Smartphones have evolved into a mini version of a fully functional computer. A smartphone features wifi, web browsing capabilities, and the capacity to run applications that perform a variety of tasks. This is fantastic news for customers who lead active online lives.

To download malware, hackers do not even need to steal the victim's phone. They only need to place viruses on websites that are meant to infect smartphones and wait for the consumer to click a link on their phone.

What to Do if Your Phone Is Hacked

You must take the necessary steps to remove the malware that has infected your phone. The following are some of the steps you can take: 

• Download a mobile security app from a reliable source that not only detects viruses but also includes features such as a call blocker, firewall, VPN, and the ability to request a PIN for sensitive apps such as online banking.
  
  
• Passwords should be changed as soon as possible.
  
  
• Remove any suspicious apps from your device.
  
  
• Notify your contacts and friends that you've been hacked. This warning will aid your contacts in ignoring unusual texts delivered to their phones by the malware.
  
  
• Perform a comprehensive maintenance check at your smartphone store.
  
  
• If everything else fails, a factory reset will aid in the resolution of the issues.

Ways To Stop Someone From Hacking Your Phone Again

Many smartphone users believe that mobile service providers should implement cyber-security measures. It is, nevertheless, the users' responsibility to protect themselves from hackers. A hacker can gain access to your phone in a variety of ways and steal personal and sensitive information.

Here are some measures to take to avoid being a victim of phone hacking:

1. Be careful of what you install: Any smartphone app requires users to provide permissions such as reading files, accessing the camera, and listening to the microphone before it can be installed. These capabilities have valid purposes, but they also have the potential to impair. Before allowing such requests, users should exercise caution. Always download apps from a reputable source.
   
   
2. Review what’s already on your phone: Users must keep track of the apps that they have already installed on their smartphones. It may have been safe when first installed, but future upgrades may have infected the phone. While using the smartphone's operating system, keep track of what permissions have been granted to the apps.
   
   
3. Be prepared to track and lock your phone: Smartphone makers offer services like "find my device" that allows customers to track down their stolen phone on a map and remotely wipe their data. Users simply need to set their phone to wipe itself after a particular number of failed login attempts. Even if the phone is on silent, it is possible to make it ring.
   
   
4. Don’t leave online services unlocked: Auto-login is a useful feature that allows you to log in without having to input your password because it is already saved in the browser. It poses a significant security concern because hackers can access all online accounts by merely opening the browser. Users should use a password management program that requires them to re-enter a master password on a regular basis instead of employing auto-login capabilities.
   
   
5. Lock individual apps: Locking your phone is essential, but you should also lock individual apps as a secondary security measure. Because this capability is not built into the operating system, it can be accomplished by using apps from a trusted source.

Final Thoughts: 

Smartphones have become an essential component of our daily routines. You may take numerous safety precautions to protect your phone from data theft after you understand how it can be hacked. It will also protect your data from opportunist thieves and state-sponsored spies!