How to Tell if Your Phone is Hacked
Summary: How you can tell if your smartphone has been hacked, how professional mobile device management performed by IT experts can prevent data breaches and an answer to the age-old question, “iPhone hacked - what to do?”
Why Do Small Businesses Need to Focus on Phone Security?
Malware will continue to plague businesses for the foreseeable future, and the increase in remote work makes it crucial to apply the same cyber defense protection to all your endpoint devices, especially smartphones.
Hackers love to attack phones because they store large amounts of our most private data. All kinds of information, including passwords, bank accounts, credit cards and other personal details, are stored on smartphones and have become easy targets for cybercriminals. Also, as new devices are added to networks, the target landscape for hackers continues to grow.
However, many small and midsized businesses (SMBs) don’t take smartphone cybersecurity as seriously as they do for their office and home computers, thus making attacking their phones appealing to cyber thieves.
Q: How to tell if your phone is hacked?
A: Signs of a hacked phone include unusual battery drain, increased data usage, unfamiliar apps or strange behavior like random pop-ups. Also, if your phone behaves erratically, crashes or your messages are sent without your knowledge, these could indicate unauthorized access.
You do not need to be a tech pro to recognize some basic signs that your phone may have been hacked:
- Your Phone is Malfunctioning – You know how your phone is supposed to work. A good rule of thumb is if something has changed in the way your phone operates, If strange software appears, you receive unexplained error messages or if simple functions are getting slow or cannot be executed, don’t run out and buy a new phone. The malfunctioning could simply be a sign that you’ve been hacked
- Loss of Battery Life – All phone batteries stop holding a charge sooner or later. They just wear out. But if you’ve had your phone for only a short time, unexpected battery drainage could signify that a hacker has installed an app running in the background
- Data Usage Has Increased – Many users are on phone plans that offer unlimited data. However, even if there is no chance of going over a limit, you should still be aware of your average data usage. A substantial increase in your phone’s data usage could mean a hacker has placed hidden apps on your phone, not just running in the background, but being used to connect to other parties without your knowledge, thereby consuming a lot of your data
- Mysterious Apps Appear – Be aware of every app you have installed on your phone. Your phone has probably been hacked if you see apps you don’t remember downloading
- Unfamiliar Texts or Calls – If you experience an increase in the number of mysterious texts or calls you receive from untrusted sources, your phone may have been compromised
- Pop Up Ads – Pop-up blockers have been around for a long time, so if you suddenly are receiving unwarranted pop-ups, it is likely from a malicious software attack
- Phone Becomes Hot – If your phone seems unusually hot, it could be because its resources are being taxed by hidden malicious code
- Websites Don’t Look Right – A malware attack on your phone could allow cybercriminals to redirect your web browsing to untrusted, insecure websites that are not where you intended to land. If websites look strange, it could be a sign that your phone has been hacked, and you are being directed to unsafe websites
Q: How can I secure my phone from hackers?
A: For optimal phone security, use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication and update your software regularly. Avoid downloading apps from untrusted sources, install antivirus software and lock your phone with a PIN or fingerprint to prevent unauthorized access.
iPhone Hacked - What to Do?
Unfortunately, cyber threat protection against hacks has become too complex for amateurs. Many essential considerations are beyond the expertise of even the most tech-savvy users. Professional IT security consulting is the best way to protect your business data. In addition, IT pros can offer mobile device management and help you devise a detailed cyber incident response plan in the event of an attack.
SMB owners would be wise to enlist the assistance of IT consulting services to help make informed and cost-conscious decisions about the specific system requirements that are best for their company. They can also ensure your system has strong network security from the start for all your networked devices. Robust security will keep them running as safely and efficiently as possible.
Q: How can phone hacking impact my business?
A: If your phone is hacked, attackers may access sensitive business information, customer data or financial records. They can use your phone to launch further attacks, steal intellectual property or compromise accounts, potentially leading to significant financial and reputational damage.
What’s the Best Way to Secure Company Phones?
iPhone hacked what to do? A good first step is calling an IT security service specializing in cyber threat protection, which can provide your SMB with powerful layers of security, making it more difficult for hackers to access your network. Therefore, your company’s data will be safer and less likely to be breached. They can also assess your cyber vulnerability and work with you to ensure you have the best network and data protection solutions for your business.
Connect with us if you’re looking for a Manhattan-area cybersecurity company or contact a small business IT security expert near you to learn more about how to tell if your phone is hacked and mobile device management for small or midsized businesses.