'You should be careful' more than 6 signs that your iPhone or Android has been hacked

THERE ARE some sinister signs that your Android or iPhone has been compromised – and crooks are spying on you.

Cybersecurity experts have revealed the clues we should look out for, and some of them are surprising.

Make sure your smartphone isn't being used to spy on youCredit: Getty

Importantly, it's easier to get hacked with 'spyware' than you might think.

Sophisticated cybercriminals can victimize you in seconds – and it could take just one small mistake.

“While browsing the Internet, you can accidentally install spyware on your phone without even knowing it,” explains Tim Tran of Keeper Security.

“Android phones are known to be more susceptible to spyware than iPhones.

“However, anyone who owns a smartphone should beware of spyware, especially if your phone is outdated or jailbroken.

“Some ways you can tell if spyware is installed are if your phone's camera and microphone turn on randomly, if you hear a sound during phone calls, or if you see unknown apps and files on your phone.”

Spyware could goal sensors on your phone, such as the camera or microphone.

Or it can record important data, such as the taps and keys you enter or the location of your device.

And it's also possible for some spyware to steal your files, which may include private photos and videos.

WARNING SIGNS

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According to Keeper Security, there are six signs to look out for.

First, there is a strange sound during phone calls, which can be “a beeping sound, distant voices and static.”

“Sometimes these problems can be attributed to a poor signal, but they can also be a sign of spyware,” Tran explains.

“Spyware will try to listen in on your phone calls to listen to and record your conversations.”

Secondly, there is a sudden drop in how well your phone performs.

This could be a delay or a much faster battery drain.

These are signs that spyware may be running in the background, putting a strain on your phone's resources.

Third, beware of your microphone or camera turning on randomly.

Recent versions of Android and iOS for iPhone have indicators at the top of the screen when any of the sensors are active.

If you trace it back to suspicious apps or notice strange activity, you need to take action.

Fourth, you notice unknown apps or files on your phone.

This could be a major sign that your device has been hacked.

Fifth, there is a wave of pop-ups, error messages, advertisements, scam texts and more.

“These messages could be caused by adware installed on your phone alongside spyware,” says Tran.

“Adware sends you messages attempting to trick you into revealing your personal information.”

And sixth, if your phone is constantly overheating, beware.

This is similar to the warning sign of performance issues: spyware consumes your phone's resources and can cause overheating due to demanding behavior in the background.

If you're concerned that you've been hacked, make sure you delete unknown apps and files, restart your phone, and install the latest software updates.

You can also disable access to your camera and microphone for any app of your choice in your settings.