Your phone got hacked and now someone's got control of it. What to do immediately

From emails and text messages to banking apps, social media and even your photos, it's a treasure trove for cybercriminals.

Take a deep breath. Yes, it's unsettling, but you're not powerless. Knowing what steps to take - and in what order - can make a huge difference in regaining control and stopping the damage. Let's walk through exactly what to do if your phone gets hacked, so you can protect yourself and bounce back stronger.

Even if hackers had only brief access to your device, assume they've seen sensitive data. Your first task is to remove any malware or spyware.

After installation, run a full device scan. This will search for hidden threats like spyware, ransomware, or keyloggers that could compromise your information further. Once the scan identifies malicious files, follow the app's instructions to quarantine or remove them. Be sure to double-check the app's log to confirm all suspicious activity has been addressed. Most antivirus tools offer real-time protection to monitor for threats as they occur. Turn this feature on to reduce the risk of reinfection. Antivirus programs are only as effective as their latest updates. Cybercriminals continuously develop new malware, so keeping your antivirus database current ensures it can detect the newest threats.

3. Seek professional help: If you're not confident in your ability to remove malware or reset your phone, reach out to a trusted professional. Visit the Apple Store, Microsoft Store or an authorized service provider for your phone brand. Explain your situation and ask for a thorough inspection and cleaning of your device. Many retailers offer comprehensive diagnostic and repair services.

Resist the urge to immediately change passwords on a compromised device. Hackers might still have access and could intercept your new credentials, potentially locking you out again. Instead, follow these steps:

As we've seen, traditional passwords present numerous security challenges - including susceptibility to breaches and phishing attacks - along with the inconvenience of remembering complex combinations. Even with best practices in place, passwords can still be stolen or misused.

This is where passkeys come into play. As data breaches become increasingly common, adopting passkeys can significantly enhance your security. Unlike passwords that require you to remember a string of characters, passkeys utilize biometric authentication or a PIN to streamline the login process while providing protection against unauthorized access.

Enhanced security: Passkeys are resistant to phishing attacks and reduce the risk of credential theft since they cannot be easily guessed or stolen like traditional passwords.

Convenience: With biometric authentication, logging into apps and websites becomes faster and easier - eliminating the need to remember complex passwords.

Cross-device functionality: Passkeys work seamlessly across different devices linked to the same account - providing a unified login experience.

Here's how to set up passkeys on both iPhone and Android devices so that you can secure your personal information.

Setting up a passkey on iPhone 

How to create a Passkey on iPhone

Setting up a passkey on Android

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone's manufacturer.

How to create a passkey on Android:

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone's manufacturer.

With your device clean, focus on protecting your financial and personal information.

Credit reports: Contact Equifax, Experian and TransUnion to place a fraud alert and security freeze on your credit reports. Regularly check your credit reports for unauthorized activity. Contacts: Equifax: 1-800-525-6285,Experian: 1-888-397-3742, TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289.

Driver's license: Submit a Fraud Review of Driver License/Identification form to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Identity theft protection: Identity theft companies can monitor personal information like your Social Security Number (SSN), phone number and email address and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account.  They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals. 

Getting your phone hacked is a sobering reminder of how vulnerable we are these days. Yet, the experience doesn't have to be catastrophic if you act quickly and methodically. Start by addressing the immediate threat of malware, secure your accounts and assets, and implement proactive measures to prevent future breaches. Think of these steps as your digital emergency kit - essential tools to help you regain control when things go wrong. Remember, your digital security is only as strong as the precautions you take today.

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