Hackers! I think my Android smartphone has been hacked. What can I do?

We’re very sorry to hear you’re worried that hackers may be controlling your device. We understand how painful and frustrating it is to feel spied on or to have hackers interfering with your entire life. We receive many inquiries like yours every day and know how unsettling this situation can be.

At the same time, we want to emphasize that this is a complex issue. Please stay calm at first! Frequently, malfunctions or crashes are caused by outdated apps, compatibility issues, or system errors—it’s not always a “hacker” at work. However, if you have serious indications of an attack, follow the steps below to close potential security gaps and protect your smartphone (and possibly other devices).

1. Important Preliminary Information

• Who hacked you and why?
  Frankly, we don’t know who attacked you or why.
• How can a hacker control your device?
  For an attacker to truly send commands to your smartphone or spy on it, they need direct access to your device. In most cases, this means your phone has already been infiltrated by a trojan or that there is a backdoor in the system.
• What can we offer you?
  At Protectstar, we’ve developed several security apps that can protect you against hackers, trojans, malware, and other cybersecurity threats. Below, we’ll explain how to proceed.
   

2. Check Your Indicators and Evidence

Why do you specifically believe hackers are controlling your device?

• Are you certain it’s actual hacking? Often it’s just incompatibilities between apps and the device.
• Do you have concrete clues like unusual network activities, mysterious SMS/emails, or suspicious app behavior?

Apps or Malware?

• Many problems arise due to faulty apps or system crashes—not necessarily due to hacking.
• However, spyware or trojans can indeed disguise themselves as seemingly harmless apps.

Update Your System and Apps

• Crashes or problems often result from outdated firmware or old app versions.
• Make sure that your operating system and all apps are up to date.

Tip: Write down all unusual events (e.g., date/time and what happened). This will help with analysis later.
 

3. Initial Security Measures

1. Stay Calm!
   Quick and rash actions can make your situation worse. Carefully read through the steps below and follow them methodically.
2. First, Use Our Security Apps
3. Protectstar Antivirus AI
   Scan your Android smartphone for viruses, trojans, and other malware/spyware. Our AI antivirus scanner is multiple-award-winning and certified.
   More info: https://www.protectstar.com/en/products/antivirus-ai
4. Protectstar Firewall AI
   Analyze your data traffic in real time. Check the firewall logs to see which apps are connecting to the internet. Unusual connections can indicate malware or spyware apps.
   More info: https://www.protectstar.com/en/products/firewall-ai
5. Protectstar Anti Spy
   Specifically designed to detect hidden spyware, stalkerware, and snooping apps.
   More info: https://www.protectstar.com/en/products/anti-spy

Note: After the scan, check exactly what was found and contact our Protectstar support if necessary.
 

Perform a Factory Reset

• If you strongly suspect your device is infected with malware, do a full factory reset (reset to factory settings).
• This returns the device to its original state and usually eliminates persistent malware completely.
• Important: All data will be deleted, so back up your photos, documents, etc. beforehand on an external hard drive or in a (securely encrypted) cloud.
   

Set Up Your Smartphone from Scratch

• Configure your device as a new device and use strong passwords that you’ve never used before.
• Use complex passwords with numbers, special characters (!*#, etc.), and upper/lowercase letters.
   

Change Passwords

• Now change all your passwords: email accounts, Wi-Fi router, social media accounts, banking logins, etc.
• Use unique and secure passwords like #$gHTZxl995& to prevent a hacker from using a single password to access multiple accounts.
   

Install Only Necessary Apps

• Limit yourself to the apps you really need.
• Only install apps from trustworthy sources (e.g., Google Play Store, manufacturer websites).
• Use a good antivirus scanner—in addition to Protectstar Antivirus AI, solutions like ESET, Dr.Web, or Kaspersky are also well-known.
   

4. Additional Recommendations

Remember Your PC/Laptop

• If strange things are happening in your network or your smartphone keeps getting infected, your computer may also be compromised.
• Check your Windows PC or Mac for viruses and malware. If suspicion is high, you may need to reinstall the operating system.

Data Backup

• Back up all important data (e.g., photos, documents) before performing a factory reset or reinstalling your PC.
• Ideally, use an external hard drive or a secure cloud service.

File a Police Report in an Emergency

• If you have actually become a victim of hacking or suffered financial losses, contact the police.
• File a report if you have sustained specific damages or if you’ve been threatened or blackmailed.
   

5. For Tech-Savvy Users (Optional)

If you have advanced skills and want to analyze in more detail whether your smartphone has been compromised:

Enable Developer Options

• Go to Settings > About phone and tap the Build number several times until you’re registered as a developer.
• Then you’ll find Developer options under Settings.

Use Logcat & ADB

• With ADB (Android Debug Bridge) and the command adb logcat, you can view system logs in real time.
• Watch for recurring crash reports, unusual connection attempts, or failures.
• If you know what to look for, log files can provide valuable clues.

Check Installed Certificates

• Go to Settings > Security > Trusted credentials and see if there are any unknown or suspicious root certificates installed.
• Strange certificates could indicate that your data traffic might be intercepted.

Monitor Network Traffic

• Tools like Wireshark (on your PC) or network monitoring apps can help detect suspicious traffic.
• Pay special attention to unusual IP addresses or large data usage from apps that should normally be “quiet.”

Custom ROMs and Bootloader

• In extreme cases, infected firmware can be deeply rooted in the system. A clean-flashed custom ROM or a stock ROM from the manufacturer may help.
• Warning: Flashing a custom ROM requires experience and can impact warranty coverage.

Warning: System-level changes or flashing a new ROM carry risks (data loss, bricking the device). Make sure you’re well-informed before doing any of this.

6. Summary and Conclusion

• Stay calm: What seems like a hack may often be a simple system error or conflict between apps.
• Analysis: Thoroughly check whether it’s really a hacker attack or if the issue lies elsewhere (e.g., outdated apps, hardware defect).
• Security Apps: At Protectstar, we offer Antivirus AI, Firewall AI, Anti Spy, and if needed, Camera Guard—comprehensive protection against various threats.
• Factory Reset + Password Change: In serious cases, this is the fastest and most secure way to restore a compromised device.
• Consider Your PC/Laptop: Keep your other devices and network clean and updated, or malware may reappear.
• Contact the Police: If you are seriously threatened or have actually suffered damage, do not hesitate to involve the authorities.

Any Further Questions?
If you have general questions about our products or about security issues, feel free to contact our support. Please understand that we cannot provide individual forensic investigations. We hope you quickly regain confidence in your smartphone—taking the right steps can keep you safe from hackers and espionage!

Did we already help you? Please read https://www.protectstar.com/en/faq/is-there-a-way-to-send-you-a-donation-for-your-fabulous-work