How to know if your phone has spyware or is hacked

Now that the Israeli-made Pegasus spyware has once again brought mobile spying fears to the fore, it's time to identify whether your phone has spyware.

Although Pegasus is unlikely to spy on you, other hacking and spying software and apps are still there, and these apps may try to steal financial and personal information, reports Gadgets Now.

Here are signs that you are being spied upon or your phone has been hacked.

Phone's battery draining unusually fast

If your phone's battery is draining unusually fast, that may be due to malware and fraudulent apps using malicious code. First check the number of apps running in the background, close the ones you don't need, and then monitor if the problem still persists.

Apps you don't recognise

If you notice apps on your smartphone that you neither downloaded nor recognize, then this could be the work of a hacker or spyware.

Phone running too slow

If you find your smartphone suddenly running too slow while consuming more battery power, then there may be stealth malware running in the background.

Spike in mobile data usage 

If you find your data usage is suddenly higher than normal, this may be due to malicious apps or software consuming your mobile data in the background while tracking your activities.

Phone acting strangely

In the case that your smartphone is acting strangely, for example apps fail to load or crash unexpectedly, this is may be yet another telltale sign.

You notice strange pop-ups 

A type of malicious software works by making too many pop-up ads in the devices, so if you notice anything like this then it can be an adware. Always avoid clicking those ads.

Find unrecognised photos and videos in gallery 

If you see photos and videos in your photo gallery that you don't recognize, be on alert since this may be someone taking control of your device remotely.

Flash light goes on when not using phone

This may be another sign of some remotely controlling your deivce if you find the flash light being turned on even when you are not using your phone.

Phone getting hot when not in use

If your phone is getting very hot even when you are not using it, chances are hackers are on the prowl.  

Log of unrecognized texts or calls 

If you notice text or calls in your log that you did not send or make, and usually those containing unusual characters, be on your guard.