Your phone is slow. Weird pop-ups just show up. Or perhaps a friend texts you, “Did you just send me this weird link?” — and then it dawns on you: Might my device be hacked?
Cybercrooks are smarter than ever, and no device is completely safe. But the silver lining? There are indicators you can watch out for. Here’s how to identify the warning signs and act quickly.
RED FLAGS YOUR DEVICE MIGHT BE COMPROMISED
1️⃣ Unexplained Battery Drain or Overheating
If your phone suddenly begins heating up or the battery life drops quicker than expected — and you’re not gaming or streaming for hours — it might be because of unauthorized apps running in the background.
2️⃣ Pop-ups, Ads, and Redirects
Constant pop-ups or getting redirected to unfamiliar websites (even when you’re not using a browser)? That’s a telltale sign of adware or malware infection.
3️⃣ Slow Performance or Freezing
A sudden performance decline can indicate something’s taking over your system resources — usually a telltale sign of spyware or a malicious app.
4️⃣ Unknown Apps or Files
If you see apps or files you don’t recall installing, it might be the handiwork of a hacker attempting to get deeper access to your system.
5️⃣ Suspicious Activity on Accounts
Receiving login notifications from unknown devices? “Read” emails when you never opened them? Hackers tend to gain access to your accounts via your device.
6️⃣ Strange Data Consumption
Increased mobile data consumption may imply that malware is transferring your personal data to a third party without your knowledge.
7️⃣ Unexpected Charges
Premium SMS services or app downloads you never initiated? These may signal malware that’s charging your device.
8️⃣ Friends Receiving Spam Messages from You
When your friends tell you they’re receiving weird DMs, emails, or texts from you, it’s likely that your device or account has been hacked.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK YOU’VE BEEN HACKED
✅ 1. Disconnect From the Internet
Shut down the hacker’s access right away by disabling Wi-Fi and mobile data.
✅ 2. Delete Suspicious Apps
Remove any apps you did not download or those that were present just when the weird behavior began.
✅ 3. Scan With Antivirus/Antimalware Tools
Use reputable tools such as:
- Malwarebytes
- Avast Mobile Security
- Bitdefender
- Windows Defender
Perform a full scan and see the instructions through to remove any threats.
✅ 4. Change Your Passwords (From Another Device)
Change passwords for your email, banking, and cloud accounts — but from a safe device, not the possibly compromised one.
✅ 5. Turn On Two-Factor Authentication
This provides an added level of protection and keeps hackers at bay, even if they know your password.
✅ 6. Reboot Your Device
As a last option, backup critical data (not apps), and reset the device to factory settings to wipe out all malicious code.
HOW TO AVOID FUTURE HACKS
- Don’t click dodgy links or open unfamiliar attachments.
- Set strong, new passwords for all accounts.
- Maintain your OS, apps, and antivirus updated.
- Install apps from official stores (Google Play, App Store, etc.) only.
- Use a VPN when accessing public Wi-Fi.
WRAPPING UP
Early detection of a hack can save you from identity theft, financial loss, and digital ruin. Be careful, act quickly, and take care of your device like your digital castle — because in the connected world we live in today, it simply is.
