If you’re reading this, chances are something feels off with your current phone—and your instincts might be right. Our smartphones hold access to nearly every part of our lives: banking apps, personal messages, location data, work emails, and more. When that device is compromised, so is your privacy.
Whether you’ve seen suspicious behavior or just have a gut feeling, this guide will walk you through what to look for, how to respond, and—critically—how to prevent future intrusions. If your phone has been compromised, it may be time to consider a hardened device built for maximum security.
Hacks don’t always announce themselves. In fact, the most dangerous ones are designed to avoid detection. Still, there are warning signs that your device may have been breached:
Individually, these signs can have benign explanations. Together, they may indicate your phone has been compromised.
If you suspect your phone has been hacked, take these steps as soon as possible:
Turn off Wi-Fi and mobile data, or power the device down entirely. This cuts off potential remote access while you investigate.
Manually check for and uninstall any unfamiliar or untrusted applications, especially those with elevated permissions.
Use a reputable mobile security app, like iVerify, to detect malware or spyware. While not infallible, it can catch many common threats.
Use a separate, trusted device to update login credentials for your most sensitive accounts. Start with email, banking, and cloud storage.
If your phone is still functional, back up important files and contacts in case a factory reset is necessary.
If problems persist, wipe the device to remove any malicious code. Be sure to back up data first and follow manufacturer instructions.
Even after cleaning a compromised phone, many users are left vulnerable. Traditional smartphones are built for convenience, not protection. A single misclick on a phishing link, a malicious app download, or a zero-click exploit can reopen the door to hackers.
If your phone has already been compromised or you handle sensitive information, you need more than just antivirus software. You need a secure device.
The SecurePhone from Sotera Digital Security is a hardened mobile device designed from the ground up for secure, private communication. By offering only voice and messaging functionality, along with end-to-end encryption, it effectively mitigates the common vulnerabilities that are typically exploited to compromise traditional smartphones.
If you suspect that your phone has been hacked, contact us about getting a SecurePhone. While most people don’t use the SecurePhone as their only phone due to the limited smartphone functionality, it’s undeniably the simplest way to protect your most important conversations, whether they’re personal, professional, or mission-critical.
Once you’ve regained control of your device, here are some ways to reduce your risk moving forward:
If your phone continues to show signs of compromise—or you’re worried that your activity is being tracked—it’s time to bring in professionals. Some threats are sophisticated enough to evade basic detection tools, especially if you're a high-value target or handle sensitive information.
Sotera Digital Security provides secure communication solutions trusted by government agencies, corporate executives, and privacy-focused individuals. Our SecurePhones are designed to protect you where other devices can’t.
Don’t wait for another breach. If your phone has been hacked once, it can happen again. Contact us today to protect what matters most.