Can You be Hacked by Replying to a Text? Must-Know Facts and Tips

Ever misplaced your smartphone—even briefly? It’s a scary feeling.

Now, imagine your smartphone being lost for good. All your contacts, photos, videos, voicemails, apps, social media accounts, and search history are suddenly inaccessible. Your ability to call, email, text, and video chat is gone.

This vulnerability is why smartphones have become prime targets for hackers.

In this article, we detail how hackers can attack your phone and how you can protect yourself.

How do hackers get access to your phone?

Hackers can get your phone number and find your personal information using people search sites like WhoEasy, Whitepages, or Fast People Search. Here’s how they exploit it:

Spyware

Spyware is malicious software that monitors your phone activities. Hackers use spyware to activate your phone’s camera and microphone, scan your emails, texts, social media, contacts, search history, and web traffic. Spyware is often installed unknowingly when you click on a link in a bogus email or text. Think of spyware as a thief quietly waiting to see where you hide your valuables.

Phishing attacks

Phishing is one of the ways hackers download spyware into your phone. It’s a type of social engineering attack which preys upon your fear. The intent is to create a sense of urgency to prevent you from thinking critically.

Scam emails

One form of phishing involves scam emails that look like they’re from your bank or credit card company, informing you about fraudulent charges or withdrawals. The email asks you to click a link and sign into your account to verify your identity. Fraudsters capture your login credentials and potentially release spyware into your system.

Scam texts

Scam texts—or “smishing”—work similarly to scam emails. You receive an official-looking text about a compromised account, prompting you to click a link to “unfreeze” it. This leads to a sign-in screen where fraudsters capture your credentials and release spyware into your system.

Public networks

Public networks like the Wi-Fi at your local coffee shop are loosely encrypted and ripe for hacking. A fraudster can infiltrate devices connected to a public network, unleashing spyware while gathering personal information. Always use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) when using your smartphone from home.

Keylogging

Keylogging is a type of spyware that records everything you type on a keyboard. It enables a fraudster to get your login credentials, banking and credit card information—anything that you type in.

Can somebody hack into your phone by calling you?

In short, no. You can’t get hacked by simply answering your phone. However, you can fall prey to “vishing,” which is the verbal equivalent of phishing. Fraudsters call, impersonating bank officials, to create a sense of urgency in hopes of getting you to sign into your account. Do not comply.

Signs your phone is hacked

If your battery has mysteriously worn down, your data usage is way up, your phone operates slowly, overheats, opens apps for no apparent reason—chances are your phone has been hacked, and there is malware running in the background.

What to do if your phone is hacked

If you suspect your phone has been hacked, it’s crucial to take immediate action to minimize damage and protect your personal information. Here are things that can significantly help:

Change your passwords immediately

Create random and unique passwords using an online password generator. Then download a password manager app to store your passwords safely and auto-login when you open an account.

Factory reset your phone

A factory reset will clear any malware but also wipe out all other data. Ensure you back up everything you want to save to the cloud, an external drive, or your computer. Follow the simple procedure for a factory reset on your smartphone.

Check your social media accounts

Social media accounts provide a treasure trove of contacts that a fraudster can send malicious content to in your name. Signs your social media has been hacked include:

• Posts on your wall you did not write
• Suspicious links from friends
• Suspicious logins at strange times or from remote places
• An increase in your number of friends
• Changed passwords locking you out

Let your contacts know

If your social media accounts have been hacked, inform all your contacts. Warn them to look out for messages asking for money or links that might unleash malware. Contact the social platforms hosting the hacked accounts and change your passwords.

Check for unusual apps

Check your apps. If you see any that you did not install—uninstall it immediately. Update your anti-malware program and run regular scans to ensure your phone is clean.

Protect your phone from hackers

We provide an antivirus and anti-malware solution using our cloud-based AI technology for your devices, along with our own Virtual Private Network with bank-grade encryption for up to 15 devices on our IDShield Family Plan. We also offer 24/7 credit, dark web, and social media monitoring, social media reputation management, up to a $3 Million Identity Theft Protection Plan, and an in-house team of Licensed Private Investigators to restore your identity to its pre-theft status.

Important FAQs for smartphone security

As we conclude, it’s crucial to address some of the most frequently asked questions about phone security. These answers will help reinforce your understanding and provide additional clarity on how to safeguard your personal information against hackers. Here key point to keep in mind:

What happens if I reply to a spam text?