TWO changes to your smartphone may mean you’ve been hacked – but you’ll need to spot the clues.
Cyber-experts have revealed some of the warning signs that your device has been infiltrated by criminals.
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There are two major signs that something is awry, according to an official memo from Keeper Security.
One is when you start receiving mysterious text messages containg two-factor authentication codes.
They’re the codes you receive when you try to log in to something.
If you’re receiving those without requesting them yourself, it’s very possible that a crook has obtained one of your passwords.
“This means someone is attempting to gain access to one of your accounts,” explained Keeper Security cyber-expert Aranza Trevino.
“Because a cybercriminal has malware installed on your device, they’ll be able to see the 2FA codes as you receive them, which they can then use to successfully gain access to your account.”
Check your accounts for any unusual activity.
For instance, some services like Google or Facebook will alert you when a strange device is trying to log into your account.
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This could be a sign that you need to change your password.
Another potential warning sign is when you see the green status bar light on your iPhone – or the green camera symbol on an Android.
In isolation, these indicators aren’t anything to worry about.
They simply switch on when your camera is being used by an app or service.
But if you can’t find any good reason why your camera is active, you may have downloaded “malware”.
“You’ve probably noticed that when you use your phone’s camera, there’s a light that turns on to indicate that the camera is being used,” Aranza explained.
“If you’re not using your camera and you notice that your phone’s camera indicator light is on, this may be a sign your phone is hacked.
“With a type of malware called spyware, cybercriminals can spy on you and even gain access to your device’s camera.”
When you see these indicators, be sure to tap into their settings to find out which app has triggered it.
If it doesn’t make sense that an app should be actively using your camera, it might be time to delete it.
According to Keeper Security, other clues include:
- Unusual or inappropriate pop-ups
- Sudden spike in data usage
- New apps on your phone that you don’t remember downloading
- Sudden spike in battery usage
- Inability to log into your accounts
Many of these signs aren’t guarantees that you’ve been hacked, but they all point to the possibility of a cyber-attack.
So make sure to always investigate them to rule out criminal activity on your phone.
Act fast
If you think your phone has been compromised, it’s important to act quickly.
Keeper Security advises users to change their passwords “immediately”.
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Consider uninstalling suspicious apps, especially if you don’t remember downloading them.
And in extreme cases where you’re sure your device is hacked and you can’t seem to clear the malware, try factory resetting your smartphone.
