We carry our mobile phones everywhere with us. These devices store our personal information. If this data falls into the wrong hands, it can be disastrous for us. Hackers and scammers are already known to phish for personal information. They can use the data, including usernames, passwords, social security numbers, PINs, and bank account information, for identity theft, stealing money, blackmailing, scams, etc.

Hackers have come up with unique ways to monitor mobile phones. Often they make use of vulnerabilities in the operating system of a phone to hack it. However, hackers also use social engineering to dupe unsuspecting people into downloading malicious software on their mobile phones. Here are three popular ways someone can hack your phone without you even knowing about it:

1.   Through texts

Hacking a mobile phone through SMS/text is a popular method used by hackers and scammers. The source of the SMS may be legitimate or known. The message may seem like it is from a bank, government agency, or someone you know, and contains a link to a website that downloads malicious software on the device. The wording of the SMS may trick the device’s user into opening the link in the message. The URL leads the user to download a Trojan horse or other malicious software. Hence, a hacker can then access data on the device.

In some cases, your phone can be hacked without you even opening the message. In an article by the Wired,  there was an existing iPhone bug that can be hacked without you even opening a message. These “interaction-less” bugs can send user data without having to bait the users.

In other cases, the sender may ask you to cancel a service or provide a password. The SMS may also contain a phone number for you to call back. In this case, the scammers very intelligently skim your credit card information. This method is also known as SMS phishing or smishing. Smishing works in a similar way that email phishing works.

2.   Through public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured. These can be used to hack a phone, monitor your data, and conduct attacks on your device. When you connect to the Wi-Fi, the router records the MAC address and IP address of your mobile phone. On a Wi-Fi network, data is transferred using data packets. A hacker can monitor the data packets and hack your device.

A hacker can use public Wi-Fi to perform the following actions:

• Man-in-the-Middle Attack: A hacker inserts themselves between the server and the client and breaks the link between the client and the server, and monitors the interaction.
• Packet Sniffing: Hacking software, monitors the data packets transferred between the mobile device and the server. So if you enter usernames and passwords while connected to the public Wi-Fi, a hacker can may be able to view it.

3.   With a cell phone spyware program

A popular spyware program, Xnspy, is used to steal info from mobile phones and tablets. One can install the app on an iPhone or Android phone and monitor the phone remotely. Although the app is for parental and employee monitoring applications, a hacker can install the app to spy on your phone. The app monitors activity and records data and uploads it to a private server.

Calls log, contacts list, and text messages

The app logs all incoming, outgoing, and missed calls with the time and date of each call. In addition to this, the app monitors the list of contacts on the device. Moreover, the app monitors messages sent via texting and instant messaging apps, such as Facebook Messenger, Instagram Direct Messages, Skype, WhatsApp, and others. The app also records the details of the sender and the receiver of each text message. So if a hacker has the app installed on the device, they can monitor who you talk to using your phone.

Xnspy also offers a keylogger feature that monitors the keystrokes on the device. A hacker can use it to monitor passwords and usernames.

Multimedia files

Xnspy monitors the multimedia files on your mobile phones. The app uploads the photos and videos saved on your device to the Xnspy server. One can view these files on the Xnspy account. Moreover, one can also download these files for viewing at a later time.

Internet activity

A spy app like Xnspy can monitor emails, browser history, and bookmarked webpages. The app records the content of the email, including the details of the sender and the receiver. When it comes to browser history, the app monitors the URL of the webpage and the frequency of visits to the website.

Location tracking

Xnspy records the previous location and provides an update of the live location of the mobile phone. So a stalker can monitor where you have been throughout the day.

In addition to this, the geofencing feature allows perveyers to set virtual boundaries. If the user of the device enters or leaves these boundaries, the app sends a notification to the account. The app also records the Wi-Fi networks.

Phone call recording and environment listening

A hacker can record phone calls by sending commands from the Xnspy account. Moreover, a hacker can use the app to listen to the surroundings of the phone when it is in idle mode. The app uploads the audio files to the Xnspy account, through which the hacker can download and listen to entire conversations.

Remote control

A hacker can also control the device from a laptop or computer using the Xnspy account. The remote features of the app allow the hacker to wipe data, lock the phone, and view application activity. A hacker can also send remote commands to take live screenshots of the mobile phone. Hence, a hacker is aware of your actions at all times.

The app is compatible with the latest iOS and Android operating systems, a hacker can download it on phones as well as tablets.

To download the app, a hacker may send the link through email. If a hacker has access to the passcode of your device, they can easily install the app on an Android phone. However, to install the app on an iPhone, a hacker only requires iCloud credentials (Apple ID and password). With the app installed on the phone, a hacker can gain access to your mobile phone and record data remotely. Hence, ensure that you have 2fa activated on your iPhone. It makes it difficult for the hacker to install the app.

To determine if someone has installed a spy app, such as Xnspy, on your phone, you may notice the following signs:

• The battery of the device drains quickly.
• The data usage of the device is high.
• Some apps on the phone no longer open.
• The device locks by itself.

Since the app works in hidden mode, you may not be able to view the app in the app listing on the device. So to uninstall the app, you have to factory reset the phone.

Tips to help you prevent your phone from being hacked

Here are a few tips that you can consider to prevent your phone from being hacked:

• Do not share passwords with everyone.
• Do not use the same passwords for all devices and accounts.
• Do not open links sent in text messages and emails without verifying the source.
• Install an antivirus software on your phone.
• Check the apps installed on your phone and delete the ones you consider suspicious.
• Ensure you have 2fa for iCloud and online accounts.
• Update apps and OS of your phone regularly.
• Avoid connecting your phone to a public Wi-Fi account.
• Use a VPN to connect your phone to public Wi-Fi.

Conclusion