SIGNS OF PHONE BEING HACKED and TIPS TO BE SAFE & SECURE

 FEW SIGNS THAT YOUR PHONE HAS BEEN HACKED

Firstly, let we understand what is Spyware?

It is a type of malware that infects your PC or mobile device and gathers information about you, including the things you download, your passwords, payment information, emails you send & receive.  

“Mobile spyware has been around since mobile devices became mainstream.”

Now coming to the signs:

1. YOU WILL SEE THE APPS YOU DIDN'T DOWNLOAD

You notice apps on your smartphone you don't recognize or are sure you didn't download.

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2. PHONE ACTING STRANGELY

Your phone will start acting weird. 

Apps crash unexpectedly. Many sites look different then they usually do.

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3. STRANGE POPUPS

You will be noticing a lots of pop-ups appearing on your screen.

Just like on computers, some mobile device malware produces pop-ups windows asking the user to perform various actions. If you are seeing pop-ups, beware.

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4. YOUR PHONE GETS HOT

Your phone will heat up while gaming for hours, running any apps for long, etc.

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5. YOUR DEVICE IS SENDING OR RECEIVING STRANGE TEXT MESSAGES

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6. DATA BREACHED and/or LEAKS

Of course, if you have experienced some data leak you should always check to determine the source of the problem--and the process of checking obviously includes examining your smartphone.

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7. UNKNOWN PHONE NUMBERS IN YOUR "RECENT CALLS"

You can see unknown phone numbers in you call list. 

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8. YOUR PHONE BECOMES SLOW

You will be noticing your phone has suddenly become slow. There may be malware in the background.

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Now, How to be safe and secure: 

1.  Do not follow links in text messages. 

2.  If you use Android, install reliable anti-virus program. 

3.  Don't use public Wi-Fi network.  

4.  Always use 2 step verification.

5.  Don't make online purchases or funds transfers in public Wi-Fi networks. 

6.  Avoid email links and attachments when possible. 

7.  Change your passwords regularly and create a strong password.

8.  Stay away from unofficial app stores. 

9.  Never reuse your main email password. 

10. Only visit secure sites, always check "padlock and 'https' in the address bar". 

11. Shop from unknown websites only. 

12. While entering card details make sure you untick "save card details". 

13. Don't email your financial information. 

14. Provide apps with permission to access Phone Camera, Microphone, etc only when it's necessary. 

15. Install software updates, whenever available. 

16. Most important, use different passwords for different Social Media accounts.

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