What to Do If Your Phone Has Been Hacked: Essential Steps to Secure Your Data
Our smartphones are repositories of personal and sensitive information, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals. Discovering that your phone has been hacked can be alarming, but taking prompt action can help minimise damage and secure your data. In this blog, we'll outline the essential steps you should take if you suspect your phone has been hacked and how you can protect yourself from future cyber threats.
Signs Your Phone Might Be Hacked
Before diving into the steps to take, it's important to recognise the signs that your phone might be hacked:
Unusual data usage
Unexpected pop-ups or ads
Apps you didn’t install
Battery draining quickly
Slow performance
Immediate Steps to Take
Disconnect from the Internet: The first step is to disconnect your phone from the internet. Turn off Wi-Fi and mobile data to prevent the hacker from continuing to access your information.
Run a Security Scan: Use a reputable mobile security app to run a scan and identify any malicious software. Many security apps offer real-time protection and can detect suspicious activity.
Remove Suspicious Apps: Check your phone for any apps you don’t remember installing. Remove any unfamiliar or suspicious apps immediately, as they may be the source of the hack.
Change Passwords: Change the passwords for your accounts, starting with your email and financial accounts. Use strong, unique passwords for each account and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) where possible.
Reporting the Hack
Reach out to your mobile carrier to report the hack. They can help secure your account and may offer further security measures. In Australia, you can report cybercrimes to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) or your local law enforcement. Providing details of the hack can help authorities track down cybercriminals and prevent future incidents.
Restoring and Securing Your Phone
If the hack is severe, consider performing a factory reset on your phone. This will erase all data and restore your phone to its original settings. Be sure to back up important data before proceeding. After a factory reset, reinstall apps from trusted sources only. Avoid downloading apps from third-party websites, as they may contain malware.
Preventative Measures
Regular Software Updates: Keep your phone’s operating system and apps up-to-date. Updates often include security patches that protect against vulnerabilities.
Using Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication: Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts and enable 2FA. This adds an extra layer of security and makes it harder for hackers to gain access
Avoiding Suspicious Links and Downloads: Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading files from unknown sources. Cybercriminals often use phishing tactics to trick users into installing malware.
Having your phone hacked can be a distressing experience, but taking immediate action can help secure your data and prevent further damage. By following these steps and implementing preventative measures, you can protect yourself from future cyber threats.
At TCD, we offer comprehensive cybersecurity services to help you safeguard your digital life. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you stay secure.
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This is Part of our Cyber Security awareness educational campaign. Through this training, you will learn awareness and key principles, and best practices to protect yourself, your organisation, and the public from cyber attackers. You will also be equipped with the knowledge to identify potential threats and take action before any damage can occur.