What’s Wrong with My Phone? Signs Your Phone Is Hacked

Summary: If your phone behavior and performance has changed, it could be due to a virus. Cybercriminals can put malware on phones, so it’s important to recognize the signs that your cell phone has been hacked.

Can Phones Get Viruses?

Mobile devices can perform many of the same tasks as desktop and laptop computers. They have become versatile to the point where some users no longer feel the need to own computers. You might not be ready to give up your PC, but the more you use your cell phone, the more likely you are to fall victim to a cyberattack. All computers, phones, laptops and tablets can become infected with viruses that help cybercriminals steal data, credit card numbers, account logins and passwords, emails and more.

Finding Malware on Phones

Unlike desktop and laptop computers, phones are less likely to have strong antivirus software installed to protect them. However, the potential for an attack is real, and data breaches from adware, ransomware and spyware can spread to other connected devices on the business network, or even to clients and partners. There are many symptoms that could indicate your phone is infected. The following are some signs that your cell phone is hacked:

• Overheating – Functioning phones should not overheat. Overheating usually indicates your cell phone is being overworked. In the case of a hack, your phone may be working in the background without your knowledge. If your phone is overheating and you are not using it, you should turn it off immediately. Even if you have not been hacked, a hot cell phone can lead to an electrical short, burn out a component or, in the worst-case scenario, burst into flames or explode.
• Battery Drains – Similar to an overheating phone, unexpected battery drains or reduced battery life can also be caused by malware working in the background. If your battery isn’t old, a sudden power drain or need for a charge could be a sign of an infected device.
• Slowdowns – If previously simple tasks suddenly take much longer to perform or apps take a long time to load, the reason is typically the same as the cause of battery drains and overheating: malware might be running in the background and overworking your phone’s processors. There are limits on how much work your processors can perform. Eventually, overworking can lead to your device crashing.
• Pop-Up Ads – If relentless pop-up advertisements plague your phone, it could be a sign of malware infection. Do not click on pop-up ads. Although pop-up ads probably mean your phone has already been infected, clicking on them could open the door for much more aggressive attacks.
• Inexplicable Phone Charges – If you find charges on your phone bill that you have not authorized, contact your wireless carrier to dispute them. If cybercriminals hijack your phone, they can manipulate it to produce fees on your bill or credit card statements. A little extra diligence when checking your bills can mitigate the extent of a cybercrime going forward.
• Mystery Apps – Applications downloaded to your phone can potentially include hidden malicious downloads. If you suddenly find an app on your phone you never wanted, check your app list on your phone and delete (without opening) any you do not recognize. If you are unsure if the app is essential for phone function, check with your IT technician.
• Weak Connections and Dropped Calls – If your phone has been attacked with malware, the stability of your signal can be affected. If your other connected devices are not experiencing poor connections, it might indicate that your phone is the lone target…so far. Unchecked, an infected phone can be the entry point for a network-wide compromise.

Many users do not consider cyber security for their cell phones as part of regular IT maintenance. Instead, they often assume their computer system and network security are protected through a phone carrier. But, in the ever-expanding “Internet of Things” (IoT) every device connected to your network is considered a vulnerable endpoint and potential access point through which a cyberthief can attack and breach your data. This includes smart home items like thermostats, robotic vacuums, security cameras and more.

The number 1 best practice for preventing phishing, ransomware and malware cyberattacks is always to think before you click. Hackers count on users to be impulsive, rushed and easily drawn into clicking on ads, links and downloads without checking credentials or authenticity. A subset of the “think before you click” rule is never to accept an offer presented by an app unless you are sure it is from a reputable source. When in doubt, pass it up. Visit the website an alternate way to see if the offer is available there, too. Research the legitimacy of an app and read a variety of user reviews before taking the risk of downloading it. Furthermore, any unexpected requests for any personal information should be ignored unless you are 100% certain of the source of the request and the purpose for which the data will be used.

Mobile device management is an essential part of your computer network system security. Cell phones are as vulnerable as any devices connected to your network. Without proper cyber protection, using a cell phone in public or logging onto public WiFi without using a virtual private network (VPN) makes it even more vulnerable to a cell phone hack and could lead to a broader attack landscape for hackers, threatening your entire network.

Ask your IT technician to install a reputable VPN and security software on your device and have them show you how to use it. These steps will help keep your mobile devices safe and keep valuable personal and company data safe.