Everyone is aware of what phone cloning is? But the thing that they don't know is how it is possible to clone a phone. But if you don't know what phone cloning is and how to apply digital self-defense, don't worry; I will explain every detail in this article.
What is phone cloning?
Cloning a phone means that every phone identification credentials detail of one phone is copied to another one. It is precisely the replication of the original one. In simple words, phone cloning is duplicating the entire phone's cellular identity and using it on another device.
The person who changed his mobile phone often uses this process to copy all the phone data into his new phone, which is beneficial for them.
But the real question and threat are what if the hackers and intruders use this method to hack all your phone's data? What if they clone the cell phone to see your text messages and other important data?
Scary! Right?
Nowadays, Mobile devices are not only used to make calls, pay electronic bills, bank details, and many more.
Not everyone on the earth is with pure intention. The news of data hacking and blackmailing is not new in today's world. And people also don't pay much attention unless they own to become the victims of hacking.
You need to have digital self-defense. To be digitally safe, you must know that your phone is cloned.
Ways to clone a smartphone
There are numerous ways to clone a smartphone. But using Spywares and Bluetooth are common ways. Spy applications like MobileSpy.io, Mspy, Flexispy, etc, don't require mobile passwords and login credentials to get data from other devices. So, Spywares are an easy way to clone a cell phone.
Spy applications make it possible to see real-time phone activities. Social media account monitoring, GPS location tracking, and call records are possible through spy applications.
Another way to clone a phone is to use Bluetooth. To work it, you need Bluetooth third-party tool.
Why clone a cell phone?
Your phone contains all your online banking details, credit card, debit card info, pictures, videos, everything.
The main reason for cloning a cell phone is to steal your phone's data. The hackers might use themselves or sell those data to others. People with evil intentions can clone a phone for identity theft, hack banking details credentials, financial reports, etc.
Every mobile device has its unique serial number and phone number. And when a smartphone gets cloned, it is reprogrammed to move these settings from a legitimate phone. You don't have to be technically an expert to clone a cell phone.
The intruders can listen to you and use the camera on your phone to keep an eye on you.
Criminals, intruders, and drug dealers can clone your device, which as a result, seems like you got engaged in criminal activities.
Cloning a cell phone's cellular identity is illegal. But it's not hackers all the time who clone a device. Sometimes people use it to transfer the data from one device to another new phone. You can use the phone cloning process and copy it to another phone to keep the data safe.
How do you know your phone has been cloned?
People seem so careless unless they or their close ones become the victim of hackers. When you see some unusual activities on your phone, pay attention to them.
When you find the installation of an application that you have not made, payment and billing include the charge without your notice, sending SMS, and making phone calls; it's time for you to apply caution. Following are the list of sign that you can see when your phone has been cloned.
Receiving unexpected messages asking you to restart your device
Receiving text messages that request you to restart your mobile device is the first signal that you can encounter. When your SIM card gets compromised, you will get those messages.
When your device gets restarted, it gives the attacker a window in which your device is off, and then they can load their device with all your cloned credentials.
Unknown call or texts messages on your mobile device
The incoming and outgoing calls and messages made on a cloned smartphone will seem to come from your mobile number. As a result, your phone bill gets increased. So, be careful while paying monthly bills.
Stop Receiving text messages and calls.
As we discussed, there is the possibility of receiving anonymous text messages and calls, and there is also the possibility of getting your messages diverted to the cloned device.
Consequently, you will not get any texts or calls on your device. To be sure whether your phone is cloned or not, ask your friend or family member to call on your phone.
Also, your cellular network can get automatically off, and your phone gets cloned.
Showing different locations on Find My Phone
The best way is to log in to Find My iPhone (for iPhone users) and Find My Device (for Android users) to check the integrity of your SIM card.
When your phone is with you, but it shows a different location on a map, it means there is something fishy. It's because someone is using your cell services from somewhere else.
However, the attackers might disable this function from Settings.
Receiving text messages from your carrier stating that your SIM card has been updated
When your credentials have been activated on another mobile device, your network service provider may send a text message to confirm that your details have been updated.
How to apply digital self-defense?
As we already discussed why it is important to apply digital seld-defense. But here, we will discuss it in detail.
Stop using weak and silly passwords.
Make sure your password is strong so that no one can guess. Using your birth date, cat's name, first name, surname, and address as passwords is useless.
Use higher case, lowercase and mixed characters. Don't be lazy when it comes to security.
Never share your password.
One rule of security is never to share the password of your phone. I think we don't need to explain why sharing passwords is risky. You should keep the phone which includes important details, safe. Always keep your password with you.
In addition to that, use the two-factor authentication method to make your phone safe. As it acts as an extra protective layer, it restricts others from easily accessing your accounts.
Don't click on a suspicious link.
When you receive any text/email messages that include phishing links, delete them without opening them. When you open it, the malware or tracker can get installed.
Be careful and cautious when it comes to phone security.
Always keep your phone with yourself.
If anyone else gets a chance to use your phone without permission, they may use it for evil purposes. Your phone holds your digital identity, so make sure it is always with you. If it gets in others' hands, your private information can get out.
Conclusion
If you believe your phone is being tracked or cloned, you must contact your service provider.
You can also use the FBI website and choose the "Tips and Public Leads in the Reporting Crime" section to contact the FBI. You can also use someone else phone to make a call on your mobile and check if someone else picks up the call. Use the above-mentioned safety measures to be digitally safe.
