Over the last few years, There has been an increase in malicious spyware and stalkerware infiltrating phones via apps and links. Hackers are finding it easier to gain access to mobile devices. Spy apps that track and monitor users’ movements are becoming harder to detect.
Enterprise organizations can be seriously threatened by mobile device compromise. Companies could be directly compromised if employees and executives use malware-infected devices. Organizations that have implemented Bring Your Own Device programs (BYOD) are also at risk. Employees may also use the devices for personal or professional purposes.
This is why VPNOverview cybersecurity professionals ranked the top ten warning signs that could be a sign that hackers have compromised a smartphone. This study also explains how security teams can remove any spyware that hackers might have installed onto a cell phone. Here are ten common signs indicating that your phone could be being monitored by hackers
Top 10 Signs That Your Mobile Is Hacked
1. Slow performance
Constant slowing down or lagging could be a sign that spyware is operating on your phone. Resource-intensive spyware running in the background could cause slow phone performance. For suspicious apps, check the phone. Antivirus software can be used to scan hidden applications. These can be deleted to improve performance.
Also read: Top 10 Android Password Manager Apps
2. Random reboots
Spontaneous reboots can indicate remote administrator-level access is granted to someone who has access to a mobile device to rule out the presence of malware, update the phone, and delete any malfunctioning apps. If none of these solutions resolves random reboots, spyware may be present on the device.
3. Strange SMS messages
Hackers could use text messages to capture a screenshot, locate a device’s location, or even take control of a smartphone. Don’t click on text links from suspicious or unknown senders.
4. Overheating
An Overheating phone could indicate that there is a malicious program running behind the scenes Particularly if the overheating happens when the phone remains on standby. Some apps may have valid reasons to consume energy on your phone. However, any person who uses more than they should be the problem and should be removed.
5. Unusually high data usage
Hackers are primarily motivated by user data harvesting and selling it or using it to their advantage in some other way. Hackers can access your mobile device remotely and transfer files to their server to get this information. This requires data usage at the user’s end. If employee cell data usage is unusually high that could be a sign that there is something wrong with the phone.
6. Unfamiliar apps on the device app list
Sometimes, spyware and viruses are hidden in legitimate apps. It is a good idea to check the installed apps regularly and check unknown programs.
7. Battery draining fast
Two things can affect a mobile device’s battery life: excessive energy consumption or age. The former is the most common. This could be due to a legitimate app using too many resources, or something sinister like malware.
8. Taking a long time to shut down
Spyware is a program that runs in the background of mobile devices, sending data to third parties. A phone might shut down slower than normal while hiding applications.
Also read: How to Protect Your Smartphone: 15 Security Tips
9. Weird sounds during phone calls
One of the most obvious indicators that a phone has been monitored is phone tapping. You can use malware to intercept phone calls. It often makes flashing and beeping sounds. These sounds should not be ignored as they could indicate spyware.
10. Signs of activity in standby mode
If you hear or see flashing lights or noises that are not caused by notifications of calls, text messages, or other familiar activity, then the owner of the suspect device should investigate to determine if any legitimate apps are malfunctioning.
VPNOverview states that there are three main steps to get rid of malware: deinstall suspicious programs; use tools like antivirus programs to scan for threats and perform a factory reset on a compromised device.
