ANDROID and iPhone users should know several key warning signs that their devices have been contaminated with malware.
Malware, a portmanteau of malicious software, is a program that intentionally harms a device, network, or server.
Your phone may be infected with malware if it slows down, suddenly runs out of storage, or is plagued with pop-ups and unfamiliar downloads.
There is also an eerie, little-known sign that your device has been hacked.
When you use your front-facing camera to take a selfie, you will see a small green dot that appears at the top of the screen. This is called a status indicator light.
On devices running iOS 14 or later, the indicator light appears as a green dot for the camera and an orange dot for the microphone. It is green for both utilities on Android phones.
If the light remains on long after you’ve closed the camera or an app that uses the camera, this could indicate your device has been infected with malware.
Moreover, if you see the light when you aren’t actively using your camera or microphone, this could mean a hacker has access to your device.
And while it may seem unlikely that a shadowy figure is watching you through your phone camera, cyber-intelligence experts have proven such a hack is possible.
In one instance, Israel’s NSO Group developed spyware capable of allowing hackers to access a microphone and camera.
The National Security Agency even recommends using a microphone or camera cover to protect your privacy.
One of the most common signs of malware is a slow device. As the nasty software eats up processing power, it often causes apps to freeze and crash.
This symptom goes hand in hand with shrinking storage, which will dwindle suddenly.
You may receive random pop-ups that urge you to download antivirus software or claim your device has been hacked.
Likewise, unfamiliar applications and files may suddenly appear in your downloads.
If you believe your device is infected, it isn’t too late. Start by deleting any apps or files you don’t remember downloading, as they could contain viruses.
You can also install antivirus software to scan your phone for malware and promptly remove it.
iPhones generally don’t need antivirus software due to the protections afforded by Apple’s iOS, which means these devices are harder to infect.
While Android devices have built-in security features like Google Play Protect, they are more vulnerable to attacks.
These differences lie in the operating system itself. iOS is generally proprietary software, meaning its developers don’t share the code with the public.
Android, on the other hand, shares its source code with app and system developers – and while this spurs innovation, it also makes devices easier to hack.
As a last resort, you can factory reset your phone – but this will wipe everything from the device.
Experts recommend backing up your devices regularly in case of emergency.
While Apple’s iPhone Operating System has a reputation of being safe, you could always take steps to be even safer. Here’s what Mackenzie Tatananni, Science and Technology Reporter at The U.S. Sun, has to say.
One of the easiest ways to avoid being hacked is to download the latest software updates, which usually contain patches to fix vulnerabilities.
You can also keep your iPhone up to date with the most recent software by turning on automatic updates.
When searching for software, apps, or really anything to download onto your iPhone, only look to trusted sources.
The official App Store is just one example – applications in there have all been vetted by Apple as opposed to those from a third-party source.
You should also exercise caution when downloading text or email attachments.
Do not click on suspicious attachments or links if you haven’t confirmed where they come from.
They can inject malware onto your phone or nab your personal information under the guise of being from a trusted source, like a bank or employer.
To take steps to protect your data from interception, refrain from connecting to public WiFi networks.
If you must, be sure to use a Virtual Private Network, or VPN – there are tons of options in the App Store.
