Technology

Your phone got hacked and now someone's got control of it. What to do immediately

Published

1 year ago

December 15, 2024

Your phone got hacked and now someone's got control of it. What to do immediately

Data breaches are becoming alarmingly common, and it’s no longer just massive corporations or government agencies in the crosshairs. Hackers are setting their sights on personal devices like your smartphone. Think about it, your phone holds a staggering amount of your personal information.

From emails and text messages to banking apps, social media and even your photos, it’s a treasure trove for cybercriminals.

The numbers back up the growing threat. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center received nearly 56,000 reports of personal data breaches last year. California, the most populous state, topped the charts for the most complaints, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC). These stats are more than just numbers — they’re a wake-up call.

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A man realizing that his phone has been hacked. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

So, what happens if you find your phone has been hacked?

It’s a nightmare scenario. Your phone feels off — battery drains faster than usual, strange pop-ups appear, apps you didn’t download show up, or you’re suddenly locked out. Maybe it’s sluggish, overheating or making unexpected calls or texts. Your mind races: “What did they see? What can they do with my information? Can I even fix this?”

Take a deep breath. Yes, it’s unsettling, but you’re not powerless. Knowing what steps to take — and in what order — can make a huge difference in regaining control and stopping the damage. Let’s walk through exactly what to do if your phone gets hacked, so you can protect yourself and bounce back stronger.

Illustration of a scammer hacking into someone’s phone. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Step 1: Remove malicious software

Even if hackers had only brief access to your device, assume they’ve seen sensitive data. Your first task is to remove any malware or spyware.

1. Use strong antivirus software: The easiest and most effective way to start is by installing and running strong antivirus or antivirus software. Avoid unfamiliar apps, as some pose as antivirus tools but are actually malware in disguise. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

After installation, run a full device scan. This will search for hidden threats like spyware, ransomware, or keyloggers that could compromise your information further. Once the scan identifies malicious files, follow the app’s instructions to quarantine or remove them. Be sure to double-check the app’s log to confirm all suspicious activity has been addressed. Most antivirus tools offer real-time protection to monitor for threats as they occur. Turn this feature on to reduce the risk of reinfection. Antivirus programs are only as effective as their latest updates. Cybercriminals continuously develop new malware, so keeping your antivirus database current ensures it can detect the newest threats.

2. Factory reset if needed: If the antivirus software fails to fully restore your phone’s functionality — such as fixing issues like freezing, slowdowns or unexpected shutdowns — you may need to perform a factory reset on your iPhone or Android. A factory reset wipes all data from your phone, returning it to its original state when it left the manufacturer. Before resetting, create a backup of your important files. However, ensure the backup itself is free of malware. Use antivirus software to scan backups before restoring them. Most phones offer a simple reset option in their settings menu under “System” or “General Management.” Consult your device manual or manufacturer’s website for detailed instructions.

3. Seek professional help: If you’re not confident in your ability to remove malware or reset your phone, reach out to a trusted professional. Visit the Apple Store, Microsoft Store or an authorized service provider for your phone brand. Explain your situation and ask for a thorough inspection and cleaning of your device. Many retailers offer comprehensive diagnostic and repair services.

4. Abandon hardware only as a last resort: In rare cases, malware can deeply embed itself into a device, making complete removal nearly impossible. If your phone continues to exhibit signs of infection despite using antivirus tools, factory resets and professional help, you may need to replace it. Ensure you completely wipe the device before disposing of it to prevent any residual data from falling into the wrong hands. When setting up a new device, take extra precautions to secure it, such as enabling two-factor authentication and keeping all software up to date.

Illustration of someone trying to remove malware from their device. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Step 2: Don’t reset passwords prematurely

Resist the urge to immediately change passwords on a compromised device. Hackers might still have access and could intercept your new credentials, potentially locking you out again. Instead, follow these steps:

Thoroughly clean and secure your device first:

Use a trusted, secure device for password resets:

Use another device you own or borrow a friend’s or family member’s computer to reset your password.
If possible, also use a different network than your compromised phone to avoid potential network-level attacks.

Prioritize critical accounts:

Start with your email, as it’s often used for password resets on other accounts.
Move on to financial accounts, social media and other sensitive services.

Create strong, unique passwords:

Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols.
Aim for at least 12 characters in length.
Avoid using personal information or common phrases.
Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex, unique passwords for each account. They encrypt your password database, adding an extra layer of security.

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Someone entering a password on their device. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Setting up passkeys on iPhone and Android

As we’ve seen, traditional passwords present numerous security challenges — including susceptibility to breaches and phishing attacks — along with the inconvenience of remembering complex combinations. Even with best practices in place, passwords can still be stolen or misused.

This is where passkeys come into play. As data breaches become increasingly common, adopting passkeys can significantly enhance your security. Unlike passwords that require you to remember a string of characters, passkeys utilize biometric authentication or a PIN to streamline the login process while providing protection against unauthorized access.

Benefits of using passkeys

Enhanced security: Passkeys are resistant to phishing attacks and reduce the risk of credential theft since they cannot be easily guessed or stolen like traditional passwords.

Convenience: With biometric authentication, logging into apps and websites becomes faster and easier — eliminating the need to remember complex passwords.

Cross-device functionality: Passkeys work seamlessly across different devices linked to the same account — providing a unified login experience.

Here’s how to set up passkeys on both iPhone and Android devices so that you can secure your personal information.

Setting up a passkey on iPhone

Check compatibility: Ensure your iPhone is running iOS 16 or later; passkeys are integrated into iCloud Keychain.
Enable iCloud Keychain: Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Under Saved to iCloud, tap Passwords. In iOS 17 or earlier, tap Passwords and Keychain. > Tap Sync this iPhone to turn on iCloud Passwords & Keychain. You might be asked for your passcode or Apple Account password.
Ensure that two-factor authentication is also enabled for your Apple ID. Open Settings > Tap your name at the top > Select ‘Sign-In & Security’ > Tap ‘Turn On Two-Factor Authentication’ > Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.

How to create a Passkey on iPhone

Open the app or website where you want to create a passkey.
Select the option to sign in or create an account.
When prompted for a password, choose the option to use a passkey instead.
Follow the on-screen instructions to authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode.
Your passkeys will be stored in iCloud Keychain and automatically sync across all devices signed in with the same Apple ID.

Setting up a passkey on Android

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.

Check compatibility: Ensure your device is running Android 9 (Pie) or later; most modern Android devices support passkeys.
Set up Google Password Manager: Go to Settings > Tap your Name or initial > Google > Manage Your Google Account > Security. Then, scroll down to find the Passkeys section and tap on it.

How to create a passkey on Android:

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.

When signing into an app or website, select the option for passwordless login.
Follow the prompts to create a passkey; this may require biometric verification (fingerprint or facial recognition) or a PIN.
Once created, your passkeys will be stored in Google Password Manager and synced across all devices linked to your Google account.

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Step 3: Secure your assets and prevent identity theft

With your device clean, focus on protecting your financial and personal information.

Credit reports: Contact Equifax, Experian and TransUnion to place a fraud alert and security freeze on your credit reports. Regularly check your credit reports for unauthorized activity. Contacts: Equifax: 1-800-525-6285,Experian: 1-888-397-3742, TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289.

Financial institutions: Update passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your bank accounts. This enhances the security of your financial information. Inform your financial institutions about the breach. Some banks allow you to set up verbal passwords for added security.

Driver’s license: Submit a Fraud Review of Driver License/Identification form to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Social Security account: Create a my Social Security account if you don’t already have one. Monitor it for any unusual activity. Regularly review your account statements to ensure no unauthorized changes have been made.

Taxes: Obtain an Identity Protection (IP) PIN from the IRS to prevent fraudulent tax filings. File your taxes early to outpace potential fraudsters. You can get an IP PIN by visiting the IRS official website.

Identity theft protection: Identity theft companies can monitor personal information like your Social Security Number (SSN), phone number and email address and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account. They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals.

One of the best parts of using some services is that they might include identity theft insurance of up to $1 million to cover losses and legal fees and a white glove fraud resolution team where a U.S.-based case manager helps you recover any losses. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Getting your phone hacked is a sobering reminder of how vulnerable we are these days. Yet, the experience doesn’t have to be catastrophic if you act quickly and methodically. Start by addressing the immediate threat of malware, secure your accounts and assets, and implement proactive measures to prevent future breaches. Think of these steps as your digital emergency kit — essential tools to help you regain control when things go wrong. Remember, your digital security is only as strong as the precautions you take today.

Have you ever experienced a phone hack or dealt with a cybersecurity breach? Share your story, your questions or the steps you took by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

Meta’s AI glasses reportedly send sensitive footage to human reviewers in Kenya

Published

9 hours ago

March 5, 2026

Press Room

Meta’s AI glasses reportedly send sensitive footage to human reviewers in Kenya

Meta’s AI-powered smart glasses could be sending sensitive footage to human reviewers in Nairobi, Kenya, according to an investigation by the Swedish outlets Svenska Dagbladet and Göteborgs-Posten. The report, which was published last week, claims Meta contractors in Kenya have seen videos captured with the smart glasses that show “bathroom visits, sex and other intimate moments.”

So far, at least one proposed class action lawsuit accusing Meta of violating false advertising and privacy laws has emerged in response to Svenska Dagbladet’s reporting, citing the company’s claim that its smart glasses are designed for privacy:

By affirmatively claiming that the Glasses were designed to protect privacy, Meta assumed a duty to disclose material facts that would inform a reasonable consumer’s decision to purchase the product. Instead, Meta hid the alarming reality: that use of the AI features results in a stranger halfway around the world watching the most private moments of a person’s life.

The Nairobi-based contractors interviewed by Svenska Dagbladet are AI annotators, meaning they label images, text, or audio, with the goal of helping AI systems make sense of the data they’re training on. “We see everything — from living rooms to naked bodies,” one worker says, according to Svenska Dagbladet. “Meta has that type of content in its databases.”

A former Meta employee reportedly tells Svenska Dagbladet that faces in annotation data are blurred automatically, though workers in Kenya say this “does not always work as intended,” and some faces are still visible. Another person reportedly tells the outlet that a wearer’s bank cards are sometimes seen in the footage they review as well.

Meta’s Ray-Ban and Oakley smart glasses come with a built-in AI assistant capable of answering questions about what a user can see. The glasses have soared in popularity in recent years, despite growing concerns over privacy and surveillance.

EssilorLuxottica, the eyewear giant that Meta works with to develop the camera-equipped glasses, sold over 7 million of the AI-powered glasses in 2025 — more than tripling its sales in 2023 and 2024 combined. Last year, Meta made some changes to its privacy policy that keep Meta AI with camera use enabled on your glasses “unless you turn off ‘Hey Meta.’” It also stopped allowing wearers to opt out of storing their voice recordings in the cloud.

As reported by Svenska Dagbladet, the Kenya-based AI reviewers work with transcriptions as well, ensuring Meta AI provides the correct answer to the questions users ask aloud. In a statement to The Verge, Meta spokesperson Tracy Clayton says media captured by its smart glasses “stays on the user’s device” unless they choose to share it with other people or Meta.

“When people share content with Meta AI, we sometimes use contractors to review this data for the purpose of improving people’s experience, as many other companies do,” Clayton says. “We take steps to filter this data to protect people’s privacy and to help prevent identifying information from being reviewed.”

Technology

Inside Microsoft’s AI content verification plan

Published

10 hours ago

March 5, 2026

Press Room

Inside Microsoft’s AI content verification plan

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Scroll your social media feed for five minutes. You will likely see something that looks real but feels slightly off.

Maybe it is a viral protest image that turns out to be altered. Maybe it is a slick video pushing a political narrative. Or maybe it is an artificial intelligence voice clip that spreads before anyone stops to question it.

AI-enabled deception now permeates everyday life. And Microsoft says it has a technical blueprint to help verify where online content comes from and whether it has been altered.

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Microsoft’s proposal would attach digital fingerprints and metadata to help trace where online content originated. (YorVen/Getty Images)

Why AI-generated content feels more convincing today

AI tools can now generate hyperrealistic images, clone voices and create interactive deepfakes that respond in real time. What once required a studio or intelligence agency now requires a browser window. That shift changes the stakes.

It is no longer about spotting obvious fakes. It is about navigating a digital world where manipulated content blends into your daily scroll. Even when viewers know something is AI-generated, they often engage with it anyway. Labels alone do not automatically stop belief or sharing. So Microsoft is proposing something more structured.

How Microsoft’s AI content verification system works

To understand Microsoft’s approach, picture the process of authenticating a famous painting. An owner would carefully document its history and record every change in possession. Experts might add a watermark that machines can detect, but viewers cannot see. They could also generate a mathematical signature based on the brush strokes.

Now Microsoft wants to bring that same discipline to digital content. The company’s research team evaluated 60 different tool combinations, including metadata tracking, invisible watermarks and cryptographic signatures. Researchers also stress-tested those systems against real-world scenarios such as stripped metadata, subtle pixel changes or deliberate tampering.

Rather than deciding what is true, the system focuses on origin and alteration. It is designed to show where the content started and whether someone changed it along the way.

What AI content verification can and cannot prove

Before relying on these tools, you need to understand their limits. Verification systems can flag whether someone altered content, but they cannot judge accuracy or interpret context. They also cannot determine meaning. For example, a label may indicate that a video contains AI-generated elements. It will not explain whether the broader narrative is misleading.

Even so, experts believe widespread adoption could reduce deception at scale. Highly skilled actors and some governments may still find ways around safeguards. However, consistent verification standards could reduce a significant share of manipulated posts. Over time, that shift could reshape the online environment in measurable ways.

Why AI labels create a business dilemma for social platforms

Here is where the tension becomes real. Platforms depend on engagement. Engagement often feeds on outrage or shock. And AI-generated content can drive both. If clear AI labels reduce clicks, shares or watch time, companies face a difficult choice. Transparency can clash with business incentives.

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Invisible watermarks and cryptographic signatures could signal when images or videos have been altered. (Chona Kasinger/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Audits of major platforms already show inconsistent labeling of AI-generated posts. Some receive tags. Many slip through without disclosure.

Now, U.S. regulations are stepping in. California’s AI Transparency Act is set to require clearer disclosure of AI-generated material, and other states are considering similar rules. Lawmakers want stronger safeguards.

Still, implementation matters. If companies rush verification tools or apply them inconsistently, public trust could erode even faster.

The risk of incorrect AI labels and false flags

Researchers also warn about sociotechnical attacks. Imagine someone takes a real photo of a tense political event and modifies only a small portion of it. A weak detection system flags the entire image as AI-manipulated.

Now, a genuine image is treated as suspect. Bad actors could exploit imperfect systems to discredit real evidence. That is why Microsoft’s research stresses combining provenance tracking with watermarking and cryptographic signatures. Precision matters. Overreach could undermine the entire effort.

How to protect yourself from AI-generated misinformation

While industry standards evolve, you still need personal safeguards.

1) Slow down before sharing

If a post triggers a strong emotional reaction, pause. Emotional manipulation is often intentional.

2) Check the original source

Look beyond reposts and screenshots. Find the first publication or account.

3) Cross-check major claims

Search for coverage from reputable outlets before accepting dramatic narratives.

4) Verify suspicious images and videos

Use reverse image search tools to see where a photo first appeared. If the earliest version looks different, someone may have altered it.

5) Be skeptical of shocking voice recordings

AI tools can clone voices using short samples. If a recording makes explosive claims, wait for confirmation from trusted outlets.

6) Avoid relying on a single feed

Algorithms show you more of what you already engage with. Broader sources reduce the risk of getting trapped in manipulated narratives.

7) Treat labels as signals, not verdicts

An AI-generated tag offers context. It does not automatically make content harmful or false.

8) Keep devices and software updated

Malicious AI content sometimes links to phishing sites or malware. Updated systems reduce exposure.

Strengthen account security

Use strong, unique passwords and a reputable password manager to generate and store complex logins for you. Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2026 at Cyberguy.com. Also, enable multi-factor authentication where available. No system is perfect. But layered awareness makes you a harder target.

Experts say stronger AI labeling standards may reduce deception, but they cannot determine what is true. (iStock)

Take my quiz: How safe is your online security?

Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you’ll get a personalized breakdown of what you’re doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here: Cyberguy.com.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Microsoft’s AI content verification plan signals that the industry understands the urgency. The internet is shifting from a place where we question sources to a place where we question reality itself. Technical standards could reduce manipulation at scale. But they cannot fix human psychology. People often believe what aligns with their worldview, even when labels suggest caution. Verification may help restore some trust online. Yet trust is not built by code alone.

So here is the question. If every post in your feed came with a digital fingerprint and an AI label, would that actually change what you believe? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Technology

Did Live Nation punish a venue by taking Billie Eilish away?

Published

21 hours ago

March 4, 2026

Press Room

Did Live Nation punish a venue by taking Billie Eilish away?

John Abbamondi had orders to let the CEO of Ticketmaster down easy.

In April 2021, Abbamondi was the CEO of BSE Global, the company that ran Brooklyn arena the Barclays Center. BSE Global’s existing Ticketmaster contract would expire at the end of September, and Abbamondi and his team had evaluated proposals from SeatGeek, AXS, and Ticketmaster. The economics of Ticketmaster offer, according to Abbamondi, “was nowhere near as good as the other two.” SeatGeek’s technology was “superior” to Ticketmaster’s on balance, on top of better financial terms including an equity stake in the company, the arena decided. It clinched their decision to go with a newer, smaller player in the field.

When Abbamondi called to break the news to Michael Rapino, the Live Nation Entertainment CEO, the meeting became tense — and a recording of it came back to haunt Rapino in this month’s Live Nation-Ticketmaster monopoly trial. Abbamondi was one of two witnesses who took the stand Wednesday, alongside Mitch Helgerson, the chief revenue officer for the Minnesota Wild hockey team. Both men said that when they considered switching their venues’ ticketing platform from Ticketmaster, executives there threatened them with the loss of vital Live Nation-promoted concerts. It’s the behavior, the Justice Department and 40 state and district attorneys general say, of a monopolist — a charge Live Nation-Ticketmaster denies.

Abbamondi, identifying the voices on the 2021 call to a Manhattan jury Wednesday, said that “the nervous guy was me and the angry guy was Michael.” The few minutes played in court captures an exchange that went “sideways,” as Abbamondi put it, when he tried to thread a delicate needle: rejecting Ticketmaster’s services while trying to hold its parent company Live Nation to a separate contract promising to fill Barclays Center with concerts. At one point, Rapino dropped an F-bomb while discussing his frustration over a contractual dispute. He told Abbamondi he believed they were never planning to renew with Ticketmaster in the first place.

Rapino reminded Abbamondi about the new UBS Arena in Queens, which could draw more Live Nation-promoted shows away from Barclays. Though Ticketmaster theoretically operates separately from Live Nation, Abbamondi took this as a “not-so-veiled” threat — cut off the left arm, and the right arm would swing back. Abbamondi hung up feeling like he’d failed to “do my job there, which was to land the plane smoothly.”

The venue “saw a dramatic decline in Live Nation shows that were booked at the arena”

Abbamondi still signed the deal with SeatGeek, which began in October 2021. Then, he testified, the venue “saw a dramatic decline in Live Nation shows that were booked at the arena.” Artists were just beginning to fill stadiums again after the start of the covid pandemic, including Billie Eilish, who’d had to cancel shows in New York venues including Barclays in 2020. Normally, Abbamondi would have expected Live Nation to rebook her show there next time she was on tour. But when she began touring again in 2021, she booked at the new venue Rapino had warned about — the UBS Arena. When Barclays asked about it, they were told it was the “artist’s decision.” Other promoters, he said, hadn’t reduced their bookings at Barclays by nearly as much.

In 2022, mere months into the SeatGeek contract, Abbamondi was fired. Less than a year later, Barclays announced it was going back to Ticketmaster.

Ticketmaster, in the witnesses’ telling, wasn’t the best option for a ticketing vendor, but Live Nation’s power as a concert promoter forced their hand. In the case of the Minnesota Wild, which played at the then-Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Helgerson said the fear of losing Live Nation shows was a large driver behind its decision to stick with Ticketmaster — even though it found it would make $1 million a year more switching to SeatGeek.

The arena was already engaged in tight competition for concerts with the Target Center across the river in Minneapolis, a similarly-sized venue. So when the Wild kicked off negotiations over renewing its contract with Ticketmaster in 2018, the ticketing service knew how to hit them where it would hurt. When the Wild staff mentioned they were planning to consider a proposal from SeatGeek too, a Ticketmaster executive told them that Live Nation could move all of their shows to the Target Center if they switched ticketing vendors, Helgerson testified. “We took it as a credible threat,” he said. “Losing those shows would be almost catastrophic to our organization.”

“We took it as a credible threat”

To ease the risk, SeatGeek offered what it called “Live Nation retaliation insurance” — a promise to compensate the arena for concerts booked at the Target Center on dates Xcel had open. SeatGeek offered the arena a higher upfront bonus and fee share that overall would make the venue an additional $1 million a year compared to Ticketmaster’s offer. But even retaliation insurance couldn’t make up for the loss of the “vibrance of the venue” and the impact on its own employees should Live Nation pull its shows. Ticketmaster’s alleged threat created an “insurmountable challenge.” The venue signed another contract with Ticketmaster.

There were complicating factors in both these cases, which Live Nation pointed out on cross-examination. It was both risky and a lot of work to move to a new ticketing platform. Like switching any enterprise software, it would take a while for staff to get up to speed, and Abbamondi admitted that while SeatGeek’s technology gave them more options over things like how to price individual seats, it was less user-friendly. An executive whom Helgerson worked with worried that SeatGeek’s lack of an interface for concert promoters at the time would be an obstacle to getting them to bring shows to the arena. Abbamondi also said he’s personal friends with SeatGeek’s co-founder, and he testified he wasn’t fired because of the SeatGeek deal — he was given two other reasons.

SeatGeek offered what it called “Live Nation retaliation insurance”

There was also a separate legal dispute between the Barclays Center and Ticketmaster, which appeared to be at least part of the reason that the call between Abbamondi and Rapino broke down. Barclays believed their contract with Ticketmaster would expire at the end of September 2021, as originally stated. But Ticketmaster believed that because the Covid pandemic shortened the regular NBA season, a clause in the contract had been triggered to extend that contract another year. On top of that, in an earlier, unrecorded call between Abbamondi and Rapino, the Ticketmaster CEO suggested that they should be given the chance to counter any offer Barclays received. Abbamondi said he tried his best to respond in a “noncommittal” way, but the implication was that Rapino might have seen it differently.

The jury will have to decide whether the threats Abbamondi and Helgerson described were really as menacing as they believe, one of many factors that will determine whether Live Nation-Ticketmaster should face penalties — including the possibility of a breakup.

In one text exchange, Live Nation executive Patti Kim, a friend of Abbamondi’s, wrote that he should “think about the bigger relationship” with Live Nation, not just who’s writing the bigger check. She added a winky face. “That was my friend saying, ‘you know what I mean,’” Abbamondi said. This week, the jury is expected to get the chance to hear from the rival allegedly offering those bigger checks: SeatGeek CEO Jack Groetzinger.

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