmed your ‘have I been hacked’ intuition, it’s vital to take action immediately. Hence, it’s crucial – probably a life-saver – to learn how to remove a hacker from your phone. Here’s what to do if your phone is hacked.

• Clear Storage and Cache (Android)/ Clear History and Data (iOS)

This is usually applicable if you receive various random pop-ups and alerts or if you’re often rerouted to different web pages. To clear storage and cache on Android devices, go to Settings > Apps > Chrome > Storage & cache > tap on Clear storage and Clear cache buttons > select Clear all data. To clear history and data on iOS devices, go to Settings > launch Safari tab > tap on the Clear History and Website Data option > then confirm your selection.

• Manual Uninstallation

When, for some reason, you end up getting your phone hacked or compromised, the best thing to do is to get rid of the root cause. The malicious app or suspicious program can be found in the Downloaded apps or Installed apps, usually masked. All you have to do is to identify and locate it then manually uninstall it.

• OS Update or Restore From Earlier Backup

Most malicious apps are designed to work with specific operating system (OS) versions only. Hence, upgrading or downgrading your OS could effectively cut the compatibility and connection. As a result, the software installed to hack your phone won’t function well as programmed.

• Factory Reset

If all else fails, you could perform a factory reset. By restoring your cell phone to its default settings, you’ll be removing all installed third-party apps and programs, including suspicious and malicious ones.

How To Protect Your Phone From Hackers

Since you learned how to know for sure if your phone is compromised and how to unhack your phone, let’s check out some efficient ways to protect your phone – from avoiding phishing links to installing security-focused cell phone tracking software.

• Set strong PINs or passcodes
• Enable 2-factor or multiple-factor authentication if possible
• Avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi or unknown Bluetooth connections
• Only download apps and tools from trusted sources or official stores
• Keep your software, OS, and apps up-to-date
• Don’t mindlessly disclose your phone number; be careful on starting conversations with unknown contacts
• Don’t click on unverified links from social media pages or other digital platforms
• Regularly optimize your phone
• Install a reliable anti-malware app
• Install a phone monitoring app or a mobile safety-focused spyware

Installing a phone monitoring app such as TurboSpy and proven to help protect your devices from malicious software and hackers. TurboSpy will serve you an additional layer of security to make sure your online accounts, credit cards, and other personal information stored on your devices remain secure. Turbo spy monitoring is more advanced than your typical password manager. You can save anything from your Apple or Android phones including phone calls, social media, emails, and much more. Do not leave your phone unprotected any longer, and secure your device instantly with Turbo spy app.