Has your friend’s phone number been compromised? Here’s what to look for
6 mins read

Has your friend’s phone number been compromised? Here’s what to look for

Phone hacking is a bigger deal than most of us realize, and it’s something we all need to be aware of. The other day, Dennis emailed that he had a rather disturbing experience with a suspicious text message that appeared to be from a friend’s number. His story is a wake-up call for all of us to stay awake and informed. By understanding the signs of potential hacking, we can better protect ourselves and our loved ones from cyber threats.

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Has your friend's phone number been compromised? Here's what to look for

A woman texting on her phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

The suspicious text message

Dennis received a text from a friend that was unusually short and out of character, asking only, “Do you want to chat?” This raised immediate concerns, especially since the number appeared to be his friend’s but was not recognized by Messenger as in his contact list. Such scenarios often suggest phone numbers spoofing or hackingwhere cybercriminals hide their identity by using someone else’s number.

Has your friend's phone number been compromised? Here's what to look for

Illustration of friend’s suspicious text (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Signs Your Friend’s Phone Number May Have Been Compromised

Understanding the signs of a compromised phone number is critical to protecting your personal information and that of your friends. Here are some indicators that your friend’s number may have been hacked:

Unusual messages: If your friend starts sending texts that seem out of character—like odd phrases, unexpected links, or requests for personal information—it could be a sign that their number has been hacked.

Unknown contacts: If Messenger says the number isn’t in your contact list when it actually is, it could indicate a problem.

Unexpected phone behavior: If your friend mentions that their phone is behaving strangely, they should look out for:

  • High data usage: Unexplained spikes in your friend’s data usage could indicate malicious apps running in the background on their phone.
  • Unknown Apps: If your friend discovers new apps that they didn’t download, it could be a sign that their phone has been hacked.
  • Battery drain: Fast battery drain, even when you’re not using the phone heavily, may indicate background malware activity.
  • Slow performance: If your friend’s phone suddenly becomes slow or unresponsive, it could be because malware is using the device’s resources.
  • Pop-ups and Ads: An increase in pop-up ads or redirects to questionable websites while your friend is browsing may indicate adware or malware on their device.

Unauthorized debits: If your friend’s phone bill shows unexpected charges, it could be due to premium SMS services or calls from malicious apps.

Spam sent from your friend’s number: If you or other contacts are receiving spam or suspicious messages from your friend’s number, this is a strong indication that their phone may have been compromised.

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Has your friend's phone number been compromised? Here's what to look for

A man texting on his phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Measures to protect yourself

If you suspect your friend’s phone number has been hacked, consider these steps:

1) Verify with your friend: Contact them via another method to confirm if they sent the message.

2) Check for malware with a strong antivirus program: Advise your friend to use a strong antivirus program to scan the device for malicious apps or malware. The best way for them to protect themselves from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing their private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all their devices. This protection can also alert them to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping their personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

3) Change password: If your friend suspects that their phone number has been hacked, they should change their passwords for all accounts linked to their phone number. They should consider using one the password manager to generate and store complex passwords.

4) Contact the service provider: Your friend should contact their mobile operator to report the problem. The provider can help secure their account and prevent further unauthorized access.

5) Enable two-factor authentication: Encourage your friend to activate two factor authentication nn their accounts for added security.

6) Monitor accounts: Advise your friend to regularly check their bank statements and credit reports for suspicious activity.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Phone hacking is a bigger problem than most people realize, and Dennis’ recent experience is a stark reminder of that. It is crucial for all of us to be vigilant and informed about signs of potential hacking. By recognizing these warning signs and taking proactive measures, we can better protect our personal information and loved ones from cyber threats.

Have you ever experienced a suspicious message or a potential hacking incident? Share your story with us and let us know how you handled it by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips and security warnings, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by going to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

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