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I’ve heard of many people who have been cyberstalked over the years. Sadly, today’s technology makes this all too easy.
Take Apple AirTags for example. They’re cheap, small and easy to hide — and can tell the owner exactly where you are. If you suspect someone is following you in this way, here are six signs to look out for.
Still others were convinced that someone was listening to their calls or reading their text messages. Sometimes, I believe that something is happening. Other times, paranoia has already set in. Here’s how to know if you’re being stalked or just paranoid.
It’s not always easy to tell if your phone has been compromised. Here are some tips for diagnosing a hacked phone.
hacker attacking the internet
(iStock)
5 Ways to Think Like a Hacker, Starting Today
How did this happen in the first place?
A person doesn’t have to be a hacker to get into your phone. Someone can hold the phone close to your face and unlock it while you sleep. This behavior allows them to snoop on your device without your knowledge.
Then there’s software that can do the job. Stalkerware is designed to track you using GPS, call logs, messages, images, browser history, and more. The software can hide behind another seemingly innocuous application. Tap or click six sign tracking software may be on your phone.
Some harmful files and malicious links can infect your phone without your knowledge. Something as innocuous as a PDF file can carry some toxic data. That’s why it’s so important to be careful what you click on.
What about apps? Sketchy downloads can imitate well-known apps, or try their luck to trick you into downloading and running them. Once you do, your phone will be infected with malware.
There is also a method called SIM swapping that is more targeted. The criminal pretends to be you and calls your phone carrier and asks for a new SIM card – disconnecting your old line and transferring everything to the criminal’s device.
Tap or click three ways to stop this terrifying attack.
Young mexican latino man using laptop and smartphone (iStock)
(iStock)
look for signs
How do you know your phone has been hacked? Here are some red flags:
Having too many processes running at the same time can slow down your phone, or it could be the single culprit of malware taking up a lot of resources. This may cause your phone to heat up.
Your battery is draining much faster than usual.
Significant spikes in data usage could signal adware or other malware running in the background.
Spam pop-ups are a good indicator that you have malicious apps on your phone.
Malware can slow down your internet by redirecting your traffic to insecure servers or simply hogging your bandwidth to steal more information from you or target others.
Some signs show up on your phone, like an email you don’t remember sending or a weird post on social media.
Five Signs Your Email Inbox Has Been Hacked, and What Lockdown Steps You Should Take.
How to protect your phone from hackers
A little effort can keep hackers and malware off your phone.
First, update your phone with the latest security fixes and patches. We draw your attention to those on Komando.com. Tap or click here to try my free email newsletter to get alerts delivered straight to your inbox.
Enable two-factor authentication for each account that offers two-factor authentication. Read my 2FA guide to everything.
Do not click on unsolicited or suspicious links. This includes messages from acquaintances, advertisements you see online, and content in emails.
Don’t forget your home network. Click or click here for tips on securing it from prying eyes and bad actors.
Apple has warned that the iPhone’s magnets and other components emit potentially damaging electromagnetic waves. (iStock)
(iStock)
Technology keeps your students safe at school
Keep your technical knowledge going
My popular podcast is called “Kim Comando today.” It’s a complete 30-minute collection of tech news, tips, and callers from around the country with tech questions. No matter where you get your podcast, you can search for it. For your convenience, click the link below to see the most recent one episode.
Podcast Picks: Netflix Ads, Facebook News, Password Manager 101
In this episode, Netflix ads are coming, Facebook and Instagram are starting to charge, the best golf apps, the pros and cons of password managers, new home wiring tips, and my sage advice for callers like you.
Find my podcast “Kim Komando Today” on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player.
Just search for my last name “Komando”.
What digital lifestyle questions do you have?Call Kim’s national radio program and Click or click here to find it on your local radio station.
you can listen or watch The Kim Comando Show on your phone, tablet, TV or computer. Or tap or click here to view Kim’s free podcast.
Copyright 2022, West Star Multimedia Entertainment. all rights reserved. As an Amazon employee, I earn a small commission on qualifying purchases. I only recommend products that I believe in.
Learn about all the latest technologies The Kim Comando Show, the nation’s largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and advises on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to Online Privacy and Data Hacking.
For her daily tips, free newsletter, and more, visit her website: Komando.com
