How Easily Can Phones Be Hacked? Risks, Signs, and Solutions

Smartphones have become integral to our daily lives, holding everything from our personal data and photos to our banking details. However, the same features that make phones convenient also make them appealing targets for hackers and cybercriminals. This blog explores how phones are hacked, common signs of a compromised device, and essential steps to safeguard your phone and personal data.

How Do Phones Get Hacked?

Hackers employ various tactics to gain unauthorized access to phones, often exploiting user habits or security weaknesses. Here are some of the most prevalent methods:

1. Phishing Scams
   Phishing attacks are among the most reported cybercrimes, tricking users into providing access to their devices. Phishing often involves sending fake texts or emails with malicious links. These scams have grown in sophistication with AI’s influence, making phishing increasingly hard to recognize.
2. Malicious Apps
   Fake apps are a common way for hackers to introduce malware into devices. In 2024, researchers identified over 90 malicious apps on Google Play, with millions of downloads. Once installed, these apps may steal data, track activity, or even remotely control your phone.
3. SIM Swapping
   This involves hackers impersonating you to obtain a new SIM card in your name, effectively hijacking your phone number. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently introduced new rules for telecom providers to strengthen protections against this type of attack.
4. Bluetooth Pairing and Public Wi-Fi Attacks
   Hackers can exploit Bluetooth connections or unsecured public Wi-Fi to intercept data. Man-in-the-middle attacks often occur when users unknowingly connect to a malicious network that mimics a trusted one.
5. Juice Jacking
   Though rare, hackers can implant malware in public charging stations. When a phone connects to these, the malware can access sensitive information on the device.

How To Tell If Your Phone Is Hacked: 12 Warning Signs

When a phone is hacked, there are often telltale signs. Here’s what to look out for:

1. Battery Drains Quickly
   Malicious apps can drain your battery by constantly running in the background. Check which apps are using the most battery in your settings—unknown apps with high consumption may be malicious.
2. High Data Usage
   Malware often sends and receives data in the background, leading to unexpectedly high data usage. Check your data usage in settings, and if something looks suspicious, it could be a sign of malware.
3. Performance Issues
   If your phone runs unusually slow, crashes, or lags, malware could be consuming your resources. Try rebooting in Safe Mode to see if the issue persists—if not, an app may be the culprit.
4. Overheating
   Malware can cause phones to overheat by overworking them. Check running apps and background processes for unfamiliar or suspicious items that may be malware.
5. Unfamiliar Apps
   New apps appearing on your phone without your consent is a red flag. Check your app library for any unknown downloads.
6. Frequent Pop-Ups
   Adware or other malware may flood your phone with pop-ups. If your mobile browser or apps are behaving strangely, consider deleting any unknown browser extensions or apps.
7. Locked Out of Your Account
   If you’re locked out of your Apple ID or Google account, someone else may have gained control of it. Act fast by following account recovery steps.
8. Inability to Log In to Accounts
   A hacker could use malware to access your account passwords, preventing you from logging in. Change your passwords and add two-factor authentication (2FA) if you suspect a hack.
9. Unrequested 2FA Codes
   Receiving unexpected 2FA codes suggests someone has your password and is trying to access your account. Perform a security check on your device to detect intruders.
10. Microphone or Camera Activation
    Hackers can activate your phone’s microphone or camera. Random activation of these features or strange photos in your gallery could mean spyware is involved.
11. Stopped Receiving Texts or Calls
    If your phone isn’t receiving messages or calls, it could be due to a SIM swap attack. Contact your carrier if you notice this, as hackers may have taken control of your number.
12. Data Breach Notifications
    If your data appears on the dark web, hackers may have easier access to your accounts. Run a dark web scan or monitor online reports for breaches that include your information.

How To Remove a Hacker From Your Phone

If you’ve identified suspicious activity, follow these steps to secure your device:

1. Uninstall Unrecognized Apps
   Delete any apps you don’t recognize, especially if they drain resources. For suspicious apps, research them online for more information.
2. Clear Browsing History and Cache
   Malware can hide in your cache or download history. Regularly clearing these can remove hidden malicious software.
3. Run a Security Scan
   Download a reputable antivirus app and run a scan. For iPhones, avoid security apps that claim to scan for viruses as Apple doesn’t allow them access to critical parts of iOS.
4. Check Your Accounts for Unrecognized Devices
   Go to your Google or Apple account settings and review your device list. Remove any unrecognized devices.
5. Update Your Phone
   Security updates often include patches for vulnerabilities that hackers exploit. Enable automatic updates to keep your device protected.
6. Reset Passwords and Enable 2FA
   Change your passwords, use unique passwords for each account, and set up 2FA for added protection.
7. Use a Password Manager
   Password managers securely store your credentials and alert you if any passwords are compromised.
8. Perform a Factory Reset
   If your phone still shows signs of hacking, a factory reset will clear it. Be sure to back up important data first.

How To Prevent Future Hacks: Proactive Security Tips

Protection is key to keeping your phone secure. Here’s how you can prevent future hacks:

1. Download Apps from Official Sources
   Only install apps from trusted app stores, and avoid third-party app downloads.
2. Be Cautious of Links
   Don’t click on links from unknown sources, and stay vigilant against phishing messages.
3. Use a Privacy-Focused Browser
   Browsers like Firefox and Brave come with built-in privacy features, helping you avoid trackers and adware.
4. Set Up a SIM PIN
   This adds another layer of protection, making it harder for hackers to take over your phone number.
5. Request Port Protection from Your Carrier
   Ask your mobile carrier for extra security measures to guard against SIM swap attacks.