Can Someone Hack my Smartphone?

Discover Key Signs of a Compromised Phone
Pop-Ups, Unusual Behavior, New Apps

How To Keep Your Mobile Device Secure.

Updated: February 3, 2025
By: RSH Web Editorial Staff

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Hacked Smartphone?

People seem to forget that everything is hackable. And the truth is, Hackers have a multitude of ways to hack into your smartphone without ever actually touching it. If a malicious hacker is not stopped from getting into your phone, they could steal sensitive data stored inside. This may include your contacts, bank info, places you visited, your emails. The list goes on and on.

It is also important to remember that your cell phone Service Provider are very attractive targets for those hackers. Remember the Photo Leak that happened from iCloud, where a bunch of celebrities had their photos posted all over the Internet?

Everything Is Hackable

Yes, your smartphone can be hacked. In today’s digital world, everything is hackable, including personal devices. Hackers exploit vulnerabilities in apps, operating systems, and even weak passwords to gain access to your private information. With sophisticated techniques like phishing and malware, they can breach your phone’s security. To safeguard your data, it’s crucial to stay updated on security practices, use strong passwords, and install trusted software. Always stay vigilant against cyber threats.

Hacked Without your Knowledge

More often the hack will occur without your knowledge. And It's not just you. With the use of more cell phones and tablets in the workplace today. Hackers attempt to attack businesses through vulnerabilities in these devices. And a breach that originated through a mobile device is unlikely to be detected or worse reported by the employees.

A worrying fact is that most Businesses do not know just how many of employee devices has been hacked.

Have You Been Hacked?

Determining whether your smartphone has been hacked requires careful observation of unusual behaviors or activities. Signs may include sudden battery drain, unexpected data usage, or unfamiliar apps appearing on your device. If you notice frequent crashes, sluggish performance, or unusual pop-ups, these could also indicate a compromise. Additionally, receiving strange texts or emails from your accounts might suggest unauthorized access. To protect your device, regularly update its software, use strong passwords, and avoid downloading apps from untrusted sources. If suspicions persist, consider running antivirus scans or seeking professional assistance to secure your smartphone and personal data effectively.

Performance Differences

Does it seem that your device is operating slower? Web pages and apps longer to load? Does your battery never seem to keep a charge? Are you exceeding your normal limits with your data plan? These are signs that you could have malware running in the background. You may have downloaded a bad app, or clicked on a dangerous link from a email or text message.

Noticeable Decrease in Battery Life

It is normal for a battery to wear down over time and become less efficient. But this is over a long period of time. If you had your phone for only a few months then something is wrong. You can check by running through these steps for improving your Android or iPhone battery life.

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Smartphone Running Hot?

If your smartphone is running unusually hot, it could indicate several underlying issues. Excessive heat often occurs when the device is running demanding apps or processes for an extended period, causing the CPU to work harder and generate more heat. Poor ventilation or a protective case that traps heat can also contribute to overheating. In some cases, background apps running unnecessarily or malware might be using resources, causing the device to heat up. To address this, close unnecessary apps, remove the case temporarily, and ensure your phone's software is up to date. If overheating persists, consider restarting your phone or conducting a factory reset as a last resort to resolve any software glitches causing the issue.

Your Smartphone Acting Strange

If you have been experiencing some unusual behavior from your device, or you received some strange text messages, That could be another sign that something is happening. Although, it can be normal to experience some strange behavior with apps. But look out for your devices suddenly start acting strange.

Mystery Apps

Apps add functionality to your devices, but they can increase the risk of breaches. Especially if they are downloaded from suspicious websites or strange text messages instead of an approved App store. Neither Apple nor Google can possibly scan every single app to determine if it is malicious or not. Hackers may be using your Smartphone to send emails or texts. They can also spread their malware to your contacts. One way to protect yourself is to limit the number of apps you install. The more apps you have increases what is called "The Attack Surface On Your Smartphone". Meaning that there are more lines of code on your device and therefore there is higher incidence that is going to be a "Security Critical Bug" somewhere within that large amount of coding.

Pop-ups, Screen Savers

Malware can be behind pop-ups. If your smartphone displays unexpected pop-ups, changes to screen savers, or bookmarks that you didn't set, it's likely been compromised. These signs often indicate that malicious software or unauthorized access has altered your device settings. Hackers may inject ads through pop-ups, modify screen savers to display unwanted content, or alter bookmarks to lead you to suspicious websites. To address this, first, disconnect from any Wi-Fi or mobile networks to prevent further potential data exposure. Next, scan your device using reputable antivirus software to detect and remove any malware. Resetting your browser settings and checking for unauthorized app installations can also help restore security. Finally, ensure your smartphone's operating system is up to date and avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading apps from untrusted sources to prevent future compromises.

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Websites Look Different

If malware has installed that is "Proxying" on your device.

If your smartphone shows that websites look different than usual, it could be a sign of a hack or compromise. Hackers often alter the appearance of websites you visit by injecting malicious scripts or redirecting your browser to fake sites that mimic legitimate ones. This tactic, known as phishing, aims to steal your login credentials or personal information. If you notice unfamiliar layouts, strange ads, or prompts asking for sensitive information on websites you normally trust, it's crucial to take immediate action. Disconnect from the internet, clear your browser cache and cookies, and run a thorough antivirus scan on your device. Check for any unauthorized app installations and reset your browser settings to default. Lastly, ensure your smartphone's software is updated and be cautious of clicking on links from unknown sources to prevent further compromises.

Apps Stop Working Properly

If certain apps suddenly stop working, this may also be a sign of proxying or other malware interfering with the apps functionality. A simple restart may be the answer for what to do if an app keeps stopping. Try turning off your device and then turning it back on. If that doesn’t get your app working, perform a power cycle on your device.

Unexpected Charges

When hackers gain control of your smartphone through malware or unauthorized access, they can exploit it to make expensive calls by using it as a remote proxy. This method allows them to route calls through your device without your knowledge, using your phone number and potentially running up significant charges on your behalf. Hackers might exploit vulnerabilities in your phone's operating system or install malicious apps that grant them remote access. To mitigate this risk, regularly update your phone's software, use strong passwords, and avoid downloading apps from untrusted sources. Monitor your phone bill for any unusual call charges and promptly report any suspicious activity to your service provider. Taking these precautions can help protect your device from being used as a tool for unauthorized and costly activities by hackers.

15 Clear Signs Your Phone Was Hacked

A YouTube video about Smartphone being hacked.

How to Know if You've Been Hacked? If you think your smartphone is your private zone, you may be very wrong. So far, there is no such device that can’t be hacked. To reduce the potential risks, we figured out three things: the ways your phone can be hacked, how to recognize them, and how to protect your phone from hackers.

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How to Avoid being Hacked

Phone hacking can compromise your identity and privacy without you even knowing. Your cell phone holds some of your most sensitive personal information. One way is to set your phone to lock when you are not using it and create a PIN or passcode to unlock it.

Bluetooth

Switch off your Bluetooth in public places. If you do use Bluetooth, make sure that your devices are not set to "Discoverable". Do not pair devices in Public. This is in case someone is scanning you while you make the connection. Restrict access to known paired devices if possible. Never accept files transmitted via Bluetooth from unknown or suspicious sources.

Unsecure Wi-Fi

Public unsecured Wi-Fi are great traps for your device. If you do need to use a public Wi-Fi,, see about restricting your activities. Never make any banking activity or payments of any kind over a public connection. Doing so will expose you and your details. Be extra careful while using a public Wi-Fi.

Warning Messages

Pay attention to the warning message your device gives you. With iPhone, a warning will come up saying that the "Server Identity Cannot be Verified" and ask if you still want to connect. You will be prompted to click “continue” before you can join the Wi-Fi. And despite the warnings, it seems that 92 percent of people click to continue. Your phone has a lot of good built in technology that try to warn you when you are going to make a poor security decision. But what we see is people are very conditioned to just click through and ignore the warnings.

Operating System

Despite the best intentions of Device Manufacturers. Vulnerabilities are there which could give hackers access. Device manufacturers release operating system updates frequently to protect users. Always install operating system updates as soon as they are available.
Apple Support: Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
Android Help: Check and update your Android version

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Tips To Protect Your Smartphone

  • • Do not download questionable apps. Look at reviews and research before installing
  • • Keep your operating system and apps updated to fix security vulnerabilities
  • • Use strong, unique passwords and enable biometric authentication where available
  • • Do not leave your smartphone or tablet unattended
  • • Install reputable antivirus software and regularly scan your device for malware
  • • Do not leave your device in view when not using it, even if it is on your seat or table
  • • Be cautious of suspicious links, emails, and attachments that could contain malware
  • • Do not forget that many apps connect to the Internet in the background, so you should check your settings to be sure of what information is being sent
  • Enable two-factor authentication on your accounts for an added layer of security
  • • Do not use easily guessable PINs, like birthdays, basic defaults like “0000” or “1234.”
  • • Disable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when not in use to prevent unauthorized access
  • • Do not jailbreak your phone
  • • Use a VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks to encrypt your data
  • • Back up your data regularly to protect against data loss in case of a breach
  • • Review app permissions and revoke access to unnecessary data or features
  • • Enable remote tracking and wiping of your device in case it's lost or stolen
  • • Be wary of social engineering tactics used to trick you into revealing personal information
  • • Securely log out of accounts and apps after use, especially on shared devices
  • • Educate yourself about common hacking techniques and stay informed about cybersecurity best practices to stay ahead of potential threats

Summary

Physical access is the easiest way for hackers to corrupt your phone. If you can keep your phone with you, a hacker will have to work much harder to get in.

As silly as this seems. People do store their passwords on the devices. Don't store passwords on your device. Use a secure password manager if you need to. These services allow you to store all your secure credentials in a digital vault.

Frequently clear your browsing history. They store personal information about you. Cookies remember the websites you visit. The purchases you make and more. Advertisers do, and hackers will use this information to their advantage. So to improve your privacy, delete them regularly.

Use a passcode lock and or use a complex passwords

Enable a lost device tracking service. If you lose your device, you can use a lost device finder to trace its current location. Some phones have a native application built in, while others may need a third-party app to add this feature.

Keep all apps up to date. Even the best apps can have programming bugs that hackers could exploit. Updates come with bug fixes to protect you from these risks. The same applies to your phone's OS. Update your phone often.

Consider using a privacy filter, which effectively blocks the view of your screen from people sitting either side of you. An example is the 3M product.

Author Bio:

Being a creative blog writer and social media expert with a wealth of experience in content creation for websites...

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