Phone hacking is a bigger problem than most of us realize, and it’s something we all need to be aware of. Just the other day, Dennis sent an email sharing a very disturbing experience with a suspicious text message that appeared to come from a friend’s phone number. His story is a wake-up call for all of us to stay vigilant and informed. By understanding the signs of a potential hack, you can better protect yourself and your loved ones from cyber threats.
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Woman sending text message on mobile phone (Kurt “Cyber ​​Guy” Knutson)
suspicious text message
Dennis received an unusually short and out-of-character text from a friend. It simply said, “Would you like to chat?” This immediately caused concern, especially since the number appeared to belong to a friend but was not recognized by Messenger as being in his contact list. Such scenarios often suggest phone number spoofing or hacking, where cybercriminals use someone else’s number to disguise their identity.
Illustration of suspicious text for a friend (Kurt “Cyber ​​Guy” Knutson)
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Signs your friend’s phone number may be compromised
Understanding the signs that your phone number has been compromised is critical to protecting your personal information and that of your friends. There are several signs that your friend’s phone number may have been hacked.
Unusual messages: If your friend starts sending you strange texts, such as strange phrasing, unexpected links, or requests for personal information, your friend’s phone number may have been hacked.
Unknown contacts: If Messenger says the number doesn’t exist, even though it’s actually in your contacts list, there might be a problem.
Unexpected phone behavior: If your friend tells you that their phone is behaving strangely, here are some things to keep in mind.
High data usage: An unexplained spike in your friend’s data usage could indicate a malicious app running in the background on your phone. Unusual apps: If your friend notices new apps that they haven’t downloaded, it could be a sign that their phone has been hacked. Battery drain: Even if you don’t use your phone often, rapid battery drain may indicate malware activity in the background. Slow performance: If your friend’s phone suddenly becomes slow or unresponsive, it may be because malicious software is using up space on the phone. Pop-ups and ads: If you notice an increase in pop-up ads or redirects to questionable websites while your friend is browsing, your friend may have adware or malware on their device.
Unauthorized charges: If you see an unexpected charge on your friend’s phone bill, it could be due to a call from a premium SMS service or a malicious app.
Spam sent from a friend’s number: If you or another contact receives spam or suspicious messages from a friend’s number, that’s a strong sign that the phone may have been compromised.
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man sending text message on mobile phone (Kurt “Cyber ​​Guy” Knutson)
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Steps to protect yourself
If you suspect your friend’s phone number has been hacked, consider the following actions:
1) Check with your friends: Contact your friends in another way to see if they sent you a message.
2) Use strong antivirus software to check for malware: Advise your friends to use strong antivirus software to scan for malicious apps and malware on their devices. The best way to protect against malicious links that can install malware and access your personal information is to install antivirus software on all your devices. This protection also warns you about phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Check out my picks for the best antivirus protection products of 2024 for your Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.
3) Change passwords: If your friend suspects that their phone number has been hacked, they should change the passwords for all accounts associated with the phone number. To generate and store complex passwords, you should consider using a password manager.
4) Contact your service provider: Your friend should contact their mobile service provider to report the issue. The provider can protect your account and prevent further unauthorized access.
5) Enable two-factor authentication: Encourage your friend to enable two-factor authentication on their account for added security.
6) Monitor your accounts: Advise your friends to regularly check their bank statements and credit reports for suspicious activity.
Cart important points
Phone hacking is a bigger problem than most people realize, and Dennis’ recent experience is a stark reminder of that. It’s important that we all remain vigilant and informed about the signs of potential hacking. By recognizing these red flags and taking proactive steps, you can better protect your personal information and loved ones from cyber threats.
Have you experienced a suspicious message or potential hacking incident? Share your story with us and let us know how you dealt with it by writing to Cyberguy.com/Contact .
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