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Detecting Mobile Hacks: Signs and Solutions

The possibility of getting hacked is a worrying reality in a time when our lives are inextricably linked to our smartphones. Hackers' strategies, which are always looking for ways to take advantage of weaknesses, also evolve along with technology. Thankfully, it is possible to determine whether unauthorized access has been gained to your phone.

1. Unusual Behavior:

If your phone starts exhibiting unusual behavior, such as sudden battery drains, sluggish performance, or unexpected shutdowns, it could be a sign of a breach. According to Tom's Guide, these anomalies may indicate the presence of malware or spyware on your device, compromising its functionality.

2. Data Usage Spikes:

Excessive data usage is another red flag. A sudden spike in data consumption without any change in your usage patterns could signify a compromise. NordVPN emphasizes that certain malware operates in the background, quietly sending your data to unauthorized sources, leading to increased data usage.

3. Strange Pop-ups and Ads:

Pop-ups and ads that appear out of the blue, especially when your phone is idle, may be indicative of a hack. Business Insider notes that these intrusions often result from malicious software attempting to generate revenue for hackers through ad clicks.

4. Unrecognized Apps and Permissions:

TechPP advises users to regularly check for unfamiliar apps on their phones. If you notice apps that you didn't download or don't remember installing, it's a clear sign that your phone's security may have been compromised. Additionally, scrutinize app permissions to ensure they align with the app's functionality.

5. Overheating:

An overheating phone can be a symptom of hacking. Unexplained overheating may indicate that malicious processes are running in the background. If your phone feels unusually hot, it's worth investigating further.

6. Sudden Password Changes:

If you find that your passwords have been changed without your knowledge, it's a serious cause for concern. This could signify a hacker gaining unauthorized access to your accounts. NordVPN emphasizes the importance of immediate action to secure your accounts and change passwords if you suspect foul play.

It's essential to be watchful and proactive to protect your phone from any hackers. Observe the recommendations given by reliable sources regularly. Recall that reducing the effect of a security compromise requires quick identification and action. Our knowledge of and protections against the constant threat of mobile phone hacking should advance along with technology.


Which Country Ranked the Highest in the Global National Privacy Test?


Apparently, it has turned out that what is known to be the world’s smallest country has also been named the most literate in terms of cybersecurity: Vatican City.

As per the National Privacy Test carried out by one of the most acclaimed VPN services, NordVPN, The Holy See topped, with eight other top ten nations all being European. On the world leaderboard, the UK came in at number 35.

NordVPN says the test is "designed to evaluate aspects of an individual's online life, including their understanding of cybersecurity in theory and their ability to recognize online threats and react accordingly."

European Countries Dominate

Vatican City respondents received 72 points in the test, the highest of any other country, according to data accumulated since 2020 with nearly 140,000 respondents from 192 countries answering to 20 questions. 

The residents "demonstrated an excellent awareness of digital risks and how to avoid them," notes NordVPN. However, the firm also criticized the residents’ digital habits, mentioning that they need to up their online services and privacy tools in order to maintain their security. 

The second place was secured by Finland, followed by the Czech Republic. As per the reports, when compared to Vatican City, both countries have poorer results in areas pertaining to the test, namely digital habits, digital privacy awareness, and digital risk. 

Status of the Non-European Countries 

Singapore was the only non-European country making it in the top ten, ranking seven with 69 points. The other Asian countries followed were Malaysia and the UAE, both scoring 67 points. Moreover, the US ranked 21st globally with a score of 67, leaving behind Canada in all the test aspects.

New Zealand took first place in the Oceanic region with 68 points, while Australia came in second with 63 points. New Zealand outperformed other nations in every category. Meanwhile, with 67 points, Brazil took first place in Latin America, two points ahead of its closest competitors, Argentina and Colombia. However, Colombia outperformed Argentina in terms of digital dangers (84 to 80) and behaviors (49 to 47).

Moreover, the global average score turned out to be 65, with respondents performing their best when identifying and avoiding digital dangers, scoring an average of 82 points. The average score for knowing how to avoid malware was 69 points, while only 47 points were awarded for knowing how to properly secure data utilizing privacy tools and internet services.  

NordVPN Identifies the Most Risky Websites for Users' Privacy and Security

When you browse the web on a regular basis, it can be quite dangerous, but it becomes even more dangerous when you access certain types of sites. It should come as no surprise that porn, streaming, and video hosting websites top the list of services posing the greatest risk to users' privacy and security. 

Malware attacks, invasive ads, and heavy web tracking were among the threats. That is the exclusive data gathered by NordVPN, one of the best VPN services available. In December 2022 alone, the VPN provider was able to block over 344 million web trackers, 341 million intrusive ads, and 506,000 malware infections thanks to its Threat Protection tool.

"The online world is challenging people in every single move they make," said NordVPN cybersecurity advisor Adrianus Warmenhoven.

"Want to read an article? Dozens of ads and pop-ups are ready to immediately cover your screen. Another privacy threat – malware – is lurking for you on websites and in files you are about to download. Websites you browse are also full of third-party trackers that analyze your browsing history to find out what you do online. It depends on you to stop it."

NordVPN researchers wanted to know how these cyber threats were getting to users. They did this by analysing aggregated data collected by their Threat Protection system. While this did not include any personally identifiable information about users, it did assist them in depicting the scenario that everyone faces on a daily basis online.

Malware is perhaps the most concerning of these threats. This is due to the ease with which such malicious software can infiltrate a device and damage or compromise tonnes of users' sensitive data. Adult content sites contain the most malware, including viruses, ransomware, spyware, and other threats. During the coverage period, over 60,000 domains were blocked. Cloud storage and entertainment platforms are next in line, with approximately 70,000 infected platforms discovered between the two categories.

Intrusive ads are any pop-ups or other ad pages that appear without being requested. These not only annoy people's online experiences, but they are also excellent at gathering information about users without their knowledge. As expected, free streaming platforms are the most involved, with more than 55 minion domains affected. Adult content and shopping websites appear to be close behind.

These findings highlight the importance of using a reliable ad-blocker every time you browse the web, especially when visiting certain types of websites.

"Ad blockers are essential for both security - because they block ads that can infect people’s devices - and privacy because annoying ads rely on collecting data from web activity and violating people’s privacy," explains Warmenhoven. "Also, if a website is loading slower than usual, you can blame intrusive ads. Free apps filled with unwanted ads could also drain your device’s battery faster.” 

Web trackers are another major cyber threat because they compromise users' online anonymity. Video hosting services were the sites with the most web trackers. The NordVPN Threat protection tool blocked over two billion domains. Tracking was also high in cloud storage, web email, and information technology sites. As per Nord, Hong Kong and Singapore have the most web trackers in the world, with an average of 45 and 33 trackers per website. Other countries with high tracking rates include the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, Spain, and France.

NordVPN Threat Protection is a system that safeguards users from the aforementioned online threats. It accomplishes this by scanning all files you download and blocking all sites containing malware and dangerous ads before you open them.

Threat Protection is available on all NordVPN apps. This means that there is no additional cost to enjoy a safer online experience. All you have to do is follow these simple steps:
  • Launch the latest NordVPN app on your preferred device.
  • Click the shield icon on the left side of your screen.
  • Activate the Threat Protection toggle.