If you’ve ever wondered: “Can someone hack my phone from my number?” you’re not alone. Even TechCrunch’s John Biggs experienced having his number hijacked. While you can try to recover the number and account, it’s not always easy. One way to prevent hijacking is by setting up a secondary security code to your phone. If you’re not sure how to do that, follow these tips.
How to protect yourself from phone hacking
Hackers can use your cell phone number to log into any account they want to. Thanks to data breaches, your number can be easily found anywhere. A hacker can find your number floating around on the Internet or in trash. Then, when you call your carrier, they will pretend to be you and ask questions about your date of birth and home town. Using these details to impersonate you, they can access all your other accounts.
Signs that your phone has been hacked
If you notice unusual apps on your phone, it’s possible your device has been compromised. These apps may contain malware or be installed without your authorization. Likewise, you may notice that your phone’s battery drains quickly, or it frequently freezes or runs on a low amount of memory. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to contact your mobile carrier and find out if your phone has been hacked.
Tracking software
One of the first signs that your phone has been hacked is unusual behavior. It might start sending out unexpected text messages, making X-rated calls, or even displaying bright flashing ads. It might also begin using more mobile data than usual. While the exact reason for these changes may not be known, how to hack someone’s phone there are a few things you can do to detect phone hacking. Here are some tips:
Phishing attacks
The first step in protecting yourself against phishing attacks is to be aware of what your security measures are. Phishing attacks on phone numbers are a growing problem. In fact, they are one of the most common mobile threats to businesses and consumers. A typical attack will use text messages to lure victims into giving out personal information or downloading unsecure applications. Some phishers will disguise themselves as legitimate groups or websites and use your phone’s address bar to entice you to provide personal information.
SIM swapping
The answer to the question, Can someone hack my phone from my number? depends on the circumstances. For example, a hacker could gain access to your cell phone if your number has been phished. If your number is phished, the hacker may have enough personal information to impersonate you and even initiate a SIM swap. They can also use publicly available information, such as your address, to send messages to your phone.
