How to Know If Your Device Has Been Hacked (and What to Do About It)
Your cell phone keeps buzzing with the code that was never requested from you. Your computer is still overheating despite having closed all the programs fifteen minutes ago. Your partner is asking about the weird link that you supposedly sent to him via Facebook.
These are the kinds of moments that make people wonder: is my phone hacked? Has my phone been hacked without me knowing?
Put simply, phone hacking means accessing your cell phone without permission to your device’s information or any of its apps or communication services. Hackers don’t limit themselves to smart phones, however. Laptops, tablets and desktops fall under their attack as well. For example, according to the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) National Anti-Scam Centre, in 2025, scams accounted for more than $2 billion financial losses in Australia.
Below, we cover the warning signs that your device has been compromised, the steps to take if it has, and how to keep it from happening again. We also cover when it makes sense to get local IT help in Hobart rather than trying to sort it out alone.
What Does It Actually Mean When a Device Is Hacked?
The term “hacking” refers to the fact that an individual’s mobile or computing devices have been compromised by a security hacker. This means that there is a person reading your emails, spying on you using your webcam, keylogging your activities, and even stealing your personal information.
Most people picture a hooded figure in a dark room. The reality is duller: you tap a link in a text message, download an app from an unofficial source, or connect to public Wi-Fi at a café. The malware installs itself quietly. You don’t notice until days later when things start behaving oddly.
Malware is the catch-all term for malicious software designed to infiltrate, damage, or steal data from your devices. It comes in several forms: spyware that monitors your activity, adware that floods your screen with pop-ups, ransomware that locks your files until you pay, keyloggers that record every keystroke, and traditional computer viruses that spread between files and devices. If ransomware is something you’ve heard about but aren’t sure how to handle, our guide on how to protect yourself against ransomware covers it in detail.
Common Ways Hackers Get Into Your Phone, Laptop, or Tablet
Hackers rely on a mix of technical exploits and old-fashioned trickery. Here are the most common methods:
Phishing is a social engineering attack that tricks you into revealing personal information via email, SMS (sometimes called smishing), or phone calls. The message looks like it comes from your bank, a delivery company, or the ATO. You click the link, enter your credentials, and the attacker has them. We’ve written a separate guide on what phishing scams look like with real examples.
Malicious apps are another common entry point. A mobile app downloaded outside the official app store (sideloaded) can carry spyware or adware that runs in the background. Even legitimate-looking apps occasionally slip through store reviews with hidden malicious code.
Public Wi-Fi interception happens when you connect to an unsecured wireless network. Attackers position themselves between your device and the access point, capturing login details and browsing data in transit.
SIM swap attacks involve a hacker convincing your phone carrier to transfer your number to a new SIM card. Once they have your number, they intercept two-factor authentication codes sent via SMS and access your accounts.
Brute-force attacks target weak passwords by trying every possible combination until one works. Short passwords can be cracked in minutes.
Social engineering goes beyond digital tricks. Attackers call pretending to be from the ATO or your internet provider, pressuring you into installing remote access software. The new scams targeting Australians in 2026 use AI-generated voices and convincing spoofed caller IDs.
10 Warning Signs Your Phone or Computer Has Been Hacked
Not every glitch means you’ve been hacked. Phones slow down, apps crash, batteries degrade. But when several of these signs show up together, it’s worth paying attention.
1. Your Device Is Running Unusually Slow or Overheating
Malware working in the background consumes processing power and drains your battery. Spyware and cryptominers are common culprits. If your phone is hot to the touch while sitting idle on your desk, something is wrong.
Older devices do slow down naturally, and a full storage drive causes sluggishness too. To rule out hardware problems on a laptop, check our guide on how to know if your laptop needs repair.
2. Unknown Apps or Programs You Did Not Install
If you see applications that you do not know, this should be treated as a red flag. This is especially true for Android phones since downloading non-official applications is easier compared to iPhones.
Do not confuse bloatware with malware since bloatware will only annoy you without posing any threat to your system security. In contrast, malware uses generic names and does not have an application icon displayed on your desktop.
3. Excessive Pop-Ups, Ads, or Browser Redirects
Pop-up ads appearing outside your browser, or your browser constantly redirecting to websites you didn’t ask for, are strong indicators of adware or a browser hijacker. This is especially common on Android devices and Windows PCs.
If your browser has been acting strangely, make sure it’s fully updated to patch known security vulnerabilities.
4. Unexpected Password Resets or 2FA Requests
Password reset emails and two-factor authentication codes sent to you but which you never requested means that someone is trying to access your account. In case he or she succeeds, he or she will reset the password.
5. Unrecognised Logins or Account Activity
Most services let you check recent login activity. Google, Apple, Facebook, and Microsoft all have login history pages. If you see logins from locations or devices you don’t recognise, someone else has gained access to your account.
6. Emails or Messages Marked as Read That You Never Opened
If your emails are marked as read before you open them, or if you see messages in your messaging application that were not even sent by you, then this means that your email or messaging accounts have been hacked.
7. Unusual Data Usage or Unexplained Charges
Spyware sends your data to a remote server, and that uses mobile data. If your data usage has spiked without a change in your habits, check what’s consuming it. Premium SMS fraud, where malware sends texts to paid numbers, can show up as unexplained charges on your phone bill. You might also notice an increase in spam calls, which is another sign your number has been exposed. Here’s how to block scam phone numbers in Australia.
If your internet seems slow but your data usage is high, test your actual connection speed to rule out a provider issue.
8. Your Camera or Microphone Activates Without Reason
Most modern devices show an indicator light or icon when your camera or microphone is active. If you notice this when you’re not using either, spyware may have gained access to your webcam or mic.
On iPhones, a green dot indicates camera access, and an orange dot indicates microphone access. On Android, a similar indicator appear in the status bar.
9. You Are Locked Out of Your Own Accounts
If you suddenly can’t log into your email, social media, or banking app despite using the correct password, someone may have changed it. Account takeover is one of the more stressful forms of hacking because it cuts off your ability to recover other connected accounts.
10. Strange Activity on Your Financial Accounts
Small, unfamiliar charges on your credit card or bank statement often mean a hacker is testing whether the card works before making larger purchases. Unauthorised transactions, even tiny ones, should be reported to your bank immediately.
Quick Diagnostic Checklist: Is My Device Compromised?
Use this checklist to quickly assess whether your phone, laptop, or tablet might be compromised. If you tick three or more items, take action using the steps in the next section.
What to Do If Your Phone or Computer Has Been Hacked
If you suspect your device has been compromised, work through these steps in order. Speed matters here, especially for the first three.
Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet
Switch your phone to airplane mode. On a laptop, turn off Wi-Fi and unplug any ethernet cable. Disable Bluetooth too. This stops the malware from sending data out and prevents remote access by the attacker.
Step 2: Change Your Passwords from a Clean Device
Do not change passwords on the device you suspect is compromised. Use a different phone or computer that you trust. Start with your email account (since password resets for other services go there), then banking, then social media.
Use unique passwords for every account, at least 12 characters with a mix of types. If that sounds like a lot to remember, a password manager stores all your credentials securely so you only need one master password.
Step 3: Enable Two-Factor Authentication on All Accounts
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security beyond a password: an SMS code, authenticator app, biometric verification, or physical security key. Microsoft estimates MFA blocks 99% of automated credential attacks. Set it up on your email, bank, and social media accounts now if you haven’t already.
Prefer an authenticator app over SMS codes where possible. SMS verification is better than nothing, but vulnerable to SIM swap attacks.
Step 4: Run an Antivirus and Anti-Malware Scan
Antivirus software scans for and removes malware and provides real-time protection. On Android, install a reputable antivirus app and run a full scan. On Windows and macOS, use built-in tools (Windows Security or XProtect) plus a dedicated malware scanner for a more thorough sweep.
iOS is more locked down, but if you’ve jailbroken your iPhone, you’ve removed those protections. If you’re dealing with iPhone issues that could be related, you might want to troubleshoot common iPhone issues first.
Step 5: Remove Suspicious Apps and Revoke Permissions
Delete anything you don’t recognise or didn’t install. Then review app permissions. An app claiming to be a calculator that has access to your camera, microphone, and contacts is a red flag.
On Android: Settings > Apps > Permissions. On iPhone: Settings > Privacy & Security. On Windows: Settings > Privacy.
Step 6: Update Your Operating System and All Apps
Software updates patch known security vulnerabilities. If you’ve been putting off updates, install them now and enable automatic updates going forward. This applies to your browser too, since an outdated browser is one of the easier ways for malware to reach your device.
Step 7: Factory Reset as a Last Resort
A factory reset erases all data and restores your device to its original manufacturer settings. It’s the nuclear option, and it works for most malware infections. But it also wipes everything: photos, messages, apps, saved logins.
Before you reset, back up anything important. If you’re not sure how, read our guide on what data backup is and why it matters. If you’ve never backed up your device before, we have a beginner’s recovery plan if you have never backed up that walks you through it step by step.
Keep in mind that a factory reset doesn’t help if the malware came from an account you’ll sync back to the device (like a compromised Google or iCloud account). Clean your accounts first.
Step 8: Contact Your Bank and Report to ACCC Scamwatch
If your financial details have been exposed or you see unauthorised transactions, contact your bank immediately. Ask them to freeze your cards and flag your account. Australian banks have fraud teams that handle this routinely.
Then report the incident to Scamwatch, run by the ACCC’s National Anti-Scam Centre. Australian scam reports help authorities track trends and warn others. If you’ve been a victim of cybercrime (identity theft, financial fraud, or data breach), also report it to the Australian Cyber Security Centre at cyber.gov.au. These two organisations are the best starting points for local cybersecurity help if you’ve been targeted.
You can also check whether your email address has appeared in a known data breach using Have I Been Pwned. This free tool checks your email against a database of billions of compromised credentials.
If the experience has been distressing, IDCARE (1800 595 160) provides free support to help you create a plan to limit damage from identity theft.
Step 9: Get Professional IT Help
Sometimes the problem is beyond what you can fix with a scan and a password change. If you can’t remove a hacker from your phone or laptop after following these steps, or if you’re worried about data loss, get a trusted IT professional involved.
At Channel Tech Support, we handle hacked devices regularly across Hobart, Kingston, and Southern Tasmania. We offer Android phone repair and malware removal, Apple device repair, and professional computer repair services including deeper diagnostics and security hardening.
How to Protect Your Devices from Being Hacked in the Future
Knowing how to protect your phone from hackers (and your laptop, and your tablet) comes down to a handful of habits. None of them are complicated.
Keep Software and Operating Systems Updated
It’s essential to update your software right after patches get released. Almost all breaches are carried out by exploiting vulnerabilities which have been patched. Make sure to turn on auto-updates for each and every gadget that you have, starting from your phone, laptop, and smart TV.
Use Strong, Unique Passwords and a Password Manager
Using one and the same password for several accounts at once poses the highest threat. Once one of the services gets compromised, the attacker will use that same password on your email, bank accounts, and social media. With the help of a password manager, you can generate and store unique passwords for each account separately.
Be Cautious on Public Wi-Fi and Use a VPN
Using a virtual private network (VPN) allows you to hide and encrypt your traffic and IP address from hackers while using public Wi-Fi. In case you usually connect to the internet via public Wi-Fi, a good VPN can help you protect your data.
We’ve got step-by-step guides for setting one up: set up a mobile VPN on your Android phone or choose and set up a VPN on your iPhone.
Review App Permissions and Download Only from Trusted Sources
Stick to the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Avoid downloading apps from links in emails or messages, and periodically review app permissions on your device. An app doesn’t need access to your camera and contacts to show you the weather.
Secure Your Home Network and Router
The fact is, most people do not even think about their routers once they set them up, and that is a big mistake. Your router serves as the connection to all of your devices in your household. You must change the default administrator details (which most people do not do), upgrade your firmware, use WPA3 encryption (at least WPA2).
If you think there is something wrong with your router, check its settings. A compromised router will redirect your traffic and spy on your browsing activity.
Back Up Your Data Regularly
Implement the principle of “three-two-one”: three copies of your information, on two types of media, and one copy stored offline. In case you want to do a factory reset or replacement of your gadget, you won’t lose everything.
If you require more advanced data backup, Channel Tech Support provides professional services for data backup and recovery services of your personal and business devices’ data.
For a broader framework, the Australian Government’s Essential Eight cybersecurity framework outlines eight baseline strategies that work for individuals and small businesses.
Can Your Phone Camera or Microphone Be Hacked?
Yes. Spyware like Pegasus has shown that phones can be silently compromised without the owner clicking a single link. While Pegasus typically targets journalists and political figures, the techniques trickle down. Consumer-grade spyware apps (often marketed as “parental monitoring” tools) can access your camera, microphone, location, and messages.
On iPhones, green and orange indicator dots show when camera or microphone is active. On Android, similar indicators appear in the status bar on recent versions.
If you are worried about it, then you can check the applications with permissions to access your camera and microphone, and remove any application that is not supposed to be having those permissions. Also, put a cover on your laptop’s webcam whenever you are not using it (you can get a sticker or a sliding cover).
Who Hacks Phones and Why?
In most cases, hackers are motivated by financial gain; they obtain it via direct fraud, taking credit card information, or harvesting data to be sold on the dark web. Credentials and IDs of people are always valuable.
The state-sponsored agents conduct surveillance operations on journalists and politicians. Unlikely to be applicable to most Tasmanian residents.
Some attacks are personal. An ex-partner installing monitoring software on a shared device. A former employee accessing company accounts they shouldn’t still have.
What connects most of these is that attackers go for the easiest target: weak passwords, outdated software, a careless tap on a phishing link.
When to Call a Professional: Getting Expert Help in Hobart
If, after doing all the above, your device is still giving trouble, if your computer is having issues with malware that just won’t let go, or if you are a small business owner who’s worried about a possible data breach, then that’s when the pros earn their keep.
Channel Tech Support is headquartered in Hobart and Kingston, Tasmania. We’ll come to your home or office for malware removal, data recovery, security audits, and setup of devices on Windows, Mac OS, iPhone, and Android systems.
For ongoing protection, we also offer managed IT support services so problems get caught before they become emergencies.
Protect Your Devices and Get Help When You Need It
We're local, we're mobile, and we deal with exactly these kinds of problems every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
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1. Can someone hack my phone just by knowing my number?
Having your number will not help a hacker to gain access to your device, but he/she may perform SIM swaps, SMS phishing or searching personal details about you associated with this number through data leaks. In case your account is not protected with strong passwords and two-factor authorisation, this number becomes valuable.
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2. Does turning off your phone stop hackers?
Turning off the device stops any process of data transmission. Consequently, at the moment when your device is turned off, hackers cannot access your device or steal any of your data. However, turning off the device does not delete malware that has already been installed in your device.
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3. Can a website hack your phone?
Yes. Drive-by downloads and malicious scripts can exploit vulnerabilities in your browser or operating system when you visit a compromised website. This is less common on up-to-date devices with modern browsers, but it does happen, especially on older phones running outdated software.
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4. How do I know if my laptop has been hacked?
Signs your laptop is hacked are similar: unexpected slowdowns, programs you didn't install, pop-ups outside your browser, unrecognised login activity, and the webcam light turning on without reason. On Windows, check Task Manager for unfamiliar processes using high CPU or network. Our guide on common Windows 11 issues can also help.
