Our mobile devices store personal information, including passwords, usernames, birthdates, financial information, social security numbers, PIN, etc. Hence, this makes hacking a mobile phone an attractive option for hackers and scammers. There are various techniques that hackers use to spy on a mobile phone for personal information. Also, stalkers can make use of spy apps and malicious software to spy on unsuspecting people.

Mobile phones are not secure because these devices connect to other networks such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc. Often mobile phone lacks security tools such as anti-virus programs, firewalls, and encryption that protect it from hackers. Moreover, system vulnerabilities make mobile phones open to hacks and viruses.

Here are a few ways that someone may be spying on your phone without you even knowing about it.

1.     Phishing

Hackers often use social engineering to phish information using emails and text messages. Scammers pretend to be someone they are not and trick unsuspecting people into sharing confidential information. Phishing can be carried out in several ways. The most popular method of phishing attacks is through texts, emails, and phone calls.

Text messages

Phishing using SMS is also known as smishing. The sender will pose as a legitimate and authentic organization and will ask you to provide personal information via text message. In other cases, the text message may contain a URL and will ask you to open it. If you open the link, it will download malicious software on the phone.

Emails

Scammers use emails to phish personal information. An email may contain a link, which downloads software to spy on a mobile phone. A hacker may use this technique to install a keylogger, which monitors and logs the keystroke on the device. The keylogger tracks passwords and confidential data and reports it to the hacker. The information is used for purposes such as identity theft, stealing money, etc. Apart from this, a hacker may use email phishing for installing software that blocks application, locks the device, etc.

How to tell if someone is phishing you?

Phishing does not only put you at risk but also your organization, family, and friends. So you must be able to identify the phishing attempts. Here are a few ways you can tell if someone is phishing on you:

·         The message creates urgency and wants you to respond quickly.

·         You don’t know the sender.

·         The sender wants you to call them or send them a text message.

·         The sender wants you to open a link in the message.

·         The sender wants you to provide personal information by replying to the text message.

·         The message says that you have won something.

·         The message contains an error in grammar and spelling.

2.     Mobile malware

There are numerous mobile malware programs, including malicious apps, Trojans, spyware, ransomware, and others. Mobile malware may spread through emails and networks (such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and others). Outdated software and OS often pose a security risk. So hackers make use of vulnerabilities in a software or operating system to hack a device.

Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of mobile malware that locks a device and denies the user access. A hacker may ask the user of the mobile phone to make a payment to access the data on the device. Ransomware spreads through emails and can have drastic consequences for an organization. It can affect other devices, as well.

Trojan horse virus

A Trojan horse virus requires the user of the device for activation. A device user may unintentionally download the software, which infects the device. Apps on the phone may stop functioning. Moreover, a hacker may use a Trojan virus to spy on emails, text messages, notes, and other information saved on a device. Trojan horse viruses often disguise as legitimate applications and may be transmitted by Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth, emails, etc.

3.     Spyware

Xnspy is a spy app that records activity on cell phones. Though sold as a parental and employee monitoring app, experts believe that it’s just a spyware program disguised for legitimacy reasons. A jealous partner or an ex can use Xnspy to spy on a phone.

So with the app, a hacker can monitor text messages, call logs, contact lists, emails, browser history, and bookmarked webpages. The app also records chats on instant messaging application such as Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Instagram Direct Messages, Skype, LINE, Kik, and others. Xnspy can also monitor the live location of a monitored phone user. The keylogger feature of the app allows a hacker to monitor passwords and usernames on the device.

The app works on Android as well as iOS devices. To install the app on an Android phone, physical access to the device is required. For iPhone, the installation process is straightforward, as the person only requires the iCloud credentials: Apple ID and password. Once the app installs on the device, the app uploads the data to a server. A hacker can monitor the device from the user account.

In addition to this, the hacker can control the device remotely. Spy apps, like Xnspy and others, allow one to control the device by blocking applications, wiping data, and locking the phone. Moreover, with the call recording and the ambient listening feature, a hacker can also record calls and listen to the surroundings of the phone.

How can you tell if someone is spying on you using mobile malware?

Some apps on your phone do not function.

·         The phone locks by itself.

·         The battery of the phone drains quickly.

·         The screen of your phone lights up even when you do not receive a notification.

·         The data on your phone is used up quickly.

Prevent your phone from being hacked

When it comes to protecting your device from being hacked, you need to take a few precautions. Here are a few tips that you should practice to keep your phone safe from being hacked:

·         Avoid sharing passwords with others

·         Do not connect to a public Wi-Fi network, unless necessary. In this case, use a VPN (Virtual Private Network).

·         Avoid opening spam emails and text messages

·         Do not click on links that you receive on emails and text messages from anonymous sources.

·         Do not install unverified apps. Always go through the reviews of the app before installation.

·         Install antivirus software on the phone and update it regularly.

·         Update apps and other software on the phone since malicious software makes use of outdated OS and software.

·         Do not jailbreak your phone as it removes many security features from the device.

·         Do not open any attachments in emails from unknown sources.

Conclusion

The mobile devices we carry with us contain personal information, which can be used by hackers and scammers. There are tools and techniques that hackers use to spy on mobile phones. One can never be too careful. However, one must be aware of the techniques that hackers used to phish information and spy on devices. Moreover, one must exercise caution.