Russia’s Interior Ministry Warns: These Signs May Mean Your Phone Has Been Hacked

Russia’s cybersecurity authorities are urging smartphone users to take simple but urgent steps as mobile malware incidents rise.

In response to a surge in cyber threats, Russia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs has released official guidance to help users protect their smartphones from malicious software. According to the Ministry’s Cybercrime Department, warning signs include sluggish device performance, unexplained overheating, and spontaneous restarts—potential indicators that a phone has been infected with a virus.

Other red flags may include pop-up ads, unknown apps appearing on the device, or suspicious entries in call logs. In such cases, experts recommend immediately disconnecting the phone from the internet by switching to airplane mode and contacting your bank to prevent potential fraud. Users should also check active sessions in critical apps like online banking and government services, terminating any that appear unfamiliar.

To stay safe, the Ministry advises users to install only licensed antivirus tools from the official government registry, avoid downloading apps from unverified sources, and keep their mobile operating system up to date. If a device appears to be seriously compromised, users are encouraged to contact law enforcement or professional cybersecurity services. These simple steps can help safeguard personal data and reduce the risk of financial loss.