How to know if phone security is compromised
The phone tapping case, which has been making headlines in Telangana, has sparked concerns about the privacy and security of mobile phones.
Therefore, it's essential to recognize signs of phone security issues and understand how to respond if your phone is compromised.
Sign 1: Unusual sounds during calls
Unusual sounds like clicking, static, or distant voices during phone calls may indicate snooping. Such occurrences are uncommon on digital network phones. Fragmentary voices could suggest tapping.
Sign 2: Cameras and Microphones turn on randomly
If you've noticed an orange or green dot at the top of your iPhone or Samsung's screen, it indicates that the phone uses a microphone or camera.
While legitimate apps may require such access, unexpected toggling of these indicators could suggest that your phone's security has been compromised, potentially resulting in unauthorised recording.
Sign 3: Decreased battery capacity
Decreased battery performance can signal a bugged cell phone. When compromised, a mobile phone records conversations and activities, transmitting them to a third party. This leaves a footprint, causing increased battery usage and faster drainage
Sign 4: Phone shows activity when not in use
If your phone is making noises or lighting up without your interaction, receiving calls and notifications despite being in silent mode, and rebooting spontaneously (with automatic updates off), it could indicate remote access by someone else.
Sign 5: Websites look different
Websites on your phone appearing differently might indicate malware interference.
Sign 6: Battery feels warm
If your phone feels warm even when not in use, it could be secretly transmitting data, potentially indicating compromise.
Sign 7: You receive unusual texts
Receiving strange text messages with random numbers, symbols, or characters could signal spy software's remote-control feature.
Normally, these texts are hidden, but if the software malfunctions, they may become visible. Regular occurrence suggests the potential presence of a spy app on your phone.
Sign 8: Phone takes a long time to shut down
If your smartphone takes longer than usual to shut down, especially after a call, text, email, or web browsing, it might be transmitting data to a third party before powering off completely.
Sign 9: Increased data usage
Less reliable spy apps may consume additional data to transmit the collected information from your phone.
Watch for any unexplained increase in your monthly data usage, as this could be a sign of such activity. While more advanced spy software might be harder to detect in terms of data usage, lower-quality programs often exhibit significant spikes in data consumption
What should you do if your phone security is compromised?
- Turn on Flight mode
- Thoroughly scan your phone
- Do a factory reset
- Use third-party spyware trackers
Smartphone security tips:
- Keep your phone locked
- Create a strong password for your phone and apps
- Uninstall unused or suspicious applications
- Be wary of text messages
- Ensure your apps are from reputable sources
- Use a VPN on the network
- Keep your device’s OS up-to-date
- Connect to secure Wi-Fi
- Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when not in use more