I know that you are interested in knowing how to fix a hacked Android phone. Well, whether you feel your phone was hacked, or you just discovered some common signs of a hacked Android phone. Then you should worry no more as we have got you covered today.
It is well known that Cybercriminals regularly use various means to hack android devices for fraud or for fun.
However, it is unsafe to continue using a hacked Android phone. So, it would be best if you learned how to unhack your phone, as well as every other thing about a hacked Android phone.
Is my Phone Hacked? The Major Signs
The process involved in Hacking a mobile device is not obvious and visible. Most hackers often act unnoticed to collect as much valuable information as possible. Therefore, you should watch out for the signs below;
- You will notice abundant ad appearances, including ad-free apps.
- When your Mobile device performance has dropped significantly.
- Whenever you notice that your data consumption has increased.
- The phone battery consumption increased.
- There is noticeable heating of the device during operation or inactivity.
- As soon as you discover activities like the spontaneous launch of applications or sending messages and calls to unfamiliar numbers.
- When you are unable to disconnect or restart the mobile device.
- When you cannot disconnect mobile or wireless data transmission.
- Your phone starts receiving messages with links or confirmation of a banking transaction.
- Funds are debited from the bank account.
How to Fix a Hacked Android Phone
My phone was hacked; how do I fix it? So, below are the steps to help owners of hacked or jailbroken devices.
By the way, these recommendations will also allow you to secure the device and reduce the likelihood of successful hacking of the device again in the future.
So, follow them to fix your hacked android phone as soon as possible;
-
Scan the Phone with an Antivirus
Antiviruses are often used to identify malicious or potentially dangerous applications. So, it is advisable to install such a program in advance and also set up a schedule for automatic system scanning.
These antiviruses monitor suspicious actions during the installation or updating of applications. It also indicates the existing potential risks that attackers might use to hack.
-
Remove Dangerous Apps
If malware is detected, it is recommended that you uninstall the application immediately. Sometimes cybercriminals and hackers are aware of this solution, so they block the delete function in every possible way.
So, in this case, “safe mode” will help you. Because in safe mode, the uninstallation of malicious applications will not be stopped. It will also allow resetting the device in case the malicious program refuses to be deleted.
-
Set Up Two-Factor Authentication
Google account has two-factor authentication. Therefore, whenever you are entering a username and password, you will need to confirm authorization through a code that comes in an SMS to the phone number specified in the settings.
If possible, a similar authorization method is recommended for all available services, including banking and financial applications.
Sign in to your Google Account to set up 2-Step Verification, then go to the Security tab. Review your recent activity to make sure third parties have not visited your account.
Configure 2-Step Verification and other security settings as recommended.
-
Change Passwords
When discussing how to fix a hacked Android phone, changing passwords on all sites that contain valuable personal information and financial information is paramount.
You are advised to use passwords with complex combinations of numbers and letters since simple combinations are easy to guess or surmise. Also, do not use the same password on several resources.
Periodic password changes are also recommended because user databases are often stolen or sold.
Changing the password periodically will prevent database leakage.
-
Use Biometric Authentication
It would help if you didn’t ignore the presence of a fingerprint scanner on your device. The fingerprint sensor is used not only to unlock the screen but also to access certain applications.
Read Also: How To Disable Laptop Keyboard
-
Block the Installation of Applications from Unknown Sources
By default, Android is allowed to install applications only from the branded Google Play store.
To install programs from other sources, you must activate the corresponding function in the settings.
Before the 7th version of Android, this function is located in the “Security” section of the settings.
But starting from the 8th version of Android, this function is activated individually in each application’s settings.
Check and disable the ability to install applications from unverified or unknown sources.
-
Install Updates Promptly
Periodically, a mobile device receives security updates designed to eliminate previously identified vulnerabilities.
Cybercriminals often use these vulnerabilities to hack a device or gain access to data.
Therefore, you can visit the Updates section in System Settings to check for any available security updates.
Meanwhile, it should be noted that updates are only released for the first few years after the mobile device’s release.
-
Disable USB debugging
Normally, USB Debugging is usually disabled. So you have to visit the developer section to confirm if you have accidentally turned on debugging.
It would be best if you disabled it because this mode is used by cybercriminals to hack a device when connected to a USB port in public places.
Therefore, it is recommended that you do not charge your mobile device via USB in hotels, airports, or eating places because such a connection makes it easier to hack a mobile device.
Ensure that you use normal sockets that require a charger to be connected.
Conclusion: How to Fix a Hacked Android Phone
This article contains various recommendations on how to fix a hacked Android phone.
These presented solutions will help owners eliminate hacking and exclude possible attempts to hack a mobile device in the future.
Additionally, it is important to adhere to digital security measures like ‘do not visit unsafe websites,’ ‘do not follow unfamiliar links to pages,’ and do not distribute confidential data on the Internet and social networks.
I believe that you found this article useful, so you should not hesitate to share it with your colleagues interested in knowing how to fix a hacked Android phone.
Now, what methods of fixing a hacked phone are known to you? You should share your experience in the comments below. Thanks