Is it protection or paranoia? The head of the FBI has warned that the Chinese government may be spying on U.S. citizens who use smartphones made by Huawei or ZTE. Both makers deny the surveillance, but the idea of cyber snooping comes with precedence.
Are hackers in your phone? Here’s how to find out
I’ve heard from many people who have been cyberstalked over the years. Sadly, today’s tech makes it all too easy.
Take Apple AirTags, for example. They’re cheap, small, and easy to hide — and can tell the owner exactly where you are located. Here are six signs to look for if you suspect someone is tracking you this way.
Then there are the people convinced someone is listening in on their calls or reading their texts. Sometimes, I believe something is going on. Other times, paranoia has set in. Here’s how to know if you’re being stalked or are just paranoid.
It’s not always easy to tell if your phone has been compromised. Here are some tips for diagnosing a hacked phone.
How does this happen in the first place?
A person doesn’t necessarily have to be a hacker to get into your phone. Someone can hold your phone to your face when you’re sleeping and unlock it. This one act lets them snoop through your device without your knowledge.
Then there’s software that does the job. Stalkerware is designed to track you using GPS, call logs, messages, images, browser history, and more. This software can be hidden behind another app that seems harmless. Tap or click for six signs stalkerware could be on your phone.
There are harmful files and malicious links that can infect your phone without your knowledge. Something as innocuous as a PDF file can carry some poisonous data. That’s why it’s so important to be careful what you click.
What about apps? Sketchy downloads can imitate well-known apps or try their luck to trick you into downloading and running them. Once you do so, your phone is infected with malware.
There’s also a method called SIM swapping that is much more targeted. A criminal calls your phone carrier pretends to be you, and requests a new SIM card — disconnecting your old line and transferring everything to the criminal’s device.
Tap or click for three ways to stop this scary attack.
Look for the signs
Is the Chinese government using smartphones to spy on you?
💼 Job seeker paranoia is real: New AI tools make it easier than ever for recruiters who are just scammers to look legit on LinkedIn and video interviews. Spot the fakes: Verify the company, check their official site for the position and watch for emails with odd time zones (paywall link).
📢 Government drone testing is back: The FAA says don’t panic if you see them swarming New Jersey skies. They’re testing over 100 drones through April 25. It’s apparently to improve drone detection and to make sure they don’t mess with aircraft navigation. New Mexico, North Dakota and Mississippi, you’re up next. Don’t worry, it’s just 100 flying robots stress-testing your paranoia.