6 Signs Your Phone May Have Been Hacked
Posted on October 30, 2018
In today’s world, our smart phones have become our security blankets. Ever get that panicked feeling when you leave the house without your phone or even worse, misplace it? We keep our most personal and private information on our smart phones from pictures, credit card details, passwords and more.
This one-stop-shop for all your personal information can be an attacker’s dream. In a domestic violence situation, stakes are even higher, as abusers can use this information to stalk, harass and frighten their victims.
So how do you know if someone is prying into your life by listening in on your calls, reading your text messages and perusing your pictures? An abuser can spy on you and remain undetected if you don’t know what signs to look for.
Fortunately, it’s possible to detect multiple signs that your smart phone may have been hacked. If you suspect someone has hacked your phone, any of the following signs may tell you it’s time to take precautionary measures.
1. New apps installed without your knowledge or permission
If you find a new app has been installed on your phone and you didn’t install it or are unaware of where it came from, do a Google search to find out what it is and what others are saying about it. Most often you won’t be alone. Others online will provide their own experience with the app and what it does.
2. Apps that used to work are suddenly stopping or shutting down
If an app starts shutting down on its own it could be just bad programming, but it also could be a sign of a malware infection.
3. Phone feels hotter or warmer than usual
This can happen when unknown apps run in the background while you’re not using your phone. Review running applications, check for unknown apps installed and review your battery usage.
4. Phone reboots on its own or behaves strangely
There are many reasons why a phone would reboot on its own, but it is always good to review apps installed, apps running at startup, apps running in the background and battery usage to determine if any reboots were normal or if your phone was hacked. If you are noticing strange behavior, such as your flashlight turning on, or anything out of the ordinary it’s wise to take precautionary measures (we’re getting there, keep reading).
5. Your phone is sending and receiving text messages or making calls that you didn’t send or get notifications of
Hackers frequently install malware that causes your phone to make calls. These calls can be expensive, and the hackers will make money off the calls. If you notice calls being made without your knowledge, your phone has likely been hacked. Just as the hackers will take advantage of your phone to make phone calls, they will also do it with text messages.
6. Increased use of mobile data
The excessive data use is a little hard for the average user to determine. Data monitoring apps can help track this. The excessive data usage could cost you money. Reviewing your data usage settings and look for anything out of the ordinary. Install anti-malware software and run a scan to remove the threats.
Knowing the signs of a phone hack is only half the battle. Once you’ve determined your phone has been compromised, there are steps you can and should take to stop the threat and prevent it from happening again. Next week’s post will provide a step-by-step guide for stopping any threats to your phone and protecting yourself from cyber harassment.
Note: We paired up with Orange County-based cybersecurity consulting firm, Tevora, to create a series of cyber safety guidelines. Unfortunately, many victims of domestic violence experience cyber stalking. This series is intended to serve as a resource for anyone who may find themselves in the position of being harassed, bullied or stalked online.
How to Defend Yourself from Cyber Abuse
Posted on August 10, 2018
With the rise of highly sophisticated technology and social media, it seems the world is our oyster. We can purchase practically anything our hearts desire with the click of a button and our phones can guide to any destination. Unfortunately, this convenience comes at a price for domestic violence survivors. Technological advancements have a dark side that can unleash harm in the form of cyber stalking and cyber harassment. In response, Laura's House has partnered the cybersecurity firm Tevora, to educate its staff and clients with the tools to protect against online abuse.
At Laura's House, we have witnessed a dramatic increase in cyber abuse. Technology evolves quickly, allowing abusers to target their victims by utilizing tracking devices, spyware to monitor electronic communications and social media platforms to frighten, harass or stalk them. Over the course of the coming months, we are going to share how you can protect yourself and your loved ones from this form of abuse.
The Growing Cyber Abuse Problem
NPR recently surveyed over Seventy U.S. domestic violence shelters and saw an alarming trend: Eighty-Five percent of the shelters surveyed work directly with victims whose abusers tracked them using GPS. Seventy-Five percent work with victims whose abusers listened in on their conversations remotely using hidden mobile apps, commonly referred to as spyware.
These findings are consistent with the experiences of Laura's House clients. Clients frequently report that their abuser is able to track them or knows things about their lives that are confidential. Very often, the reason is traced back to some form of cyber stalking or hacking of a device like a phone or computer. Domestic Violence non-profits like Laura's House simply do not have the expertise or resources to adequately help survivors prevent or respond to threats. Fortunately, we were able to partner with Tevora, a leading expert in cybersecurity, to meet this threat head on.
Tevora's Director of Incident Response, Matt Mosely, provided our staff with on-site training, presentations and toolkits to help us understand how to effectively respond to the cyber stalking, hacking, malware, scams and online harassment our clients experience. He shared tips for browsing online privately to seek help without detection, how to recognize if your phone has been hacked or if you're being tracked, and how to protect yourself on social media and email, to name a few. These resources and new skills have empowered Laura's House to help clients facing technology abuse to take proper precautions and to ensure their online activity is performed safely. Moreover, our partnership with Tevora allows us to share these tools with a larger audience.
Cyber Safety Toolkit
Over the coming months, we will publish several blog posts dedicated to cyber abuse protection and cybersecurity safety. If you or someone you know is a target of cyber abuse, these tools can help. We will share general cybersecurity best practices as well as practical tips you can implement to:
- Recognize if your social media or email has been hacked and secure your accounts
- Detect any spyware or malware on your personal device, which can be used to eavesdrop on personal conversations and online activity
- Browse online privately when seeking help to ensure your tracks are covered
- Detect any signs you are being tracked and stop it immediately
As we continue to move toward a virtual world, abuse perpetrated via technology has become increasingly commonplace and sophisticated. To adequately serve their clients, domestic violence agencies have no choice but to develop strategies to respond to these threats. It is imperative that domestic violence agencies partner with companies like Tevora, which are uniquely positioned to meet this critical need and ensure domestic violence survivors can lives free of violence in real life and virtually.
Teen Dating Abuse prevalence in Orange County
Posted on May 25, 2018
Laura's House and Chapman University have partnered to uncover date pertaining to the prevalence of teen dating abuse in Orange County. No data existed for Orange County, and it was much needed to understand and effectively administer the Laura’s House H.E.A.R.T Healthy Emotions and Attitudes in Relationships Today workshop. In 2017, Laura’s House H.E.A.R.T. reached 12, 638 youth, administered in over 300 workshops throughout the County.
TILLY’S LIFE CENTER AND LAURA’S HOUSE SELLS OUT THEIR FIRST ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF THE HEARTS EVENT
Posted on February 28, 2018
More than 300 teens interacted and learned about creating healthy and positive relationships during the inaugural event
February 28, 2018 (Mission Viejo, Calif.) –Tilly’s Life Center (TLC) and Ladera Ranch-based Laura’s House sold out for the first annual Festival of the Hearts event to educate Orange County teens on creating and cultivating healthy, positive relationships. The one-day festival that took place on Saturday February 24 at Saddleback Community College in Mission Viejo, Calif., hosted more than 300 teens parents and teachers with live entertainment, food, workshops and interactive activities like yoga, art therapy, and self-defense.
“At Tilly’s Life Center we are committed to empowering teens with the tools needed to take responsibility of their own lives, relationships and future. I believe programs and events like ours will help enrich the lives of all teens across the board,” said Monica Utley, TLC’s Executive Director. “Given the success of this year’s event, we are looking forward to a second annual event.”
“With the rise of teen dating abuse and violence, it is vital now more than ever that we educate young people about healthy relationships,” said Margaret Bayston, executive director at Laura’s House. “We are motivated to do more events like this seeing the turnout of our inaugural festival, which shows that the community cares and finds value in educating teens about this important topic.”
Spoken word artist Phil Kaye, who has delivered inspirational speeches and Ted Talks, opened up the first annual Festival of the Hearts
Throughout the day, teens were given the opportunity to participate in breakout sessions on topics including positive affirmations, leadership, safe dating, cyber safety, social media and bullying, and media literacy
Festival of the Hearts attendees grab lunch provided by El Pollo Loco
Prior to a performance by Latina hip hop band Bella Dose, their personal announcer got participants to dance on stage and gave away a cash prize
Endnote speaker, Ralph Rocha, who has overcome abusive relationships, gang violence, learning disabilities and time spent in juvenile hall, shared his inspiring story on how he was able to overcome life’s challenges
The teams from Tilly’s Life Center and Laura’s House
Tilly’s Life Center and Laura’s House would like to extend a warm thank you to all of its supporters, donors, participants and volunteers who helped make this a successful event.
Follow: @tillyslifecenter on Instagram, Facebook , LinkedIn and follow @TillysLC on Twitter.
Follow Laura’s House and its H.E.A.R.T. program on Instagram at @laurashouseoc and @laurashouseheart.
About TLC:
TLC aims to empower teens to overcome their own adversity and crises through positive thinking. Through tested methodologies from globally-respected thought leaders, TLC teaches effective life tools that equip teens with the confidence and self-esteem they need to take responsibility for themselves – ultimately giving them the power to make positive changes in their own lives. To find out more, please visit www.tillyslifecenter.org.
About Laura’s House:
Laura’s House is a nonprofit organization established in 1994 to provide domestic violence-related services. We serve as the only state-approved comprehensive domestic violence agency in south Orange County, Calif., serving communities throughout Orange County and the surrounding regions of southern California. Over the past 24 years, Laura’s House has provided shelter with support services to more than 5,000 abused men, women and their children and non-residential direct services including 24-hour crisis intervention, counseling, life skills education and legal advocacy to over 55,000 persons. Our mission statement is as follows: Changing social beliefs, attitudes and the behaviors that perpetuate domestic violence while creating a safe space in which to empower individuals and families affected by abuse. Our services include an Emergency Shelter, Counseling and Resource Center, Children’s Therapeutic Programs, Transitional Living Center, Legal Advocacy, and Community Prevention/Education and Outreach. In 2017, we provided direct services to 3,821 persons and prevention/education and community outreach activities to 24,733 persons. To find out more please visit www.laurashouse.org and www.laurashouse.org/lhteen
Press Contacts:
Debs Choi, Tilly’s Life Center
714.310.9651
deborah@masterplancommunications.com
Heather Wong, Laura’s House
714-426-0444
heather@hkamarcom.com