Hacked Smartphone? The Phone Hacked Signs You Need to Know

Summary: This 3-minute article explains the warning signs of a hacked smartphone. Learn how professional mobile device management, performed by IT experts, can lock down your smartphone and other networked devices. Contact GEEKAID Computer and Network Support at https://www.geek-aid.com/ for professional IT consulting services to assess your cyber vulnerabilities and provide robust mobile device security.

Hackers love to attack smartphones. Why? Because our phones now contain storage for and access to a very large amount of our most private data. Passwords, bank accounts, credit cards and other personal information stored on smartphones have become the “low hanging fruit” for cyber criminals. The target attack landscape for hackers continues to expand as users add new devices to their networks every day.

The good news is that if you pay attention, you might be able to save your phone and your data before it’s too late.

Signs of a Hacked Smartphone

• Your Data Usage Has Increased – Many people have unlimited data plans for their cell phones. However, sudden and dramatic increases in data usage can still be an indicator your phone has been hacked. If you do not have an unlimited data plan, but you never hit your data limit and suddenly, your phone bill shows a significant increase, you might be the victim of a security breach. A hacker might have placed hidden apps on your phone that allow them to connect to other parties without your knowledge, consuming a lot of your data.
• Mysterious Apps Appear – Sometimes the apps hackers use are not hidden. You must be aware of every app you have installed on your phone. Makes sure they are all from trusted sources. But if you see apps that you don’t remember downloading, your phone has probably been hacked. Disable or delete the app and contact IT professionals to assess the nature of the attack.
• Your Smartphone is Malfunctioning – Is your phone doing strange things you’ve never seen before? You know how your phone is supposed to work. If strange software appears, you receive unexplained or unusual error messages or if simple functions are slow or cannot be executed, you might not need a new phone. These types of malfunctions could be a sign you’ve been hacked.
• Your Battery Life is Degrading – All cell phone batteries wear out sooner or later. However, if you’ve had your phone for only a short time, unexpected battery drainage could be a sign that a hacker has installed an app that is running in the background even when you are not using your phone.
• Suspicious Calls or Texts – A hacked smartphone can be sending texts to all of your contacts without your knowledge. If you can see the suspicious texts, delete them without opening them. If you receive many calls from unknown callers, do not answer them. It would be prudent to contact IT experts to ascertain if the problem can be resolved or if you must purchase a new phone.
• Phone Runs Hot – If your smartphone is unusually hot, even when you’re not using it, you may have fallen victim to a hack.
• Redirection to Suspicious Websites – A phone infected with malware can redirect your online activities to unsafe websites that are capable of further infecting your device and network.

Cybercriminals continue to refine their attack strategies and exploit every new vulnerability presented by changes in IT technology. Also, any networked device can spread hacks throughout your home or business network, thereby compromising other devices along the way.

Cyber security is now a complex matter. SMBs 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 your company. They can also ensure your system has strong network security from the start and lock down smartphones and other devices before your data is breached. In addition, IT professionals can help you define your computer system priorities by department. Finally, when required, onsite IT support will help keep your system up and running as safely and efficiently as possible.

GEEK-AID^® Computer and Network Support specializes in customized computer network installation, integration, upgrades, maintenance and repair for small to midsized businesses. GEEK-AID^®'s team of experts is comprised of top specialists in different areas of IT services, serving clients onsite and remotely for Macs, PCs and all your connected devices, including new ones that are part of the ever-expanding IoT. Also, they can provide mobile device management to lock down and monitor your smartphones. GEEK-AID^®'s IT professionals can tell you what to do if your iPhone is hacked or your android is frozen. They can answer your IT questions from “Is cloud storage right for my business?” to “Is it safe to add more devices to my network?”. More importantly, when your business network goes down, they will perform onsite computer repairs if required. And the GEEK-AID^® team doesn't clock out at five o'clock on Friday. They are available to you 24/7, remotely or in person, to ensure your computers, network and data stay up-to-date, healthy and secure. As your business grows, expands its network and adds more devices such as smart controls, smart devices, wireless access and remote access, your network's cybercrime vulnerability and need for cyber security will grow, too. IT support is not just for emergencies. In addition to integrating your system operations and maintaining hardware, software and security, employee training must also be ongoing. New users and new devices will require additional training to use those devices efficiently. Hardware and software installation and maintenance, repair, cyber security and network protection are inter-related concerns. They must be addressed consistently and proactively to best support the seamless operation of your company, minimizing costly and time-consuming IT-related mistakes.

Call (877) GEEK-AID (877-433-5243) to discuss how they can help you prevent all your endpoint devices from being attacked.