Published: July 23, 2015
By: Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Sensitive information on your cell phone may be at risk.
Hackers are accessing personal info by using misleading text messages as well
as spy apps. “Spy apps” are designed to help parents keep track of their
children or reduce the likelihood of infidelity in relationships; however, some
people misuse them to access your email, text messages, call logs and even your
current location. Unfortunately these apps are hard to detect and run invisibly
in the background, fortunately there must be a physical installation. So as
long as you know and trust anyone who has access to your phone, this is not
something you should be worried about.
However, a more common hacking scheme happens with
misleading messages, and anyone with a cell phone and an email account is a target.
In one potential scenario, a hacker would somehow dubiously obtain your mobile
phone number and email address then send a text message claiming to be from
your email service provider indicating there is an issue with your account. The
hacker goes into the login screen of the target’s email account and clicks the
option “Forgot Password” and requests a verification code to be sent via text
message. The hacker then sends a second message requesting the verification
code. If you happen to fall for the trick and send the verification code the
hacker would have full access to any sensitive information in your account and
can change the password, locking you out.
If you suspect your e-mail account has been hacked, first
make sure your security software is installed and set it to update
automatically. Secondly, run a scan to check for malware and then restart your
computer. Last but not least, if you still have access to your account, change
your password immediately. If you continue to have issues or if you receive a
suspicious message, contact your service provider to confirm the legitimacy of
the claims.
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