Author Information

👨‍💻 Author: Amal Aji

Age: 23

Profession: Computer Science Engineer

Skills: Python Full Stack Developer, Digital Marketer, Cybersecurity Enthusiast

I create helpful tech content, cybersecurity guides, and digital safety tips to help people stay safe in the online world.

How to know if our phone is hacked

Hello friends, in today’s modern world, technology is growing rapidly. Almost everyone — adults, kids, and teens — has a mobile phone and access to the internet. By using smartphones, we gain many advantages. They allow us to connect with the real world, access knowledge on various topics, and understand different cultures. Smartphones also help build communities and enhance learning opportunities. Nowadays, smartphones have become an essential part of human life, and it is difficult to imagine daily life without them.

However, along with these benefits, there are also many demerits and serious risks that we often ignore. One of the biggest dangers is the increasing number of cyber‑attacks targeting mobile phones. Hackers use several techniques to steal personal data, spy on users, access banking information, and even take complete control of the device. Many people are unaware that their phones can be hacked through simple methods such as malicious apps, unsafe Wi-Fi networks, phishing links, fake messages, and infected websites.

Understanding how these attacks work is extremely important. When we know how hackers target our smartphones, we can protect our data, our privacy, and our digital identity more effectively. In this article, we will see how phones get hacked, the common signs of a hacked device, and the best practices to stay safe in the digital world.

Signs your phone is hacked

Hackers use many intelligent and hidden techniques to break into smartphones. Most people don’t even realize when their device gets compromised. Below are the most common and dangerous methods used by hackers to hack mobile phones:

Sudden battery drain
Mobile heating abnormally
Unknown apps appearing
Pop-ups and auto-downloads
Unusual data usage
Accounts being logged out automatically
Phone behaving on its own

How hackers hack phones

1️⃣ Phishing Links (Fake Messages & Emails)

Hackers send fake SMS, WhatsApp messages, emails, or social media DMs with harmful links. Once you click the link, malware gets installed, or the attacker can steal your login details.

Examples:

Your bank account is blocked—verify now.
Congratulations! You won a gift—click to claim.
Fake delivery tracking messages.

📣 Must-Read: How to Detect Phishing Links in WhatsApp

If you use WhatsApp and want to stay safe from online scams, read this comprehensive guide to learn how to spot phishing links and secure your account.

Topics covered: identifying fake links, avoiding scams, protecting your data, and improving mobile security in 2025.

👉 Read the Full Article Now

2️⃣ Malicious/Untrusted Apps

Some apps available outside the Google Play Store or App Store contain hidden spyware.

Hackers use such apps to:

Record your screen
Steal passwords
Access photos/videos
Track your location

This is one of the most common methods used today.

3️⃣ Public Wi‑Fi Attacks (Man‑in‑the‑Middle)

When you connect to free public Wi‑Fi networks, your data becomes vulnerable. These networks are usually found in:

Cafes
Malls
Bus stations
Hotels

Hackers on the same network can intercept your data, including:

WhatsApp chats
Login credentials
Banking information

This attack is called MITM (Man‑in‑the‑Middle).

4️⃣ Fake Apps That Look Real

Some apps imitate popular apps and trick users into installing them. These fake apps often look exactly like:

Facebook
Instagram
PUBG
Banking apps

Apps downloaded outside Google Play Store/App Store may contain hidden spyware.

Steals passwords
Tracks your GPS location
Records your screen
Accesses photos/videos

Once installed, the hacker gets full access to your data.

5️⃣ Spyware Hidden in Images, Videos & APK Files

Hackers can hide spyware inside harmless-looking files such as:

Images
PDF files
Video files
APK files

Even opening these files can infect your phone.

6️⃣ SIM Card Hijacking (SIM Swap Attack)

Hackers trick the mobile operator and transfer your phone number to their SIM card. Once successful, they can:

Bypass OTPs
Access bank accounts
Reset your passwords

This attack is becoming more common and dangerous.

7️⃣ Bluetooth Hacking

When Bluetooth is left ON, hackers nearby can exploit your device through:

Device visibility
File-sharing options
Vulnerabilities in older Android versions

They can send malicious files or connect to your phone without permission.

8️⃣ Keylogger Malware

Keyloggers record everything you type, including:

Passwords
Messages
Credit card numbers

This malware is often hidden inside “free premium apps” or modified game APKs.

9️⃣ Fake Charging Stations (Juice Jacking)

Hackers use infected charging ports in public places. When you plug your phone in, your data can be copied silently.

🔟 Social Engineering Attacks

Sometimes hacking happens without any malware. Hackers simply trick people into revealing personal information.

Example:

“Sir, I’m calling from your bank. Can you confirm your OTP?”

Real Examples of Phone Hacking

📌 Example 1: WhatsApp Account Hijacked via OTP

A hacker pretends to be a friend and asks for an OTP, which actually logs them into your WhatsApp account.

📌 Example 2: Online Seller Lost Money Through Fake Payment Screenshot

Hackers use edited screenshots and trick sellers into sending items without actual payment.

📌 Example 3: Instagram Account Hacked Through Fake Verification Badge

User receives a “Blue Tick Verification” link. After login, the hacker takes over the account.

📌 Example 4: SIM Swap Used for Bank Robbery

Victim’s SIM card was swapped. Hacker received all OTPs and transferred money from bank accounts.

🛡️ How to Protect Your Mobile

✔️ 1. Install Apps Only From Trusted Sources

Google Play Store
Apple App Store

Avoid third-party APK websites and modded apps.

✔️ 2. Disable Bluetooth & Wi-Fi When Not in Use

This prevents unauthorized access from nearby hackers.

✔️ 3. Use Strong Screen Locks

PIN
Fingerprint
Face Unlock

✔️ 4. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Even if your password is leaked, your account remains protected.

✔️ 5. Update Your Phone Regularly

Updates fix security bugs and protect your device from new attacks.

✔️ 6. Avoid Public Charging Stations

Carry your own charger or power bank to prevent juice jacking.

✔️ 7. Use Antivirus or Security Apps

They detect spyware, malware, and harmful apps.

✔️ 8. Avoid Clicking Unknown Links

Hackers often send phishing links through SMS, WhatsApp, and email.

Best Cybersecurity Tips for Everyone

🔐 Always Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Do not use the same password for all apps.

🚫 Never Share OTP With Anyone

Banks, UPI apps, or telecom companies never ask for OTP.

📵 Avoid Connecting to Free Public Wi-Fi

Use mobile data or a VPN.

⚠️ Don’t Click Unknown Links or Offers

“You won ₹5,000” scams are designed to steal your data.

🛑 Disable “Install Unknown Apps”

This blocks apps from outside Play Store.

🔎 Check App Permissions

Disable unnecessary access like microphone, camera, location.

💾 Backup Data Regularly

Helps recover files if your phone is hacked.

🔗 Related Posts)

📢 Disclaimer

This article is created for educational and awareness purposes only. The information provided here is intended to help users understand how cyberattacks work and how to protect their devices. We do not promote hacking, unethical activities, or any illegal behavior.

Readers are advised to use this knowledge responsibly and comply with all local laws and cybersecurity regulations. The author and website will not be held responsible for any misuse of the information shared in this article.