When you think of hackers, you probably think of two things: large-scale attacks on businesses that cause multi-million dollar damage and micro-phishing attacks that target the most vulnerable Internet users. If you are confident in the top-notch security of your device, it can be difficult for you to imagine a virus wreaking havoc on your phone and stealthily extracting your data.

But as the digital age shifted from desktop to mobile, so did hackers. Today, your mobile phone can also be vulnerable, just like a laptop.

But how do you recognize that a virus has penetrated your smartphone? What happens to the phone when it is infected? Let's figure it out.

Let's Check If Your Phone Is Infected

Unusual phone behavior should be taken seriously. Check the checklist step-by-step to discover whether your smartphone displays any of the same symptoms.

#1. An emergence of intrusive ads

Banners and pop-up windows starting to emerge on their own without previous app installation may be a sign of a virus infestation.

Some adware infections cause links to appear in windows on the screen. By visiting the URL, you are taken to a dangerous website where the apk file is downloaded, infecting the mobile device.

#2. Significantly increased Internet traffic volume

Many mobile viruses actively send data over the Internet, increasing traffic usage. As a result, we recommend that you verify the statistics through the settings as soon as possible: navigate to "Settings" -> "Connections" -> "Data Usage" -> "Mobile Traffic."

If you observe a major variation in your Internet activities, this is an indication that malware is already here.

Aside from causing damage to the OS and user data, this might result in additional finance charges, particularly if your carrier's rates are rather high.

#3. Unapproved Internet access

 In addition to devouring traffic, viruses connect to WiFi or a mobile network without your permission and change phone settings at their whim. While you're blaming yourself for again neglecting to switch off mobile data roaming, the malware will ruin your phone at your expense.

#4. Increased fee for mobile calls and SMS

Viruses have learned to call and send SMS on the user's behalf. Order a call detail (printout) from a mobile provider and check to see if you recognize all of the numbers. Also, check the text of outgoing messages and SMS.

#5. Quickly drained battery

Viruses, like other programs, aggressively use battery capacity. This is especially common on iPhones. If you're asking yourself can iPhones get viruses, your answer is "yes," even despite the system's high-quality protection. If the battery consumption has doubled and the battery runs out quickly, this is a sign of a virus infection.

At the same time, you won't always be able to follow virus activity using battery statistics. Very adept hackers conceal their footprints and disguise themselves.

#6. Brakes and glitches

As previously stated, worms, malware, and keyloggers always use phone resources. Virus creators don't bother optimizing their applications. As a result, a little virus can significantly slow down the mobile operating system and specific apps.

More frequent problems can also indicate an infection: apps that stop on their own, don't launch the first time, or don't start at all.

#7. The appearance of unknown applications

Viruses disguise themselves and enter other programs. There would be a danger of malware installation if you downloaded software from a source other than the official Google Play or App Store. They are sometimes difficult or impossible to remove without doing a hard reset.

How To Protect Your Phone From A Virus

You should follow basic security rules to prevent your phone from getting infected. This is easy to do; just follow the rules listed below.

1. Use a good effective antivirus or firewall

Check your mobile phone for viruses regularly. Applications don't need to run constantly and load device resources – you can conduct a comprehensive antivirus scan several times a month and use online antiviruses.

2. Connect to secure WiFi

Always use secure WiFi or a VPN to protect you from hackers who want to intercept your data stream to and from your phone.

3. Check app permissions

Before installing an unfamiliar app, read the terms and conditions. Please keep in mind that any suspicious program can use personal information or change the conditions without prior notification.

4. Always update your operating system

Operating system updates often fix bugs in previous operating system versions.

5. Don't open suspicious messages

Malware can be sent by email attachments, SMS messages, or URLs. Clicking on strange websites or messages might open the door to phishing attacks.

6. Don't jailbreak your phone

You get the essential upgrades and fixes for your operating system by leaving your phone in its original condition since OS suppliers continually increase its security. When you jailbreak your phone, you expose it to security flaws discovered in prior versions and the risks that open source might harm your phone.

Wrap Up

Don't be overly concerned about virus dangers. The most important thing is to keep an eye on the mobile device's security. The first step is to check the phone for infections right now.

We hope you have taken basic antivirus precautions and that your smartphone is no longer in danger.