New Delhi | January 6, 2026 | In today’s digital age, a mobile phone is no longer just a communication tool. It stores banking apps, UPI access, social media accounts, emails, personal photos, documents and OTPs. If a phone is hacked, the damage goes far beyond privacy—there is a serious risk of financial fraud and identity theft. Cyber experts say that before and after a device is compromised, several clear warning signs begin to appear. Identifying these early can help prevent major losses.
Experts associated with the Center for Police Technology, along with former IPS officer and renowned cybercrime expert Triveni Singh, point out that the biggest mistake users make is ignoring early warning signals.
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Rapid Battery Drain or Excessive Phone Heating
If your phone suddenly starts heating up unusually or the battery drains quickly even with minimal use, it may not be a routine technical issue. According to cyber specialists, hacking or spyware infections often run multiple suspicious processes in the background, putting extra strain on the battery.
What you should do:
- Immediately change passwords for all critical accounts
- Check background app activity and running processes
Phone Becoming Slow or Frequently Freezing
A phone that suddenly becomes sluggish, freezes repeatedly, or apps close on their own can also indicate possible hacking. Experts say malware or remote-access tools often interfere with the device’s processing power.
Unknown Apps Installed Without Permission
If you find apps on your phone that you did not download yourself, it is one of the most dangerous warning signs. Such apps often gain access to the camera, microphone, contacts and stored files.
Immediate steps:
- Delete the unknown app
- Review app permissions carefully
- If needed, put the phone into safe mode
Unusual Mobile Data Usage
If mobile data is getting exhausted rapidly or internet activity shows up even when the phone is not in use, it may indicate that data is being transferred externally. According to the Center for Police Technology, sudden data spikes have emerged as an early red flag in many cyber fraud cases.
Unauthorised Changes in Passwords or Account Settings
Unexpected logouts from email, social media or banking apps, alerts about password changes, or recovery emails you did not request suggest that a third party may have gained access to your accounts.
Warning from Former IPS Officer Triveni Singh
Former IPS officer Triveni Singh cautions:
“Mobile hacking today is not just a technical attack—it is a direct assault on your identity and your money. The moment unusual activity appears on your phone, delaying action is the biggest mistake.”
He notes that in most cyber fraud cases, victims ignored early signs, which later resulted in bank accounts being emptied.
Essential Steps to Protect Your Phone from Hacking
- Download apps only from official app stores
- Keep your phone and apps regularly updated
- Never click on unknown links, photos or APK files
- Avoid granting unnecessary permissions to apps
- Use strong screen locks and biometric security
- Take regular backups of important data
Vigilance Is the Strongest Defence
Cyber experts stress that the most effective protection against mobile hacking is user awareness and vigilance. By recognising warning signs early and acting promptly, users can safeguard not only their phones but also their digital identity and hard-earned money.
This report once again serves as a reminder that digital negligence can prove to be the costliest mistake in today’s connected world.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
