Nowadays, hackers have shifted their attention to a new target: mobile phones. As these devices have become more prevalent in our lives, they have also become a treasure trove of personal information. With so much valuable data stored in one small device, your phone has become an attractive prospect for hackers!
Mobile phones have become a prime target for hackers, which is why it’s crucial to protect your devices. Check out our blog for five effective ways to keep your sensitive information secure on your phone. Let’s dive in!
Have you ever wondered why hackers are focusing on mobile phones?
A recent report reveals that mobile phone traffic holds the biggest market share at 65.57% of all mobile traffic. This explains why hackers are turning their attention to mobile phones for cybersecurity attacks on individuals and organizations.
Credentials to Steal
Stealing passwords is an absolute guarantee to infiltrate a corporate network. Cybercriminals frequently employ phishing attacks to obtain valuable data such as login details, credit card information, and more. With the majority of individuals relying on their smartphones to handle emails, hackers find it more convenient to exploit these devices..
Organizational Data to Obtain
In a report released in May 2023, it was revealed that about 40% of small businesses suffered data loss as a result of cyberattacks. Given that a considerable amount of office tasks are carried out on mobile phones, hackers have an easier time targeting these devices to obtain sensitive operational data.
 Spying
When a mobile phone is hacked, it can be used for spying by unauthorized individuals. They can easily manipulate the device’s microphone or camera, posing a threat to the privacy of the owner and potentially violating the privacy of others.
Transmitting Malware
Hackers often take advantage of mobile phones to spread malware, infecting the device and creating a pathway for accessing the corporate network.
What Are the Ways Your Phone Can Be Hacked?
It’s important to be aware of how easily hackers can deceive individuals into sharing sensitive information. Unfortunately, mobile phones are particularly vulnerable to such tactics. Let me shed light on a few methods through which your phone can be hacked.
Phishing
User credentials are frequently compromised by hackers using phishing attacks, which are typically conducted via email or text. These stolen passwords are then utilized by cybercriminals to breach personal accounts and corporate networks.
Tracking Software
Hackers employ keyloggers and spyware to keep track of keystrokes or record overall device activity. This is a popular method that hackers utilize to pilfer personal data through mobile phones.
Utilizing Bluetooth and Public WiFi
Public WiFi networks and unfamiliar Bluetooth connections pose a significant security risk as they are more vulnerable to interception by hackers.
Your phone can be vulnerable to hacking in several different ways, but typically, the attack is triggered by a malicious file, software, or link.
Signs to Look Out for if Your Phone Has Been Hacked
Here are a few typical indicators to spot phone hacking:
- Seeing too many pop-ups could mean your device has adware, and interacting with them might make the situation worse.
- Receiving unexpected calls or texts from unknown numbers could indicate a data breach has occurred.
- Have you noticed a significant increase in your data usage lately? It’s possible that there’s a malicious app running in the background, causing this sudden surge.
- Is your phone’s battery draining faster than usual? It could be due to some unwanted apps that are installed on your device.
- Is your phone heating up? There could be harmful software running in the background.
- Hacking attempts may be indicated by unusual phone performance.
- When your usual websites have a different appearance, it could mean that your infected phone is redirecting you to malicious websites.
- If you notice unusually high phone bills, it might mean that your phone has been hacked.
- It’s important to be cautious of any unknown apps on your phone, as they might be malicious.
Here are 5 effective ways to safeguard your phone from potential hacking attempts:
1.Opt for Secure Passwords
It’s recommended to utilize complex sequences and passphrases instead of simple passwords. The harder it is to crack a password, the safer your information will be. Employing password managers is a reliable method to generate, store, and handle your login details. Additionally, you can enhance security by implementing 2FA (two-factor authentication).
2.Update your system
It’s important to regularly update your mobile phone by installing software updates, patches, and bug fixes. By doing so, you can make sure that your device is secure and protected against any potential vulnerabilities or hacking attempts.
3.Protect your computer with Antivirus Software
Safeguarding your mobile phone all by yourself can be quite a task. But worry not! With antivirus software, you have a reliable ally. It can scan your device regularly, detecting and eradicating any malicious software, ensuring real-time protection.
4.Delete Cookies and Clear Browsing History
Clearing your browsing history and cookies helps minimize your online footprint. This way, you can protect your personal information from cybercriminals.
5.Ensure your online security with the use of a VPN
Your network security is ensured with a virtual private network (VPN). By encrypting your network traffic, a dependable VPN grants you full anonymity, even while using public WiFi.
Moreover, practicing safe browsing habits is essential. Stay away from suspicious links and refrain from downloading software from unreliable sources. Make sure to turn off your WiFi and Bluetooth when you’re not using them. Keeping a close watch on your phone can also prevent security breaches. To enhance your safety, consider using a VPN with TextNow for secure communication.
Not sure what to do if your phone has been hacked?
If you have any suspicions that your phone has been hacked, here are a few steps you can take to protect yourself:
- It’s a good idea to uninstall any apps that seem suspicious or unknown to you.
- Make sure to block any unwanted calls and mark them as spam.
- If your bill is higher than usual, consider canceling any subscriptions you may have.
- It’s important to conduct a scan using an anti-malware application.
- Make sure to back up all your important data before restoring your phone to its factory settings. Make sure you keep all your important information safe and sound.
- Don’t forget to reset all of your passwords, from your account credentials to your phone passcode.
- It’s important to inform both your friends and service provider about this.
In conclusion
In summary, cybercriminals find it easier to hack mobile phones nowadays, and the growing popularity of these devices only adds to their advantage. But don’t worry, by taking a few simple security precautions, you can safeguard your phone from these attacks and keep your valuable data safe from breaches and hacking attempts.
