Your phone was hacked, and now someone has control of it. What to do immediately?

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More than simply big businesses and governmental organizations are impacted by the startlingly frequent data breaches.

Personal gadgets like your smartphone are being targeted by hackers. Consider this: a staggering quantity of personal data is stored on your phone.

From emails and texts to banking apps, social media, and even your images, cybercriminals may locate a lot of information.

The mounting threat is supported by the numbers. About 56,000 reports of breaches involving personal information were sent to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center last year.

The Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) reports that the most complaints were from California, the state with the largest population. These figures serve as a wake-up call and are more than just numbers.

So, what happens if you find your phone has been hacked?

This situation is a nightmare. Your phone is behaving oddly; it’s flashing odd pop-ups, displaying apps you haven’t downloaded, consuming the battery more quickly than usual, or suddenly locking you out.

It’s possible that your phone is making unexpected calls or texts, is slow, or is overheated. You’re thinking, “What did they see?” What could they do with my data? Can I even make this better?

Take a deep breath. It is unnerving, to be sure, but you have some control. Regaining control and stopping the harm can be greatly aided by knowing which actions to perform and in what order.

Let’s talk about the precise steps you should take to protect yourself and strengthen your recovery in the event of a phone hack.

Step 1: Remove malicious software

Assume that hackers viewed sensitive data, even if they were only temporarily able to access your device. Eliminating any spyware or malware is the first step.

1. Use powerful antivirus software: Installing and using powerful antivirus software is the easiest and most efficient method to get started. Steer clear of unknown apps because some of them are malware disguised as antivirus software. Discover my top choices for the best antivirus software for iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows in 2024.

Conduct a comprehensive device scan upon installation. This will search for hidden dangers that could further damage your data, such ransomware, malware, or keyloggers. After the scan has found harmful files, quarantine or remove them by following the app’s recommendations.

Verify the app’s log to make sure that any questionable activity has been dealt with. The majority of antivirus software offers protection in real time, keeping an eye out for threats as they arise. Turn on this function to lower the chance of reinfection.

The effectiveness of antivirus software depends on how recently it was updated. Because cybercriminals are always creating new malware, it is important to keep your antivirus database updated so that it can identify the latest dangers.

2. Factory reset if required: You might need to make a factory reset on your iPhone or Android device if the antivirus program is unable to completely restore your phone’s functioning, including fixing problems like freezing, slowdowns, or unexpected shutdowns.

When you perform a factory reset, all of your phone’s data is erased, returning it to its initial configuration. Make a backup of your most crucial files before resetting. But make sure there is no malware in the backup itself.

Antivirus software should be used to check backups before they are restored. A basic reset option can be found in the System or General Management settings menu on the majority of phones. See the manufacturer’s website or the handbook for your device for comprehensive instructions.

3. Get expert help: Speak with a reliable expert if you are not sure whether you can reset your phone or remove spyware. Go to the Microsoft Store, Apple Store, or the authorized service provider for your phone.

Describe your predicament and ask for a comprehensive examination and cleaning of your gadget. Comprehensive diagnosis and repair services are offered by numerous retailers.

4. As a last resort, give up hardware: Malware can often become firmly embedded in a device, making eradication all but impossible. You might need to replace your phone if, despite utilizing antivirus software, factory resets, and expert help, it still exhibits symptoms of infection.

To avoid any leftover data getting into the wrong hands, make sure you fully clean the device before discarding it. Take additional security measures while configuring a new device, such as turning on two-factor authentication and updating all software.

Step 2: Don t reset passwords prematurely

Avoid changing the passwords on a compromised device immediately. Your new credentials could be intercepted by hackers who still have access, which could result in you being locked out once more. Rather, do the following:

Thoroughly clean and secure your device first:

• Complete all steps from Step 1 to remove malware and reset your device if necessary.
• Update your phone s operating system and all apps to the latest versions.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your device and important accounts.
• Review and revoke any suspicious app permissions or account access.

Use a trusted, secure device for password resets:

• Use another device you own or borrow a friend s or family member s computer to reset your password.
• If possible, also use a different network than your compromised phone to avoid potential network-level attacks.

Prioritize critical accounts:

• Start with your email, as it s often used for password resets on other accounts.
• Move on to financial accounts, social media and other sensitive services.

Create strong, unique passwords:

• Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols.
• Aim for at least 12 characters in length.
• Avoid using personal information or common phrases.
• Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex, unique passwords for each account. They encrypt your password database, adding an extra layer of security.

Setting up passkeys on iPhone and Android

As demonstrated, standard passwords present a number of security problems, such as the inconvenient task of remembering complicated combinations and susceptibility to breaches and phishing attacks. Passwords can be stolen or exploited even when best standards are followed.

Passkeys are useful in this situation. Using passkeys can significantly increase your security as data breaches become increasingly frequent. Passkeys employ biometric authentication or a PIN to expedite the login process while safeguarding against unwanted access, in contrast to passwords, which require you to memorize a string of characters.

Benefits of using passkeys

Improved security: Because passkeys are more difficult to guess or steal than typical passwords, they are less vulnerable to phishing attempts and lower the chance of credential theft.

Convenience: By removing the need to memorize complicated passwords, biometric authentication makes it quicker and simpler to log into apps and websites.

Cross-device functionality: Passkeys offer a consistent login experience when used on several devices connected to the same account.

Here’s how to encrypt your personal data by configuring passkeys on both Android and iPhone devices.

Configuring a passkey on an iPhone

• 
  Check compatibility:
  
  Ensure your iPhone is running iOS 16 or later; passkeys are integrated into iCloud Keychain.
• 
  Enable iCloud Keychain:
  
  Go to
  
  Settings
  
  >
  
  [Your Name]
  
  >
  
  iCloud
  
  > Under Saved to iCloud, tap
  
  Passwords
  
  . In iOS 17 or earlier, tap
  
  Passwords and Keychain
  
  . > Tap
  
  Sync this iPhone
  
  to turn on iCloud Passwords & Keychain. You might be asked for your passcode or Apple Account password.
• 
  Ensure that two-factor authentication
  
  is also enabled for your Apple ID. Open
  
  Settings
  
  >
  
  Tap your name
  
  at the top >
  
  Select Sign-In & Security
  
  >
  
  Tap Turn On Two-Factor Authentication
  
  >
  
  Follow the on-screen instructions
  
  to complete the setup.

How to make an iPhone passkey

• Open the
  
  app or website
  
  where you want to create a passkey.
• Select the
  
  option to sign in
  
  or
  
  create an account.
  
• When prompted for a password, choose the option to
  
  use a passkey
  
  instead.
• Follow the
  
  on-screen instructions
  
  to authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode.
• Your passkeys will be stored in
  
  iCloud Keychain
  
  and automatically sync across all devices signed in with the same Apple ID.

Configuring a passkey for Android

The manufacturer of your Android phone may affect the settings.

• 
  Check compatibility:
  
  Ensure your device is running Android 9 (Pie) or later; most modern Android devices support passkeys.
• 
  Set up Google Password Manager:
  
  Go to
  
  Settings
  
  > Tap your
  
  Name or initial
  
  >
  
  Google
  
  >
  
  Manage Your Google Account
  
  >
  
  Security
  
  . Then, scroll down to find the Passkeys section and tap on it.

How to make an Android passkey:

The manufacturer of your Android phone may affect the settings.

• When signing into an app or website, select the option for password less login.
• Follow the prompts to create a passkey; this may require biometric verification (fingerprint or facial recognition) or a PIN.
• Once created, your passkeys will be stored in Google Password Manager and synced across all devices linked to your Google account.

Step 3: Secure your assets and prevent identity theft

Now that your device is clean, focus on protecting your personal and financial information.

Credit reports: To place a fraud alert and security freeze on your credit reports, get in touch with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Regularly check your credit reports for indications of fraudulent activity. TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289; Equifax: 1-800-525-6285; Experian: 1-888-397-3742.

Financial institutions: Modify your bank account passwords and turn on two-factor authentication (2FA). This enhances the safety of your financial data. Report the breach to your banking institutions. To improve security, some banks let you establish voice passwords.

Driver’s license: Kindly send your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) a Fraud Review of Driver License/Identification form.

Social Security Account: Open a Social Security account if you don’t already have one. Look for any odd activity. Examine your account statements on a regular basis to be sure no illegal modifications have been done.

Taxes: To prevent filing false tax returns, obtain an Identity Protection (IP) PIN from the IRS. To avoid possible fraudsters, file your taxes as soon as possible. By going to the IRS’s official website, you can get an IP PIN.

Protection against identity theft: Identity theft firms are able to monitor personal data, including your email address, phone number, and Social Security Number (SSN), and alert you if it is used to open an account or sold on the dark web. They can also assist you with freezing your credit card and bank accounts to stop crooks from using them without authorization in the future.

One of the benefits of using some services is that they may include identity theft insurance for up to $1 million in losses and legal fees, as well as a white glove fraud resolution team with a U.S.-based case manager to assist you in recovering any losses. See my top tips and recommendations for preventing identity theft.

Kurt s key takeaways

Having your phone hacked is a sobering reminder of how vulnerable we are nowadays. However, the experience does not have to be disastrous if you act quickly and methodically.

Begin by addressing the immediate threat of malware, then secure your accounts and assets and take proactive steps to prevent future breaches.

Consider these steps to be your digital emergency kit, providing you with the tools you need to regain control when things go wrong. Remember that your digital security is only as strong as the precautions you take now.

RESOURCE

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