How to Stop Someone From Accessing Your Phone Remotely

Mobile security breaches: statistics

Below is a list of key statistics on mobile security:

• 98% of mobile malware targets Android devices
• In Q1 2023, adware was the most common threat to mobile devices (34.8%)
• 80% of phishing attacks targeted mobile devices.

How to tell if someone is accessing your phone remotely

Look for unusual battery drainage or apps behaving erratically. Below are the two biggest signs that someone has remote access to your phone.

• Unusual battery drain. If you haven't been using your device more than usual, but the battery is depleting rapidly, this could be a sign that something that shouldn't be is running.
• Erratic behavior. If your device is behaving erratically, crashing frequently, or slowing down for no apparent reason, it could be hacked.

Additionally, you can tell if someone is remotely controlling your phone by carefully reviewing the signs below:

• Unusual warmth. Does your phone feel warm to the touch when idle? The reason for this can be malware or a malicious app running in the background, consuming your processing power.
• Unrecognized apps or accounts. You don’t want to find apps you don’t remember downloading. You also don’t want to see new accounts linked to your device that you didn’t create. These are often the result of phishing attacks where you accidentally grant access to attackers.
• Data spikes. A sudden, unexplained spike in data usage could signal that something on your phone is sending information to a remote server. Malware may be transmitting your data in the background.
• Unexpected security notifications. Suspicious password change requests or new login locations can mean someone is attempting to access your accounts. This might follow a successful phishing attack where the attacker obtained your credentials.
• Unusual pop-ups and ads. A barrage of pop-ups and ads might indicate your device has adware, a form of malware. This could result from downloading an infected app from an untrusted source.
• Emails or texts sent from your account. If friends or family report receiving strange messages from you or you notice emails or texts in your sent folder that you didn't write, this could be a sign of unauthorized access to your account.

Regularly checking your device for unfamiliar apps, monitoring battery and data usage, and being mindful of your phone's typical performance can make the difference in catching unauthorized access early.

How to block someone from accessing your phone

Prevention is the key to ensuring your phone remains secure from cyber threats. By implementing the following practices, you can bolster your phone's defenses and avoid the headaches associated with unauthorized access to your phone.

Tips to block remote access on iPhone and Android

• Keep your software up to date. Software updates often include security patches that protect your phone from known vulnerabilities.
• Use a strong passcode or PIN. A strong passcode or PIN will make it more difficult for someone to access your phone if it's lost or stolen.
• Enable two-factor authentication. 2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to enter a code from your phone in addition to your password when you log in to your accounts.
• Be careful what links you click and what attachments you open. Phishing emails and text messages often contain links or attachments that can infect your phone with malware.
• Only download apps from trusted sources. The App Store and Google Play have security measures to restrict malicious apps. However, it's wise to be selective about what apps you download.
• Follow safety checklists. With the Clario AntiSpy mobile app, you can follow step-by-step checklists to ensure you have essential protections to block someone from accessing your phone.
• Find out a list of breaches. You can review a list of security breaches with Clario AntiSpy. Clario’s Data breach monitor scans the dark web to see if your passwords were leaked due to a security breach on a website where you have an account. You can then review the list of compromised passwords and change them or delete the accounts.

Here’s how to use Clario AntiSpy’s Data breach monitor:

1. Download Clario AntiSpy and get a subscription to create an account
2. Click Check more emails
3. Type your email address in and wait for Clario AntiSpy to run the scan
4. If Clario AntiSpy finds any breach, follow the on-screen instructions to eliminate any security risks you’ve been exposed to.

• Utilize VPNs and Secure Networks. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your data and secures your connection, particularly when connecting to public Wi-Fi. This reduces the risk of hackers intercepting your data.
• Regularly review the list of apps on your device. Check both your main applications list and any app folders. Remember, some malicious apps may hide themselves. To find hidden apps, go to the App Store and click the profile picture in the upper-right corner. Then, go through this list carefully and remove any apps you don't recognize or didn't install yourself.
• Examine the accounts connected to your device. Go to your device settings and select “Accounts” or a similar option. Ensure all linked accounts are familiar to you.
• Turn off tracking. If you’re concerned that someone is tracking you, follow the comprehensive steps on how to stop someone from tracking your phone in the Clario blog.

iPhone-specific tips

• Enable Touch ID or Face ID. Touch ID and Face ID add an extra layer of security by allowing you to unlock your phone with your fingerprint or facial scan.
• Use the Find My feature. Find My can help you track down your phone if it's lost or stolen.
• Enable remote wipe. Apple’s Find Devices feature allows you to erase all of the data on your phone remotely from another device if it's lost or stolen.
• Don’t jailbreak your iPhone. Jailbreaking weakens your device's security mechanisms. This makes your iPhone much more vulnerable to attacks.

Clario AntiSpy can scan your device for signs of a jailbreak or other major security threats. This way, you’ll know whether anyone has bypassed Apple’s security to gain unauthorized access to your device.

• Regularly review iCloud settings and security features. Ensure that features like two-factor authentication are enabled, and review app permissions in the Settings app. Only give apps permission to access data they need to function correctly.
• Only download apps from the official App Store. The App Store follows strict guidelines that reduce your risk of downloading malicious software.

Android-specific tips

• Enable Google Find My Device. Find My Device helps you locate, ring, or wipe your device from the web.
• Enable remote lock and remote erase. These features allow you to lock or erase your phone remotely if lost or stolen.
• Avoid rooting and downloading apps from third-party stores. Rooting, like jailbreaking for iPhones, can create security vulnerabilities, allowing someone to access your phone remotely. Stick to the options on the Google Play Store. You can also use Clario Anti Spy’s rooting detector to scan your device for signs of tampering.
• Monitor your Google account activity. Keep track of your account activity, and utilize tools like Google Play Protect that scan apps and ensure they are safe.
• Encrypt sensitive data. Encrypt text messages and emails or use massaging apps, like WhatsApp or Signal, to benefit from encryption protocols.
• Monitor data breaches. You can use Clario AntiSpy’s data breach monitor feature to check which online accounts are accessible to spies. The tool will scan the email 24/7 and notify you if your data has been leaked online.

A common concern related to hackers is the possibility of having phone calls overheard. If you want to know how to stop someone from listening to your phone calls, many of the above-listed tips can apply to identifying and stopping this intrusion.

Conclusion

Your safety and privacy are worth protecting. Your phone is a major part of your life, so protect it like anything valuable. Stay vigilant, and follow these best practices.

Consider using a security solution like Clario AntiSpy to elevate your protection. With its tailored features for both iOS and Android, continuous monitoring, and expert assistance, Clario AntiSpy brings solutions to your cybersecurity concerns. You can get Clario AntiSpy on the App Store and Google Play.

Remember, you don't have to be a tech expert to keep your phone secure. These strategies are designed for everyday users like you! Incorporating them into your daily habits allows you to live your life confidently and more securely.

FAQ

Can someone control my phone?

The unsettling reality is that your phone can be hacked remotely. Someone can control your phone if they have gained unauthorized access to it or you have given them permission to do so through certain apps or settings. To protect your phone's security, use strong passwords, avoid installing unknown apps, and be cautious about granting permissions to apps or people you do not trust.

How can someone access my phone remotely?

The most common way hackers can access a device is through phishing attacks. Hackers also use fake apps, insecure Wi-Fi networks, and other vulnerabilities.

Fake websites can steal your data. Phishing emails or texts look like official company communications, leading to websites that look familiar or similar to official ones. Once you click the link and enter your credit card details or a password on a website you feel is legitimate, you allow someone to access your phone or control your bank transactions remotely.

Always double-check the sender's email address, and be wary of unsolicited requests for personal information. Avoid clicking links altogether, especially when they lead to a login screen. Instead, just navigate to the official website from your browser.

Hackers can trick you into downloading fake Android apps. If you use an Android device, always download apps from the Play Store to reduce the risk of malicious apps gaining unauthorized access to your data and your device’s features.

Hackers can use other methods to gain access. Avoid jailbreaking, SIM card swapping, and compromised Wi-Fi networks. Also, look out for rooting, USB debugging, SMS-based attacks, and Bluetooth vulnerabilities.

Who is looking to gain remote access?

• Hackers pursue money or political ends by adding malware or stealing personal data
• Spouses or partners can get jealous, suspicious, or just overly curious
• Employers may add trackers to ensure policy compliance or track productivity
• Governments gain remote access to support national security and law enforcement
• Tech support teams ask for remote access to troubleshoot issues.

How do I find out if someone is remotely accessing my phone?

Look for unexpected or suspicious behavior on your device, such as strange apps, unfamiliar pop-ups, or unusual data usage.

If you wonder how to remove a hacker from your phone, Clario has additional advice to help.