There has been a lot of speculation and rumors floating around about whether someone can hack your phone simply by calling your number and having you miss the call. In today’s technologically advanced world, cybercriminals are finding new ways to exploit devices like smartphones for nefarious purposes. A missed call hack is one such alleged method that hackers purportedly use to gain access to your phone remotely.
In this article, we will examine the plausibility of hacking a phone via a missed call and whether this is actually technically feasible. We will also look at whether there is any truth to the rumors and how one can stay protected.
What is a Missed Call Hack?
A missed call hack refers to the idea that hackers can use your missed calls to infiltrate your phone and steal your personal data or spy on you. The claim is that the hackers deliberately call your number and hang up so that a missed call registers on your phone.
When you try to call back the number, your phone gets compromised through malware or spyware that gets installed via this call back attempt. The malicious software then allows the hackers to gain remote access to everything on your phone from text messages to contact lists.
Is it Possible to Get Hacked by a Missed Call?
Technically speaking, the chances of your phone getting hacked by a simple missed call are quite slim. Here are some key reasons why this is likely an exaggerated threat:
No Automatic Installation of Software
Merely calling a phone and having the call go unanswered cannot directly install any software on the device. For any app or program to get installed on your smartphone, the user has to manually start the installation process and accept all the prompts.
So just because you called back a suspicious missed call, it does not mean any malware automatically got deployed on your phone without your permission.
No Execution of Code via Call Alone
A call itself cannot trigger advanced hacking techniques like code execution on a smartphone. Code execution refers to running malicious scripts and binaries within the environment of the victim’s device.
But modern smartphones have various barriers that prevent remote code execution via calls or SMS alone. Sophisticated exploits are needed to bypass these restrictions.
Needs Physical Access to Device
Advanced mobile hacking often requires physical access to the target device to break into it. The hacker needs to get past the lock screen and security protections to successfully plant spyware or steal data.
A call from an unknown number provides no physical access to the phone. The attacker would need prolonged physical control over the phone to install spyware or tools like keyloggers.
Mobile Operating Systems Have Security
Modern mobile operating systems like iOS and Android have robust built-in security protections and app vetting procedures. This prevents malicious apps from being listed on official app stores.
So even if a hacker develops spyware, they cannot directly distribute it to millions of phones without being caught by app store reviews.
Has Any Proof of Concept Been Demonstrated?
There have been no credible technical demonstrations of a missed call alone hacking a phone. If this were possible, cybersecurity researchers would have highlighted it by now and done proof-of-concept tests to warn people.
The missed call hacking threat seems to stem from widespread forwarding of hoax messages that went viral on social media and messaging platforms. There is no verified evidence of hackers using missed calls to compromise phones.
What Are Ways Hackers Could Actually Hack Phones?
While a missed call is unlikely to hack your phone, here are some real ways that cybercriminals can gain access to your device:
App Vulnerabilities
Hackers look for flaws and bugs in apps installed on your phone, like messaging apps or browsers. If any app has an exploitable vulnerability, it can be leveraged to hack the phone through social engineering or forced installs.
Malicious Links
Links sent via SMS/email could point to websites controlled by hackers. Visiting such websites can lead to malware downloads that then infect your phone. This allows hackers to steal information.
Public WiFi Snooping
On public unsecured WiFi, hackers can spy on all the internet traffic and activity from your phone. This allows them to steal passwords, account information and other sensitive data.
Physical Access
If the hacker can gain physical access to your phone, they can break into it by bypassing the lock screen, installing spyware apps, and stealing data through USB connections.
How to Protect Your Phone from Actual Hacking
Here are some tips to truly protect your smartphone from hackers:
– Keep your phone operating system and apps updated with the latest security patches.
– Install antivirus software from reliable cybersecurity vendors.
– Never click on suspicious links sent via messages/emails. Verify the source first.
– Avoid connecting to public WiFi networks as they could be controlled by hackers.
– Set strong passcodes/passwords/pincodes on your phone and all apps.
– Enable two-factor authentication on important accounts.
– Backup your data regularly in case your phone gets compromised or stolen.
– Do not jailbreak/root your phone as it disables many built-in security features.
Can You Really Find Out Who Called You?
Many people want to know who the missed call they received came from. Here are some tips on tracing mystery calls:
– Use a reverse phone lookup service – This searches public databases of phone numbers to fetch owner details.
– Check your phone logs online – Phone companies maintain call logs that you can access by logging into your account. This shows recent incoming and outgoing calls.
– Use a call tracing service – Phone providers have paid services that can trace a call back to a name and address for you. This requires getting law enforcement involved.
– Download a call tracking app – Apps like TrapCall and Truecaller use crowd-sourced databases to identify callers.
– Check if the number called you back – Look for the suspicious number in your call logs to see if they tried calling again. You may be able to answer next time and find out who it is.
– Ask your contacts – Share the suspicious number with friends and family to see if they recognize it and can share details on the caller.
Conclusion
In summary, the idea of hackers using missed calls to break into your phone is mostly unrealistic. Modern smartphone operating systems have various barriers in place to prevent remote hacking via simple calls or messages alone.
However, more sophisticated cyber attacks are certainly possible by exploiting app vulnerabilities, tricking users with social engineering, or gaining physical access to the device.
So while a missed call likely does not pose a serious hacking threat, you should still be vigilant about cybersecurity and avoid clicking suspicious links, using public WiFi, and keeping your device updated and secured. Proper precautions can help defend your phone from real hacking attempts.