Are you worried that your phone's security has been compromised? If you are looking for pointers on how to know if your phone has been hacked, we are going to show you the way. We are also going to tell you everything about how to prevent phone hacking. Keep reading to see what we have for you.

Hacking of digital devices is on the rise, and phones are not an exception. If you have had the question “How do I know if my phone is hacked?” we have the answers. Read on to find out.

What is hacking

Hacking in technology simply refers to unauthorized access to one’s device, usually with malicious intent.

How to check if your phone is hacked

If you suspect that your device’s security might have been breached, look out for the following:

1. Strange popups

If your device keeps displaying popup advertisements more often than it did before, you might have adware on your phone.

2. Less storage space

If your device’s storage is suddenly less than expected, that might be the result of malicious software hiding in your device. For example, if your device is new with 32 gigabytes of internal storage but it is nearly full in spite of your personal files being few and/or small in size, it could be a sign.

How to check if your phone is being monitored

3. Lower battery life

If there is a drastic change in battery life, it could be a tell-tale sign. Malicious software, like all other software, needs battery power to operate, and they will drain your battery. Check your device’s battery usage history for suspicious activity as it tells you which apps have been using power.

READ ALSO: Citizens call for MTN boycott: Outrage over R2k data 'special'

4. Increased data usage

If your data usage hits a sudden spike, it could be the result of the same. The software could be sending communication back and forth between the hacker, which requires an internet connection. Like with the battery usage, check data usage for information on what could be causing this.

5. Slower operation

If your device suddenly becomes slower than it was before, it could be the result of malware installed on it. Since it operates in the background, it could cause this effect without your knowledge, even when doing something as simple as composing a message. Speaking of messages…

6. Unrecognized messages, calls, etc.

If your device suddenly begins making strange phone calls or sending messages without your authorization, it could be a malware. In some cases, this comes in the form of installed apps that you did not install yourself or even purchases that you did not authorize if your financial information is connected to your phone.

What to do if your phone is hacked

If you have checked and found that you have enough reasons to suspect that your device is compromised, there are a few things you can do.

1. Go through your apps

Scroll through your list of apps to find the ones that you do not remember installing or those that you do not trust and uninstall them. You could also find the app(s) that you installed most recently before the problem began.

2. Get rid of important information

If you have any important information or files on your phone, consider moving them somewhere safer or deleting them altogether. This is because there is a chance that the hacker is collecting the information that they could use to gain access to your accounts or, even worse, extort you through ransomware.

READ ALSO: Fact Check: Mashaba claims SA data prices are highest globally

3. Run a scan

You could conduct a sweep of your device using a reputable antivirus app. The keyword here is reputable. Find one with positive and organic reviews before downloading and using it.

4. Factory reset

If all else fails or if you do not mind losing whatever is stored on the device, you could opt for a factory reset. The process for this varies across particular makes and models, but it is relatively easy and will return your device to how it was when it was brand new.

How to prevent phone tracking

In order to prevent any of this from happening in the first place, we recommend the following:

• Regularly update your phone to its latest software
• Be careful of what you click on
• Make sure to only visit websites that are widely trusted and not suspicious
• Download apps only from the official store and avoid third-party app vendors
• Protect your device e.g. by using passcodes and patterns to prevent physical infiltration

That does it for this article on how to know if your phone is hacked. Did you find it informative? Has your device ever been hacked? How did you deal with it? Let us know in the comments section below!

READ ALSO:

• Meet the teen, 19, who founded SA's national team in robotics
• Ethiopia joins the space race after launching first satellite
• Kimbino: The new app you definitely need on your phone!