Smartphone hacks tend to be blocked by iOS and Android’s robust security systems; however, if an attacker gains physical access or clicks on a malicious link they could still cause serious harm.

Turning off your phone usually thwarts most hacking attempts; without an internet connection code cannot be executed. But some recent iPhone models enter a low-power state instead of going completely off, which hackers could exploit.

1. Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are popular wireless communication technologies that can be exploited by hackers to gain unwarranted access to mobile devices, thus leaving data vulnerable to potential cyber threats. By disabling Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when not in use, you can protect both your device and data from potential cyber threats. In addition, it’s recommended that device software and passwords are updated regularly to ensure optimal security; additional measures such as disabling GPS, using encryption on internal storage and SD card storage, using secure PIN codes or passwords will further boost security while helping reduce battery consumption and extend lifespan as well.

2. Change your PIN

If someone else is nearby when entering your PIN, hacking it can be easy and it is wise to avoid letting strangers nearby when entering a passcode or PIN number.

Keep in mind that even experts in technology can be compromised. Lorrie Cranor, FTC Chief Technologist and Carnegie Mellon professor was subjected to her mobile account being hijacked after someone entered her carrier store with four digits from her Social Security number and changed it via the SIM.

Once a hacker obtains your phone number, they can bypass two-factor authentication and gain entry to many of your online accounts–even those protected with complex passwords. That is because many services use your number or a one-time backup code sent via text to recover accounts should you forget passwords or use multiple account recovery methods such as using two-factor authentication to protect them.

One way to protect against this type of hack is with an authenticator app that generates time-based verification codes that cannot be reused, like SMS text messages. Another option would be factory resetting your phone; although this will remove all files and apps on it as well as wipe any data, so any attacker would have to start from scratch in order to rehack you again.

3. Clear your cache

When an application acts strangely or consumes more data than expected, that could be a telltale sign of malware attempting to copy data off your clipboard and send it directly to hackers or distribute advertisements across other users of that app. Recent phone updates will typically alert users of these behaviors.

If your phone overheats when in standby mode, that could be another telltale sign of hacking. On older phones especially, this overheating may cause irreparable damage to the battery.

Unfamiliar phone calls and texts, suspicious activity on online accounts like password reset requests or new account signups, as well as unusual devices appearing in Google or Apple ID activity logs may all be telltale signs that an account has been compromised and should be immediately disabled.

Smartphones outshone PCs when it comes to security, but people remain the weak link. Disabling Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, clearing your cache, installing antivirus software and running a factory reset are all effective strategies against phone hacking. Should you suspect your device has been hacked, one effective strategy to mitigate any possible harm from data leaks would be changing passwords on any accounts involved and performing factory reset.

4. Change your password

Hacking a phone may be possible even without physical access; however, it’s much harder for hackers to gain entry when it’s in your hands. To keep hackers at bay and protect your accounts against attacks from any outside sources, lock your phone with a PIN or passcode and choose strong, unique passwords for each account – these should be long, reasonably complex passwords not related to personal details (like birthday or pet name) like date or name of account owner.

If you come across unfamiliar applications on your phone that weren’t installed by yourself or that sound like they belong to an IT firm, or any that resemble acronyms from IT companies, it would be advisable to clear your cache and change password immediately. Doing this will remove any malware that’s been placed there by hackers and limit their damage potential.

Change passwords on any accounts associated with your phone to protect from possible hacks; doing so will ensure that if hackers gain entry they cannot take control of these online accounts.

If your mobile bill has increased unexpectedly, this could be a telltale sign of someone using your device to install unwanted applications and services (known as fleeceware). In such an instance, contact your provider immediately so they can stop any unnecessary charges on your bill.