All this wealth of data also attracts threat actors looking to commit identity theft and fraud. ESET malware researcher Lukas Stefanko shared his knowledge on this subject with users.
How can your phone be hacked?
Check if your phone has been compromised
There are several signs that your smartphone may have been compromised. According to ESET malware researcher Lukas Stefanko: “The most common signs of a device being compromised are the battery draining faster than usual, experiencing spikes in your internet data usage even though your browsing habits have not changed, your GPS capability or your internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data) ) can be enabled or disabled on its own, and random ad pop-ups or unknown apps are installed without your authorization.”
Another sign is when apps that were working well before start to behave strangely, including suddenly closing and restarting, or failing completely and showing unexpected errors. Other signs that your device has been compromised are when you start receiving strange calls or strange messages, your phone automatically tries to call or text premium international numbers. You can sometimes see them in your outgoing call list. Let’s not forget one of the most obvious signs: if your Android phone has been compromised by ransomware, you may not be able to log into your phone.
Keep malware out of your phone
- Update both your operating system and apps as the latest versions become available,
- Secure a backup of your data in case your device is compromised keep it safe,
- use a reputable mobile security solution with a proven track record to protect you from most threats,
- stay connected to the official store when downloading apps, and always make sure to check reviews of both the app and its developer
- Be aware of common tactics cybercriminals use to infiltrate and compromise devices.
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