Hacking expert issues warning over battery icon ‘clue’ that shows criminals have taken over your phone

A dwindling battery getting you down?

Whilst it’s a common complaint for most cell phone users, one hacking expert has warned that this might not just be a sign of wear and tear, although there are ways to make your battery last longer.

In fact, your phone’s battery icon may even be an important ‘clue’ that criminals have taken over your phone.

Though it’s normal for your cell's battery to worsen over time, sudden drops in efficiency could suggest that hackers have accessed your cell.

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As criminals use your data or your device, the extra activity will often lead to more of your power being used without your knowledge.

Security company Norton has warned users: “Phone batteries aren’t meant to last forever, but they’re also designed efficiently.

“So, if your phone use habits have remained the same but your battery is draining more quickly than normal, hacking may be to blame.”

If you are at all concerned about this, it’s easy to check by having your phone display the battery percentage and checking it throughout the day.

However, there are other warning signs you can be on the look out for if you want to stop cyber criminals.

As with your cell’s battery, you should be aware if your phone is using significantly more data than normal as this could indicate that you’ve been hacked.

Often malware or spyware will drain your cell’s data, with the criminals using the malicious software to gain access to your secure information.

An increase in pop-ups can be also often warning sign, as hackers try to get you to click on something malicious.

In some instances, new apps may even appear on your phone without you downloading them or random calls/texts from your phone.

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It’s why it is best to be as familiar with your phone as possible and ensure that you are aware of these potential red flags.

Just like you would with your computer or laptop, you can download security and antivirus software to stop this.

Before running this, you’ll need to ensure that you’ve deleted any possible dodgy apps to stop the threat of malware.

Having run the software, you’ll also need to change your passwords and restart your phone to ensure your cell is clean from any possible security threats.

While long-winded, this should save your cell phone if you become a victim of hacking.

Happy doom-scrolling.

Topics: Technology, Phones

Katherine Sidnell

Katherine is an entertainment journalist with a love of all things nerdy. Starting out writing Doctor Who fan fiction as a kid, she has gone on to interview the likes of Matt Damon, James May and Dua Lipa to name a few. Published in The Sun, The Daily Mail and Evening Standard - she now joins Ladbible as resident nerd in chief.

@ksidnell