Signs that your cell phone is being tapped

Today, smartphones have become the center of everything we do in our lives. From surfing Facebook, shopping online, sending emails, to sharing our deepest secrets, everything is wrapped up in that small device.

However, this convenience makes your phone an attractive target for malware. But imagine if a bad guy was silently monitoring you, collecting data, and eavesdropping on your every conversation? How would you know if your phone was being tapped?

While it's not easy to detect if your smartphone is being tracked, there are signs that can help you tell if your device is being controlled by a hacker.

Remember that experiencing some of these signs occasionally may be normal. It’s only when they become frequent and persistent that you should start investigating to protect yourself. Here are 7 signs to look out for:

1. Unusual sound during calls

If you hear strange sounds like unusual background noises during a call, clicking or beeping during a call, it could be a sign that your conversation is being recorded.

It’s possible that someone has set up call forwarding without your knowledge, or that malware is silently recording audio on your device. Sometimes these unusual sounds can simply be caused by a poor signal and are nothing to worry about. However, if they happen frequently and repeatedly, it’s a good idea to have your phone checked to make sure your data is safe.

2. Battery drains quickly and phone overheats

Does your phone get unusually hot and the battery drains quickly even when not in use? This can be normal if you're streaming videos or playing games for long periods of time.

However, if this happens even when your phone is in sleep mode, it could be infected with malware that could be silently sending data to a tracker. Check your phone's battery settings to see which apps are using the most power.

3. Unusual websites appear

Some types of malware can infiltrate your web browser by creating fake websites that look very similar to legitimate sites, in order to steal your login information as you enter it.

These types of scams are common because they exploit familiar user psychology and behavior in a sophisticated way. If you notice that the website you are visiting is unusual or the interface is different than before, be cautious and close that page immediately to protect your personal information.

4. Your phone won't turn off

If your phone is having trouble shutting down, this could be a sign that it is being monitored. Check to see if the backlight stays on even when the phone is off, or if the shutdown process is interrupted and fails.

Additionally, your phone shutting down or restarting for no apparent reason can also be a warning sign of potential problems. Don't ignore these signs, as they may be related to the security of your device.

5. Unusual text messages appear

Text messages containing gibberish or suspicious links could be a sign that spyware has been improperly installed on your device.

Instead of sending commands directly to the apps as intended, the program accidentally transmits them via SMS messages, revealing this unusual trace. If you notice this, check your device immediately to protect your personal information.

6. Camera and microphone automatically pop up

Be especially wary if your phone's camera or mic turns on for no apparent reason. If you see the camera light come on without any app using the camera open, this could be a sign that your device has been hacked.

Even more worrying, some malware even allows hackers to access the camera without activating the indicator light. So don't be subjective, check and investigate thoroughly to protect your privacy.

7. Data usage spikes

Spyware and malware frequently transmit data from your device to hackers, and this can cause a spike in data usage.

If you don't have an unlimited data plan, this can lead to significant extra costs. To protect your finances, check your phone bill carefully at the end of each billing cycle for any unusual increases in data usage.

How to protect your cell phone from being tapped

To avoid malicious apps, prioritize downloading apps from reputable developers on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Cybersecurity researchers are constantly discovering new apps that pose risks. So, to keep your mobile phone safe, follow these steps:

1. Turn on Airplane Mode:The first step to protecting your phone is to quickly switch toAirplane mode. This will immediately disconnect the device from the network, cutting off the hacker's remote access by disabling cellular data and Wi-Fi. Once you're safe, you can thoroughly inspect the device for any signs of abnormalities.

2. Remove suspicious apps:Check the list of apps on your phone and immediately delete any that you don't recognize or don't remember installing. Next, go to your battery settings to see which apps are consuming the most power. If you find any third-party apps that are using a lot of battery for no good reason, uninstall them immediately to protect your device.

3. Invest in good antivirus software:Protect your devices from threats by investing in a quality antivirus software. A reliable or high-security antivirus application will not only help prevent malware, but also protect all the devices you own, providing peace of mind in a risky digital world.

4. Update your phone regularly: Apple and Google typically release new versions of iOS and Android every year, but don't forget to take care of your phone in the time between major updates.

Important security patches are released regularly to fix vulnerabilities and protect your device from potential threats. Update your software regularly to ensure your device is always running the latest version of the operating system. Don't forget to update individual apps via the App Store or Play Store to optimize security and performance.

5. Use a virtual private network:Using a quality virtual private network (VPN) is an effective way to protect your privacy, keeping you anonymous from people trying to track your location or steal your IP address.

While some browsers and antivirus software already have built-in VPN functionality, choosing a dedicated VPN service for iOS or Android will provide a higher level of security. Combine a VPN with separate anti-malware software to optimize your device's security.

6. Turn on Lock Mode:If you suspect your device is being targeted by an organized attack, take enhanced security measures to protect your personal information.

For iPhone users,Lock modeis a great option. You can enable this feature by going toSettings > Privacy & Security > Lock mode, which disables some vulnerable features. Android users can join inGoogle Advanced Protection Program, providing an extra layer of security against sophisticated threats.

7. Restart in safe mode:Using safe mode is an effective way to boot your phone without activating any third-party apps. It allows you to test and uninstall suspicious apps without alerting hackers. To enter safe mode on an iPhone or Android, restart your device and hold down theTurn down the volume. This is a simple yet powerful step to protect your device.

8. Reset your phone to factory settings:If all else fails, resetting your phone to factory settings may be the last resort to get rid of any malicious programs that are attacking your phone.

Before proceeding, back up all important data, as this process will wipe out all information on the device. However, it is important to note that this method does not guarantee the removal of sophisticated malware, which can be hidden deep in the system. Consider carefully and seek professional help if necessary.