Smartphones and the internet have become an inevitable part of our lives. From work to entertainment to communicating with loved ones, they play an essential role in keeping us connected. Our phones store an immense amount of personal data, including photos, messages, bank details, and passwords

.

However, with this convenience comes the risk of cyber threats. According to a report by the Economic Times, India now tops the list for mobile malware attacks globally. Even more concerning is the rise in banking malware attacks, with a staggering 29% increase in the financial sector alone. This leaves us all wondering: how to check my phone is hacked?

If you’ve ever had the nagging feeling that your phone might be compromised, you’re not alone. In this blog, we’ll guide you through simple steps to find out if your phone has been hacked. Keep reading to learn how to spot the signs and take action to protect your personal information.

How to Check if Your Phone is Hacked

It’s not always easy to tell if your phone has been hacked, but there are multiple indications you can watch out for. If your phone is behaving strangely or performing tasks you didn’t initiate; it could be a sign that someone has gained unauthorised access. Here are some of the common signs that your phone might be hacked:

1 Unexplained Battery Drain

If your battery is depleting more quickly than normal, it may be due to harmful apps or software operating in the background without your awareness.

2 Enhanced Data Consumption

A rapid rise in data usage can indicate that a hacker is using your phone to send or receive data without your consent.

3 Unfamiliar Apps

If you notice apps you don’t remember downloading, it's a strong sign that your phone might have been compromised. Hackers often install apps to monitor or control your device.

4 Strange Pop-up Ads

Unexpected pop-up ads or notifications, especially ones that seem unrelated to the apps you use, could point to adware or other malicious software on your device.

5 Phone is Overheating

If your phone is overheating even when not in use, it may be working harder than normal due to malicious software running in the background.

6 Slow Performance or Freezing

A hacked phone may slow down significantly or freeze frequently, as it processes malicious commands or software.

7 Unusual Calls or Text Messages

If you notice that calls or text messages are being sent from your phone that you didn’t make, it’s a red flag. Hackers can use your phone to contact others without your knowledge.

8 Suspicious Activity in Your Accounts

If you see strange activity in your online accounts, including social media or banking apps, it's a sign that someone may have access to your phone and, consequently, your personal data.

With the rising number of fraud calls being reported across the country, learn how to protect yourself from such scams by watching the Seekho video Fraud Call Se Kaise Bache.

Staying alert to these signs helps you catch potential hacks early and secure your device before serious damage occurs. Now. Let's find out what steps to take if you find your phone hacked.

Steps to Take If Your Phone is Hacked

If you believe your phone may have been hacked, it’s crucial to take immediate action to safeguard your personal information and avoid additional harm. The following steps will help you regain control of your device and secure your data from any potential threats.

1 Disconnect from the Internet

Immediately turn off your phone’s Wi-Fi and mobile data to prevent any further unauthorised access or data transmission.

2 Run a Security Scan

Use a trusted security app to scan your device. These apps can detect malware and other threats that may have compromised your phone.

3 Change Your Passwords

Start by changing the passwords for your most important accounts, like email, banking apps, and social media platforms. Make sure to use strong, unique passwords for each account.

4 Uninstall Suspicious Apps

Check all apps on your phone and uninstall any unfamiliar ones. These could be harmful apps installed by the hacker to track your activity or steal your personal information. 

Learn how to completely uninstall applications from your phone, ensuring all residual data is removed on our video Uninstall Apps Ka Data Kaise Hataye.

5 Clear Your Cache and Browsing History

Hackers may have installed spyware or other tracking tools. Clearing your browser history, cache, and cookies can remove any leftover traces.

6 Factory Reset Your Phone

If you’re still concerned, consider performing a factory reset, which will delete all data from your device and return it to its default settings. Be sure to back up important information first!

7 Contact Your Service Provider

Reach out to your phone’s service provider to report the issue. They may be able to assist in blocking malicious activity or securing your phone further.

8 Keep an Eye on Your Accounts

Keep a close eye on your financial accounts and social media for any unusual activity. If necessary, contact the relevant companies to report potential fraud. Learn essential tips to safeguard your account on the Seekho video Bank Account Scam.

By following these steps, you can regain control of your device and minimise the damage caused by a hack. Always stay vigilant to avoid future security breaches. Let’s look at some preventive measures to protect your phone.

Find out the best courses to learn the Stock market for beginners on our 5-minute read Learn Stock Market Online: Steps and Courses for Beginners in India and secure your investments.

Preventive Measures to Protect Your Phone

By sticking to these easy steps, you can greatly diminish the likelihood of your phone being compromised and keep your personal information safe.

1 Keep Your Software Up to Date

Regularly update your phone’s operating system and apps. Software updates frequently contain security fixes that safeguard your device against newly identified vulnerabilities.

2 Install a Trusted Antivirus App

Use a reputable antivirus app to regularly scan for malware and spyware. These apps can detect and remove harmful software before it causes damage.

3Avoid Downloading Apps from Unknown Sources

Download apps exclusively from trustworthy sources like the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Avoid third-party app stores that may contain malicious apps.

4 Use Strong and Unique Passwords

Use complex, unique passwords for all your accounts. Consider enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) for an added layer of security.

5 Be Cautious with Public Wi-Fi

Avoid using sensitive accounts or doing financial transactions when connected to public Wi-Fi networks. If needed, employ a virtual private network (VPN) to protect your connection.

6 Enable Device Encryption

Enable full device encryption to protect your data in case your phone is lost or stolen. This ensures that your personal information is unreadable without the correct passcode.

7 Limit App Permissions

Check the permissions granted to your apps. Disable any unnecessary permissions, such as access to your camera or location, if they are not needed for the app's functionality.

8 Use a Lock Screen

Set up a lock screen with a PIN, pattern, or biometric authentication (fingerprint, face recognition). This will stop unauthorised individuals from gaining access to your phone.

9 Regularly Back Up Your Data

Keep regular backups of your important data, either in the cloud or on a physical storage device. This ensures that you won’t lose critical information if your phone is hacked or damaged.

By implementing these precautionary steps, you can greatly lower the chances of your phone being compromised, and ensure that your personal data remains secure. 

Discover essential phone security tips on the Seekho video Phone Security Tips.

Conclusion

Our smartphones are not just communication tools; they’re essential for managing our personal, financial, and professional lives. With cyber threats on the rise, it’s important to stay vigilant and protect your phone from potential hacks. By recognising the signs of a compromised device and taking swift action, you can safeguard your sensitive information.

If you ever find yourself wondering how to check if your phone is hacked, remember that simple steps like running security scans, changing passwords, and uninstalling suspicious apps can make a significant difference.

Moreover, by implementing preventive measures such as keeping your software updated, using strong passwords, and installing trusted security apps, you can significantly reduce the risk of a hack. 

Looking for a side hustle? Check out the Seekho link Top Websites for Earning Money Online in 2024 and find out the top websites to earn money online.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I tell if my phone has been hacked?

If your phone is acting strangely—like draining battery quickly, showing unfamiliar apps, or sending strange messages without your knowledge—it could be compromised. You may also notice increased data usage or slower performance. Be on the lookout for these signs to determine if your phone has been hacked.

2. What should I do first if I suspect my phone is hacked?

The initial step you should take is to unlink your phone from the internet by disabling Wi-Fi and mobile data. This is going to help prevent further unauthorised access. After that, you can run a security scan, change your passwords, and uninstall suspicious apps.

3. Can I recover my hacked phone without losing all my data?

Yes, you can try recovering your phone without losing data by using security apps to scan for malware and remove harmful apps. However, if the situation is severe, a factory reset might be necessary, which will erase all data. Always back up your important information before taking drastic measures.

4. How can I prevent my phone from getting hacked in the future?

To protect your phone, always keep your software up to date, install trusted security apps, and avoid downloading apps from unverified sources. Additionally, use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication (2FA), and be cautious when using public Wi-Fi.

5. Is it safe to use public Wi-Fi with my phone?

Public Wi-Fi can be risky, as hackers may attempt to intercept your data. It’s advisable to avoid sensitive transactions or accessing important accounts while on public Wi-Fi. If necessary, use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to secure your internet connection.