Apple / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET
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Your smartphone, a device that most of us handle hundreds of times a day, is far more than just a communication tool or entertainment hub. It contains an immense amount of personal information — from private messages, photos, and financial data to passwords, contact lists, and even location history. Because of this enormous repository of sensitive and confidential material, mobile phones have become prime targets for cybercriminals who specialize in exploiting every available weakness to gain unauthorized access. These hackers often use sophisticated tactics, ranging from malicious applications disguised as legitimate software to phishing websites designed to trick you into divulging credentials. Once infected, your device can fall under the control of spyware, a silent attacker that monitors every digital move you make. This raises an essential question for every smartphone user: how can you determine whether your phone has been compromised, tapped, or is being secretly monitored?
Additionally, consider this alarming statistic: nearly half of all cyberattacks originate within web browsers, underscoring the crucial need to follow best practices for safe digital behavior. Amy Clark, the managing editor of the respected consumer review platform Techreport, has compiled an in-depth and practical guide examining the risks of mobile phone hacking. Her guide not only outlines clear indicators that a device may have been infiltrated but also provides actionable instructions on how to mitigate harm and reclaim digital control.
### Warning Signs of a Phone Hack
1. **Battery Depletes Faster Than Usual**
Spyware and other intrusive forms of malware can continuously operate in the background of your smartphone, constantly transmitting information to remote servers controlled by hackers. This constant background activity consumes significant energy, meaning you may notice your battery level dropping much faster than it normally should. If your phone’s power drains rapidly despite light usage or after routine updates, it may be a warning sign. Take advantage of the built-in battery settings on your device to carefully monitor which apps or processes are consuming the most power. An unexplained spike could indicate hidden surveillance software.
2. **Unusual Slowness or Lagging Performance**
A smartphone that suddenly becomes sluggish, frequently freezes, or has apps crashing without cause may have been compromised. Malware often corrupts system resources, overloading the processor and interfering with ordinary operations. To assess this, pay close attention to how long it takes for common tasks — such as launching frequently used apps or opening settings — compared to previous performance. Prolonged delays or repetitive glitches should raise immediate suspicion of malicious interference.
3. **Unexpected or Unrecognized Logins**
Social media platforms and online services sometimes issue automated notices when they detect suspicious sign-ins, such as those occurring at odd hours or originating from unfamiliar geographic locations. If you receive one of these alerts, it could signal that a hacker has already infiltrated your device and is attempting to access your accounts remotely. In such circumstances, it is essential to act swiftly: change the compromised passwords using strong, unique alternatives and enable multi-factor authentication where possible. This limits additional breaches from the same attacker.
4. **Reduced Available Storage Space**
Even though spyware typically conceals itself deep within your system, it often consumes a portion of your device’s storage capacity while saving and transmitting stolen data. If you notice a decrease in free storage despite not installing new apps or downloading large files, investigate further. Open your storage settings and evaluate recent changes. An anomalous increase in used space could be evidence of covert software running in the background.
5. **Presence of Apps You Never Installed**
One of the most visible danger signals is finding unfamiliar applications on your phone that you do not recall installing. Cyber intruders may covertly load programs that support espionage or provide them with remote access. Conduct a thorough review of all installed apps, checking each for authenticity. If any seem suspicious or unrecognized, delete them immediately and consider scanning the device with reputable mobile security software.
### How to Respond if You Suspect a Hack
When facing possible evidence of infiltration, quick and decisive action is vital. Amy Clark suggests a clever method involving **USSD codes** — short numeric commands offered by mobile carriers that allow users to perform diagnostic tests, retrieve account information, or modify system settings directly from the phone’s keypad. Typically, these codes are used to check balances or activate services, but they can also be leveraged to reveal call redirection, a frequent indicator of hacking activity.
For instance, certain USSD codes can instantly show whether your incoming calls are being secretly forwarded to another number — a telltale sign someone might be intercepting your communications. Complementary codes can also cancel these suspicious forwarding commands, thereby restoring control over your phone.
Understanding the two main types of call forwarding helps clarify these functions. *Conditional forwarding* triggers under specific scenarios, such as when your phone is off, unreachable, or you deliberately miss a call. *Unconditional forwarding*, in contrast, permanently redirects all incoming calls regardless of your phone’s availability. Using USSD commands can expose and disable both forms.
Executing a USSD code is straightforward: open your Phone app, navigate to the keypad, type the specific sequence, and press the Call button if required. Each code corresponds to a specific diagnostic or corrective action.
Below are several particularly useful examples highlighted by Clark:
– **\*#06#** – Displays your phone’s unique IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number. This identifier is indispensable if you must file a report with your mobile carrier or law enforcement regarding a suspected hack.
– **\*#61#** – Reveals whether your missed calls and messages are being redirected, showing the number currently receiving them. If it lists an unfamiliar number, conditional call forwarding is active, meaning those attempts are being diverted.
– **##61#** – Disables missed call forwarding. After entering this code, repeat \*#61# to verify that the redirection has been deactivated. Clark tested this function successfully on Android devices.
– **\*#62#** – Indicates if calls are being forwarded when your device is powered off or out of range, along with the destination number.
– **##62#** – Cancels this type of forwarding, ensuring that unavailable-call redirections are halted.
– **\*#21#** – Displays any unconditional call forwarding activity, showing whether all calls are rerouted universally.
– **##21#** – Deactivates unconditional call forwarding. After using this, it may be wise to consult your mobile carrier to confirm there is no ongoing suspicious manipulation related to your SIM.
– **\*#004#** – Consolidates all forwarding details, listing both conditional and unconditional redirection settings for voice, text, and voicemail. It serves as an all-inclusive diagnostic command.
– **##002#** – Erases every form of call forwarding active on your line. This universal reset code is particularly useful if other deactivation attempts haven’t worked.
– **\*2767\*3855#** or **\*#\*#7780#\*#\*** – Executes a full factory reset on Android devices, wiping the system clean and eliminating any residual malware. This option should only be used once backups have been completed because it erases all personal data.
Of course, both Android and iPhone users have the option to perform a factory reset manually through device menus. On an iPhone, simply navigate to *Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone*, then select *Erase All Content and Settings*. On Android phones, access *Settings > Reset Options* (or a similarly named setting), and follow the prompts to restore the phone to its factory state. Whether through USSD codes or manual options, resetting removes malicious modifications and reinstates system integrity.
Finally, to maintain an ongoing defense against future threats, consider additional proactive habits such as rebooting your smartphone daily to disrupt potential zero-click exploits. Regularly updating your operating system and applications, practicing caution when installing new software, and staying informed through trusted technology resources like Tech Today will together form a formidable shield against digital intrusion.
Stay continually informed and ahead of the curve with Tech Today — the reliable morning digest that ensures you never miss essential updates in technology and cybersecurity.
Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/5-warning-signs-that-your-phones-been-hacked-and-how-to-fight-back/
