If you have come this far, you are probably wondering if your mobile has been hacked. And it is that these days, there are many ways to easily obtain information from other people through their mobile devices. Hackers are getting more and more creative when it comes to finding ways to collect sensitive data.

In general, mobile malware has been on the rise . Once this malware is available, other hackers can use it to exploit compromised devices. This malicious software can include spyware that monitors the content of a device, programs that take advantage of the Internet bandwidth of a device to use it in a botnet to send spam, or phishing screens that steal the login data of a user entering a legitimate application that has been compromised. If you think your phone might have been hacked, we recommend that you read on.

Signs that indicate that your mobile has been hacked

Noticeable decrease in battery life

While the battery life of a phone inevitably decreases over time, a smartphone that has been compromised by certain types of malware can begin to show a significantly shorter lifespan. This is because this malicious software may be using phone resources to scan the device and transmit the information to a criminal server, reducing or draining the phone’s battery.

Unknown apps

If you find applications that you have not downloaded, or calls, texts and emails that you have not heard , it is likely that there is a hacker on your mobile system. They may be using the device to send premium rate calls or messages, or to spread malware to all of your contacts.

Increase in data usage

Similar to the previous one. Most of us spend an average monthly mobile data expense, with few exceptions – such as travel – mainly because we do the same things every month on the network. We are animals of habit after all. If you find that your data usage has increased or even runs out quickly, your phone may have been compromised by some form of malware. And it is that an increase in the use of data could indicate that another device is transmitting data from your device to theirs. The first thing you should do is delete any new apps that you have downloaded.

Slow performance

If you notice that the phone responds slower than usual or even some apps crash or crash, it could be due to malware, which is overloading the phone’s resources. You may also experience applications running continuously despite multiple attempts to close them, or even causing the phone to crash or restart repeatedly. To rule out other than daily use, first of all, thoroughly clean your mobile.

Pop-ups or strange screen savers

Malware can also hide behind spammy pop-ups, home screen changes, or suspicious website bookmarks. In fact, if you see any configuration changes that you haven’t personally made, you’ll notice that it’s another big clue that your phone has been hacked.

If you have experienced any of these symptoms and you think your mobile has been hacked, the best (and first) thing you can do first of all is download a mobile security app. Security applications will not only search for malware, but will also offer a firewall, VPN, and a function to request a PIN every time you use certain applications, preventing malware from opening sensitive applications such as your bank account.