By the time you find out your iPhone or Android has been hacked, the hacker might have already accessed a good amount of your data. When you think about all of the data your phone collects, such as passwords to bank accounts, social media accounts with access to your contacts, and so much more, it’s obvious that a breach of your data can lead down a very dangerous path.
The sooner you find out your device has been compromised, the quicker you can take steps to resolve the issue by changing all of your passwords and contacting credit cards companies and your bank (if necessary). Luckily, there are some obvious telltale signs that your iPhone or Android has been hacked. If any of these four things happen, investigate to find out if your phone has been hacked.
1. Unexplained Data Usage
Your phone uses up data, obviously, with all of the many apps you use. But if your phone’s data is even higher than usual, it could be because of malicious software installed on your device that is running in the background.
2. Constant Low Battery
You probably have some idea about how much battery power your phone loses each day between the time you remove it from the charger and the time you charge it again. You may be used to it lasting from morning until night, or a lot sooner. But when your phone has been hacked, you can expect your battery to deplete far faster than usual. If a hacker has installed malicious software on your device, this will run up your data and your battery charge.
3. Suspicious Charges On Your Account
Why is your credit card bill suddenly showing strange charges linked to your Apple account? The reason could very well be a hacker is purchasing products and footing you the bill. Hackers tend to start off charging only small amounts to not raise your suspicions before gradually or suddenly increasing those amounts. Don’t ignore any suspicious charge, even if it’s a few dollars.
4. Unauthorized Apps
Another sign of malware or a hacked device is apps that you didn’t download but that are appearing mysteriously on your phone. These apps may be used to spy on you and log your data. Delete these apps immediately, update your software, and change all of your passwords.
