Seeing an odd text message on your personal phone can be alarming, and rightly so.
Whether its a malicious text message or sophisticated spyware, Norton can offer a powerful defense against it.
These exploits are especially dangerous, as they dont require user interaction to be successful.
A good example is an exploit called Operation Triangulation.
Another case is the zero-click vulnerability that was exploited in WhatsApp, a popular messaging app.
It allowed spyware to be installed on targeted phones using the apps voice call function.
Such exploits are complex and usually state-funded.
Mobile apps present an enticing vector of attack to cybercriminals, who continually seek new exploits and vulnerabilities.
Therefore, awareness and adopting strong security measures are essential to protect against these threats.
Phishing is similar to smishing, but it occurs through emails rather than text messages.
The email comes off as official communication from a trusted source to lure you into revealing personal details.
Awareness and skepticism of unusual requests or messages can significantly mitigate these risks.
Since these messages appear to come from a trusted source, they can be particularly effective.
Always approach unexpected messages or attachments with caution, even if theyre from known contacts.
If you suspect someone you know has been hacked, alert them to the issue.
Features like AirDrop (iOS) and Nearby Share (Android) can also be exploited by attackers.
Hackers can send unsolicited files containing malicious software to a nearby iPhone or Android equipment.
Once the software is installed on your phone, it could compromise your unit and steal your personal information.
Its best to adjust your options to allow file sharing only with known contacts.
Popular messaging apps can be targeted by hackers to distribute malware or spyware.
Incidents such asthe NSO Groups Pegasus spyware exploiting WhatsAppunderscore this vulnerability.
Regularly updating these apps and avoiding clicking on suspicious links can help mitigate these threats.
Calendar apps have become a new avenue for phishing attacks.
Likewise,Bitdefendersscam alert feature can scan your Apple calendar and prevent you from getting these malicious calendar invites.
Unsafe apps are another method cybercriminals use to hack your phone.
Downloading and installing apps from unofficial sources or without thorough vetting can introduce malicious software to your equipment.
A good mobile antivirus can help protect your phone from malicious apps.
Unsecured public Wi-Fi networks are common places for hackers to stage their attacks.
Zero-day attacks exploit previously undiscovered vulnerabilities in software.
Theyre particularly dangerous because they occur before developers have had a chance to create a patch.
Protecting your mobile unit from hackers is not a daunting task if youre vigilant and proactive.
Step 1.
Install an Effective Antivirus App
This should be your first line of defense.
Quality antivirus software can help protect your gear from malware, spyware, and phishing attempts.
It can also alert you when you download a potentially unsafe app or visit a dangerous website.
My favorite antivirus app for mobile devices is Norton.
Step 2.
VPNs create a secure, private tunnel between your equipment and the internet.
A VPN comes in especially handy when using public Wi-Fi, which is a common target for cybercriminals.
I recommendExpressVPN(its the best VPN in 2025).
Step 3.
Step 4. you might easily refresh your phone via your equipment options you might also set up updates to occur automatically.
Step 5.
Third-party app stores may host apps that contain malware, and are best avoided.
Step 6.
Uninstall Unused or Suspicious Apps
If you dont use an app, its best to uninstall it.
Also, if an app starts acting strangely (crashing, requesting unusual permissions, etc.
), be sure to remove it immediately.
Step 7.
Check App Permissions
Be wary of apps that ask for permissions that dont seem necessary for their functionality.
An app should only have access to the components of your phone that it needs to function.
Similarly, for Android, go to prefs > Privacy, then adjust the permission prefs there.
Regularly review these prefs to ensure no unnecessary access is granted.
Step 8.
Your phone can potentially be compromised via a simple phone call, although its relatively rare.
Once installed, Pegasus can monitor calls, read texts, and even control your phones camera and microphone.
Beyond sophisticated software like Pegasus, there are more common phone-based scams that rely on social engineering techniques.
A concerning trend that has emerged recently is AI voice scamming.
These threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated as such, maintaining vigilance and skepticism towards unexpected phone calls is crucial.
The spyware installation is hidden, requiring no user action.
Infected devices show data usage lines mentioning a process named BackupAgent, and compromised iPhones cant install iOS updates.
The most recent version targeted was iOS 15.7. Pegasus works by exploiting undiscovered weaknesses, also known as zero-days, in operating systems.
These weaknesses turn on the spyware to circumvent the systems security measures and implement itself without any user engagement.
Pegasus has been implicated in various controversies due to its misuse.
Sophisticated zero-day attacks such as Pegasus are typically aimed at specific high-profile targets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you be hacked by replying to a text?
No, you cannot be hacked simply by replying to a text message.
Downloading files sent through text messages can also endanger your equipment.
Some hackers may also use social engineering techniques in their text messages to trick you into providing sensitive information.
Can someone hack my phone by texting me on WhatsApp?
No, simply receiving a message on WhatsApp cannot result in your phone being hacked.
Clicking on a suspicious link or downloading a malicious file could potentially expose your rig to harmful software.
Can someone spy on my text messages?
Yes.Spyware can be stealthily installed on your phone, allowing someone to read your text messages remotely.
These malicious apps can be installed without your knowledge and can even disguise themselves as everyday apps.
To protect yourself, install a robust antivirus like NortonMobile Securitythat can detect and remove spyware.
Additionally, always avoid clicking on suspicious links, and never install apps from untrusted sources.
Can someone hack my phone by texting me a photo?
If the image is opened or downloaded, it can potentially compromise your equipment.
To guard against this, always exercise caution when receiving image files from unknown or untrusted sources.
Can someone hack my phone if I open a text message?
Always use sound judgment when receiving texts from unknown numbers, and dont interact with suspicious or uninvited messages.
Installing a trusted mobile security app like Norton can also provide an additional layer of protection against potential threats.
