What to do if your phone has been hacked 

In today's digital age, our smartphones are more than just communication devices—they're basically personal vaults, holding everything from photos and contacts to banking details and private messages. Unfortunately, as technology advances, so do the tactics of cybercriminals. Today, phone hacking is more commonplace than ever.


But don't worry; if you suspect your phone has been compromised, there are steps you can take to regain control and secure your data. Verizon Security Advisor experts are here to help with all sorts of security issues. In this blog, we'll walk you through the signs of a hacked phone, immediate actions to take, and preventive measures to protect your device from future threats. These expert tips will help you navigate the complexities of digital security and keep your personal information safe. 


Read on, and we'll provide all the knowledge you need to tackle this modern menace head-on. 


How to check if your phone has been hacked 

Need to determine whether your phone has been hacked? Follow these steps to see if your phone might be compromised: 


• Check for suspicious calls, emails, or texts: Watch out for unsolicited messages, emails, or calls asking for personal information or containing suspicious links, as they could be hacking attempts. 

• Look for unusual activity or strange settings: Regularly review your phone's settings for any changes or unusual activity. Make sure everything aligns with your preferences. If you notice apps you didn’t install or find changes to your settings that you didn’t make, it could be a sign of unauthorized access to your device. 

• Scan for viruses and malware: Use reputable antivirus software to thoroughly scan your device. It can detect and remove any malicious programs that might have been installed without your knowledge. 

Other signs your phone has been hacked 

There are a few other signs that your phone may have been hacked to keep an eye out for.  


• Unusual battery drain: If your phone's battery is depleting faster than usual, it could be a sign that malicious software is running in the background. Verizon Mobile Protect customers can check battery health here.

• Unexpected pop-ups or ads: Frequent pop-ups or intrusive ads, especially when you're not using any apps or browsing, might indicate that malware is present on your device. 
• Unexplained data usage: A sudden spike in data usage, particularly if you haven’t changed your usage habits, could suggest that your phone is sending out data without your consent. 

What to do if your phone has been hacked 

If you think your phone may have been hacked, you should take immediate steps for your privacy and security. Simply follow these steps: 


Contact your network provider or mobile carrier  

Reach out to your network provider as soon as possible, so they can help you secure your account. Verizon Security Advisor experts can offer guidance on how to protect your network and accounts. 


Change your passwords and remove suspicious apps 

Immediately update the passwords for all your online accounts, including email and social media. Delete any suspicious apps or files that could further compromise your device. 


Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) 

Activate 2FA on all your accounts to add an extra layer of security. This requires a secondary verification method, such as a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password. 


Utilize antivirus software and security patches 

As a Verizon Digital Secure subscriber, you can use the app to access security scans on iOS devices, and anti-virus scans on Android devices. Use these to find and eliminate virus and security threats as soon as possible. You should also regularly update your software to ensure you have the latest security patches. 


Last resort: Factory reset your device 

If all else fails and you're unable to regain control of your phone, consider performing a factory reset. This will erase all data from your device, so ensure you have a backup before proceeding. For step-by-step instructions, Call or chat with a Verizon Security Advisor expert today.