Your Phone Might Be Hacked (Stalkerwear Apps +63%): 5 Signs to Watch Out For

Have you ever had that nagging feeling that something’s not quite right with your smartphone? Like it’s been acting a little off, almost as if it has a mind of its own? Well, you might not be paranoid after all.

Phone hacking is a real and growing threat, and your trusty device could be compromised without you even realizing it.

1. It’s Running Slower Than a Sloth

One of the most common signs that your phone has been hacked is a sudden and significant drop in performance. If websites are taking an eternity to load, apps are crashing left and right, and your phone feels like it’s running through molasses, it could be a red flag.

Malware and spyware love to hog system resources, causing your device to slow to a crawl.

According to a study by Kaspersky Lab, mobile malware detections increased by a staggering 37% in 2018 compared to the previous year, with over 67,500 unique mobile spyware files identified. These malicious programs can wreak havoc on your phone’s performance, leaving you frustrated and wondering what’s going on.

2. Your Battery Life Is Shorter Than a Goldfish’s Attention Span

Have you noticed your phone’s battery draining faster than a leaky bucket? If your battery life has taken a nosedive without any apparent reason, it could be a sign that something sinister is afoot. Malware and spyware love to run in the background, constantly siphoning power from your device’s battery.

A report by NortonLifeLock found that searches for stalkerware apps (a type of spyware used for monitoring) increased by a whopping 63% between September 2020 and May 2021 compared to the previous year. These apps can drain your battery like a thirsty camel, leaving you scrambling for a power outlet.

3. Your Data Usage Is Higher

If your monthly data usage has skyrocketed without any changes in your browsing habits, it’s time to raise an eyebrow. Malware and spyware often communicate with their command-and-control servers, sending and receiving data in the background, which can result in a significant spike in your data consumption.

According to a study (ref) by Cornell University researchers, thousands of apps on Google Play contained spyware capabilities like recording audio, taking photos, and tracking locations without proper disclosure. These apps could be responsible for your sudden data usage spike, leaving you with an unexpectedly hefty bill.

4. Your Phone Is Hotter Than a Jalapeño in a Sauna

Have you noticed your phone getting uncomfortably warm, even when you’re not using resource-intensive apps? This could be a telltale sign that something nefarious is running in the background, causing your device to overheat.

A report by Symantec found that mobile malware infections increased by a staggering 54% in 2017, with many of these malicious programs designed to mine cryptocurrencies using your phone’s processing power.

This intensive activity can cause your device to heat up like a furnace, potentially damaging its internal components.

5. You’re Seeing Pop-ups More Frequently Than a Whack-a-Mole Game

If you’re suddenly bombarded with pop-ups and advertisements on your phone, even when you’re not browsing the web, it’s a clear indication that something is amiss.

These intrusive pop-ups could be a sign that your device has been infected with adware, a type of malware designed to display unwanted advertisements.

According to a report by Avast, adware detections on mobile devices increased by a whopping 38% in 2021 (ref), with many of these infections originating from third-party app stores and shady websites. These pop-ups can be more than just annoying; they could potentially lead you to malicious websites or trick you into revealing sensitive information.