Protect Your Privacy: Simple Steps How To Check Your Mobile Is Hacked
In today’s digital age, mobile phones have become an integral part of our lives. We use them for communication, banking, shopping, and storing personal information. Unfortunately, hackers have also recognized the value of mobile devices and their potential for accessing sensitive data. It is crucial to be aware of the signs that your mobile phone may have been hacked. In this article, we will explore in detail How To Check Your Mobile Is Hacked and provide practical steps to keep it safe from such threats.
What is Mobile Phone Hacking?
Mobile phone hacking refers to the unauthorized access or manipulation of someone’s mobile phone or its data without their permission. This can include stealing personal information, manipulating device features, and installing malware or spyware on the device. Hackers can use various methods, such as phishing scams, malicious links, and exploiting vulnerabilities in phone operating systems or applications to gain access to the device’s sensitive data. It is illegal and can have serious consequences for both the hacker and the victim, including identity theft, financial loss, and privacy violations.
How To Know Your Mobile Is Hacked?
There are some common behaviour that make you ensure that your Mobile Is Hacked:
- Unexpected battery drain: If your phone’s battery is depleting faster than usual, it could be a sign of malware or hacking activity.
- Slow performance: A hacked phone may experience sluggish performance, such as slow app launches, freezes, or crashes.
- Unusual data usage: If your data usage suddenly increases without any apparent reason, it could indicate unauthorized background activities.
- Unknown apps and files: Check your phone’s app list and file directory for any unfamiliar or suspicious apps or files that you didn’t install.
- Strange behavior: Look out for unexpected pop-ups, ads, messages, unusual changes in settings, or unexplained system or app behavior.
- Excessive data pop-ups: If you notice frequent pop-ups for data plan purchases or subscription services, it could be a sign of a hacked phone.
- Unexplained calls or messages: If you receive strange calls or messages from unknown numbers, it could indicate a compromised device.
- Overheating: A hacked phone may experience excessive heat, even when not in heavy use, due to malicious activities running in the background.
- Unusual battery drain during standby: If your phone’s battery drains quickly even when it’s not in use, it could be a sign of hacking.
- Sudden appearance of unknown apps: If you notice new apps on your phone that you didn’t download, it could be a sign of unauthorized access.
How Hackers Hack Your Mobile Phone?
Hackers employ various methods to gain unauthorized access to your mobile phone. One prevalent technique involves sending malicious links through social media platforms, such as WhatsApp or Telegram. These links are often disguised as attractive offers, important information, useful applications, or even provocative content.
Once you click on the link and install the app, the hacker gains full control over your device, just like a remote access application. The installed app remains hidden on your phone, continually transmitting sensitive information to the hacker without your knowledge. Even if you uninstall the hidden application, the hacker can still maintain control over your phone.
How To Find The Hidden Application?
Thankfully, there are tools available to detect hidden applications on your phone. M-Kavach 2 is a reliable software solution designed explicitly for this purpose. Here are the simple steps to find hidden applications using M-Kavach 2 and eScan Mobile Security:
Using M-Kavach 2:
- Step One: Download M-Kavach 2 – Go to the official website or app store and download the M-Kavach 2 app on your mobile phone.
- Step Two: Install and Launch the App – Once downloaded, install the M-Kavach 2 app and open it on your device. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up the app.
- Step Three: Scan Your Device – In the M-Kavach 2 app, navigate to the scanning option and select ‘Scan Device.’ The app will now scan your phone for any hidden or suspicious applications.
- Step Four: Review Scan Results – After the scan is complete, the app will display the results, listing any hidden applications found on your device. It will provide details about the suspicious app and its potential risks.
- Step Five: Remove Hidden Applications – If any hidden applications are detected, you can choose to remove them directly from the M-Kavach 2 app. Follow the prompts to uninstall the identified apps and remove any potential threats.
Using eScan Mobile Security:
- Step One: Download eScan Mobile Security – Visit the official website or app store to download and install the eScan Mobile Security app on your mobile phone.
- Step Two: Install and Launch the App – Once the app is installed, launch it on your device. Follow the initial setup instructions to configure the app.
- Step Three: Perform a Full Scan – In the eScan Mobile Security app, locate the scanning feature and select ‘Full Scan’ or ‘Deep Scan.’ This will initiate a thorough scan of your device, including hidden applications.
- Step Four: Check the Scan Results – After the scan is completed, the app will display a report indicating any hidden or suspicious applications found on your phone. It will provide information about the hidden app and potential risks associated with it.
- Step Five: Uninstall Hidden Applications – If any hidden applications are detected, you can choose to uninstall them directly from the eScan Mobile Security app. Follow the provided instructions to remove the identified apps and eliminate any potential threats.
How To Remove The Hidden Application?
Once you have identified the hidden application, it is crucial to take immediate action to remove it from your phone. To do this, navigate to the application manager in your phone’s settings. Look for any suspicious app that you do not recognize or remember installing. Uninstall the app, ensuring that you take note of the app’s name for future reference. In certain cases, the hidden app might have administrator privileges, which can make it difficult to uninstall through regular means. In such instances, you may need to perform a factory reset on your phone to completely eradicate the hidden application.
What to Do If You Suspect Your Phone Is Hacked?
After uninstalling a hidden application, it is necessary to take the following precautions to ensure the security of your phone and personal information:
- Disconnect from the Internet: Disconnecting from the Internet protects your phone from unauthorized access, safeguarding sensitive information. Stay proactive by disabling Wi-Fi and mobile data if you suspect any compromise.
- Change Passwords and MPINs: Update all your login passwords and MPINs associated with sensitive applications, such as banking, email, social media, or any other accounts. This step is crucial to prevent unauthorized access to your data, even if the hidden app had access to your passwords.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for your important accounts, if available. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a verification code in addition to your password when logging in.
- Update your Antivirus: Ensure that your antivirus software is up to date. Regularly updating your antivirus helps protect your device from potential threats and hidden apps in the future.
- Be Cautious of App Permissions: When installing new applications, carefully review the permissions requested by each app. Avoid granting unnecessary permissions that could compromise your privacy and security.
- Perform a Full Reset: If you don’t feel safe then Consider performing a Hard reset of your phone to erase all data and settings. This step helps eliminate any lingering traces of the hidden app. Note that this action will delete all your data, so make sure to back up essential files before proceeding.
- Install Trusted Apps Only: Stick to reliable and trusted app sources, such as official app stores like Google Play Store or Apple App Store, to minimize the risk of downloading hidden or malicious apps.
- Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your phone’s operating system and all installed apps. These updates often include security patches that address vulnerabilities and protect your device from potential threats.
What Hackers Can Do After Hacking Your Phone?
Once a hacker gains control over your mobile phone, they can exploit it in numerous ways. Some potential actions include:
- Stealing Personal and Financial Information: Hackers can access your personal information, such as contacts, emails, messages, and even sensitive financial data. This information can be used for identity theft, fraud, or other malicious activities.
- Eavesdropping: Hackers can remotely activate the microphone on your phone, allowing them to listen in on your conversations without your knowledge. This invasion of privacy can compromise personal or professional discussions.
- Unauthorized Photo and Video Capture: A compromised phone can be manipulated by hackers to discreetly capture photos or videos without your consent, violating your privacy and potentially exposing sensitive content.
- Botnet Infiltration: Hackers can use your phone as part of a larger network of infected devices called a botnet. This network can be exploited to carry out coordinated attacks, send spam emails, or engage in other malicious activities.
How To Keep Safe From These Types Of Hacking?
Protecting your mobile phone from hacking attempts requires a proactive approach to security. Here are some essential steps you can take:
- Download Apps Only From Trusted Sources: Stick to official app stores, such as the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, to minimize the risk of downloading malicious applications.
- Use Strong Passwords and Lock Screen Patterns: Set a strong password or pattern lock on your phone to prevent unauthorized access. Avoid using easily guessable passwords or patterns containing personal information.
- Keep Your Phone and Apps Up-to-date: Regularly update your mobile phone’s operating system and applications. Updates often contain security patches that address known vulnerabilities, reducing the risk of hacking.
- Be Cautious of Suspicious Links and Downloads: Avoid clicking on links or downloading apps from unverified sources. Exercise caution when receiving unsolicited messages or emails, especially if they contain attractive offers or dubious content.
Conclusion
Securing your mobile phone from hacking attempts should be a priority in this digital age. By being vigilant and following the proactive measures outlined in this article, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to hackers. Regularly check for hidden applications, keep your phone and apps updated, and adopt safe browsing habits. Remember, prevention is always better than dealing with the aftermath of a compromised phone. Safeguard your personal information and ensure the privacy of your digital life.