Is your mobile phone being hacked when you’re on holiday? You can tell before it’s to late

Everyone wants to unplug on holidays, but what happens if the phone doesn’t?

Imagine you are on the beach, with your phone in hand. You’re taking photos, scrolling through Instagram and maybe even sharing your location via WhatsApp. Cybercrime is not on your mind when you’re enjoying the sunshine and good times. But hackers know this and are counting on it.

We tend to let our routines slip a little when we’re on vacation. We plug in our phones to any charger available at the airport and use the free WiFi provided by the hotel. This is where things can go wrong.

Five signs that your phone is in trouble. (and it’s not just sand stuck in the speaker).

Do not panic. Cyber security professionals say that your phone could be compromised if it is in transit.

• Battery drains incredibly fast without any reason
• Even when you don’t watch videos on your phone, it gets hot.
• Weird apps appear—ones you don’t remember downloading.
• You’re getting notifications about logins that are coming from places you haven’t been.
• Ads or pop-ups that appear randomly in your browser hijack it.

Does this sound familiar to you? You need to act quickly if you answered yes.

What do you do when you suspect that your phone is hacked or compromised?

First, breathe. It happens. Here’s your holiday rescue plan:

1. Turn off your WiFi and data. Turn off your WiFi and data immediately. No signal, no hacker.
2. Airplane Mode is the answer. Switch on Airplane Mode after you reboot your phone.
3. Grab a safe (not your mobile!) and change every important password—emails, socials, bank accounts—the works.
4. Save what’s important. Back up photos, notes, contacts: Store them safely in case your phone needs to be wiped.
5. Factory reset. It’s not the most pleasant thing to do, but it is usually the best way to remove unwanted guests.
6. Drama in the Bank? Tell them quickly. You should report suspicious transactions to the police and call your bank as soon as you notice them.

Checklist for a safe and secure holiday: Stay cool, but don’t forget your phone

Few smart moves will keep you stress-free this summer and your data secure.

• You should avoid public WiFi networks unless using a VPN.
• Keep to the official app stores. Avoid downloading APKs off the web.
• Don’t click dodgy links. Do not click on any links, even if Aunt Sheila appears to have sent you a great offer from “a bank”.
• Before you leave, update your phone. Do it.
• Turn on encryption. You can often turn on encryption with a simple tap.

While on vacation, the last thing that you want is to have your phone hacked. So, take a few precautions, keep your wits about you—and then get back to enjoying that sangria.

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