With the advancement of technology, the types of cyberattacks have also become more sophisticated. Therefore, when it comes to digital security, prevention is always better than cure.

A very common type of attack in recent years has been device tracking. This occurs with the installation of an intrusive application that monitors activities and forwards data, without authorization, to companies or even to scammers.

Also known as spyware, they pose various risks to smartphone users, ranging from data leaks and consumer profile information to the theft of bank or social media passwords.

But, after all, how do you know if your smartphone has been hacked? How to prevent this type of action? The answer to this question is simple: keep reading and find out in the article that we, from the CodeBlog team, have prepared for you.

#KeepAnEyeOut: 7 signs that your device may have been hacked:

1. Performance has dropped:

When a spy app is installed on a device, it starts collecting data and working in the background, consuming a large portion of the smartphone's resources. As a result, devices suffer a sudden drop in performance and begin to run slowly.
Therefore, if you notice a sudden drop in your phone's performance without any apparent reason (such as full memory, for example), immediately contact technical assistance.

2. Battery life has decreased:

It is natural that, with use, a device's battery will last less and drain more quickly.
However, sudden drops in battery health or life span should not be considered normal.
As mentioned earlier, spy software consumes a lot of resources to operate in the background and, as a consequence, causes a sharp drop in battery, on both Android and iPhone devices.
If you notice this type of situation, the most recommended action is to access your app list and check for any strange apps that you did not install yourself.

3. Mobile data usage has increased:

Intrusive apps need to be updated frequently to continue operating and collecting your information.
In practice, this means they demand a large amount of mobile data. Therefore, if you notice unusual data consumption on your Android or iPhone, pay attention! This is a strong indicator that your device may be under attack!

4. Overheating:

Generally, the temperature of devices increases when they process a lot of data, whether running demanding applications, playing games, or performing tasks that require a lot of processor power.
This increase can also occur during charging or on extremely hot days. But, pay attention, this should not happen when the device is idle or performing light tasks. Therefore, if you notice sudden overheating in your device, you might be a victim of spyware.

5. Suspicious messages:

Receiving suspicious SMS messages is also a strong indicator of a hack. Hackers often use messages with letters and numbers, which look like codes, to communicate with the devices and generate the commands they need to collect information.
For example, if a cybercriminal needs your exact location, they can request it by sending a message with a predetermined code combination. To avoid this type of action, do not click on any links presented in these messages. Most of the time, they are fake and lead to malware downloads.

6. Searches in browser history:

A relatively simple way to identify if your device has been hacked is to check the smartphone's browsing history to identify the presence of any spyware.
After all, in most cases, hackers use browsers, such as Google Chrome and Safari, to download intrusive apps.

7. Problems turning off or restarting the device:

For cybercriminals, turning off devices can cause problems and limit intrusions; therefore, they often complicate this process and even use applications that prevent users from executing these actions.
Therefore, if your device shows any kind of difficulty during shut down or restart attempts, redouble your attention and seek technical support.

How to protect your device from spy apps

Now that you know the major signs that your device may be monitored without your consent, check out the tips we have prepared to prevent this type of action.

1. Avoid leaving your phone unlocked:

Generally, installing spy apps usually requires direct access to smartphones, meaning they are installed on devices by people close to you, such as partners, ex-partners, coworkers, etc.
In light of this fact, the most recommended step is to protect your phone with a password, biometric, or facial recognition and avoid leaving the device unlocked anywhere.

2. Install an antivirus and ensure it is always updated:

Digital criminals frequently work to make malware more sophisticated and stronger.
Therefore, it is essential that your device has an updated antivirus.
After all, updates patch security loopholes and provide new features, ensuring the devices' safety against the latest types of attacks.

3. Do not allow the installation of applications from external sources:

On Android smartphones, it is possible to disable the installation of applications from external sources (which are installed outside the Google Play Store).
This is an important action to prevent attacks and protect devices from spy app installations, as spyware apps are not typically made available on Google's official app store.

4. Beware of suspicious links sent via WhatsApp or other social networks:

Messaging apps, like WhatsApp, are frequently used to commit digital crimes. Criminals send messages containing shortened malicious URLs that hide suspicious domains and disguise infected files, facilitating scams.

By clicking on these links, the user may believe they are accessing a promotional website or a platform with advantages, such as claiming gifts or discounts. However, they are falling victim to digital espionage and allowing a spy app to be installed on the device.

5. Do not click on unfamiliar advertisements:

Many fake advertisements are used as bait to lure users into clicking on suspicious links and then installing spyware on their devices.
To make the action as realistic as possible, criminals take advantage of the credibility of recognized companies to create fake ads and redirect victims to download apps or access infected websites.
To protect yourself, the best approach is to always be suspicious of products with prices far below the market rate or unbelievable discounts.
In these cases, precaution is essential. Before clicking directly on the link sent, visit the official website of the company and check if the offer actually exists.

6. Make backups frequently:

Even though a backup does not stop cybercriminals' actions, this measure helps to minimize the damage caused by spyware, especially since, in most cases, victims of digital espionage need to format the device or even change devices.
Considering that formatting erases all files, keeping your backups updated is important to ensure the recovery of files, images, contact information, and other smartphone data.

Anyway, dear reader, we hope these tips can help strengthen your digital security, prevent, and identify possible spyware attacks on your device.
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A big hug and see you in the next post!