1. Your Battery Drains Frequently
Sometimes, when people have a battery that drains a lot and quickly, they automatically assume it's dead or needs to be replaced. However, it's an issue worth looking deeper into. A suddenly draining battery can sometimes be a sign that your phone has been hacked or infected with malware.
When someone gains unauthorized access to your device, they might install hidden software that runs in the background by constantly using your phone's resources without your knowledge. These apps can perform activities like tracking your location, recording your keystrokes, or sending data to external servers, all of which use up battery power much faster than normal. If your phone is losing charge even when you're not using it, or if it feels unusually warm, it could be a red flag.
2. You Have Unwanted Apps On Your Phone
There are few things more unsettling tech-wise than when you're going through your smartphone's homepage, swiping through your apps, and seeing apps that you did not download.
If you start noticing apps on your phone that you don't remember downloading, it could be a warning that it's been hacked. Hackers often install data-stealing apps to monitor your activity or gain access to your phone. Tech experts warn that these apps might not always look suspicious, as they can be disguised as games or system utilities. Seeing new icons on your home screen or in your app list without your permission should always raise concern.
If this happens to you, don't ignore it, and take time to delete the unfamiliar apps immediately, change your passwords, and consider going to your local store location that specializes in your smartphone for additional safety tips. You can also keep up to date with software updates to ensure your device has the latest security features and settings.