1. Definition of computer hacking

Computer hacking is unauthorised access to a computer, network, or mobile device. Attackers exploit software or hardware vulnerabilities — and sometimes human behaviour — to gain control, steal data, spy, or cause disruption.

Malicious hacking leads to identity theft, privacy loss, reputational harm, legal exposure, and financial damage. Fast, professional action from a trusted cyber security company is essential to remove the threat and preserve evidence for potential claims.

2. Types of computer hacking / mobile phone hacking

Computer hacking: Getting into your computer by monitoring your activities and intercepting your communications by doing the following:

• Remote intrusions: exploiting open ports or unpatched services over the internet or local network.
• Malware-based attacks: viruses, Trojans, worms, ransomware, spyware, rootkits, and backdoors.
• Credential theft (phishing): fake emails/sites used to harvest logins.
• Brute force: automated password guessing against weak credentials.
• Insider or social engineering: coercion or manipulation to gain access.
• Advanced persistent threats: long-term, stealthy operations targeting specific victims.

Remote intrusions (open ports / unpatched services)

What it is: Attackers reach your device over the network by abusing exposed services or missing updates. Example: Home or office Wi-Fi exposes RDP/SMB on a Windows PC; a known flaw is exploited to gain remote control and spread malware.

This is what our cyber hacking experts will do to eliminate the risk

iOS

• Enrol iPhones in Apple Business Manager + MDM; enforce automatic iOS updates and Rapid Security Responses.
• Disable risky services via MDM (AirDrop to contacts-only, USB Restricted Mode, Wi-Fi auto-join controls).
• Force per-app VPN and prevent unmanaged Wi-Fi/HTTP proxies; block configuration profile installs from unknown sources.

Android

• Enrol under Android Enterprise; enforce system and Play system updates.
• Permit apps only from Managed Google Play (disable sideloading/Unknown Sources).
• Require Work Profile or Fully Managed mode; restrict developer options/USB debugging; enforce per-app VPN.

macOS

• Use JAMF/Intune to manage updates; enforce Gatekeeper, SIP, XProtect, MRT.
• Close/limit SSH, Screen Sharing, AirDrop; disable Remote Login by default; restrict file sharing/SMB.
• Configure firewall and stealth mode; segment networks; WAF for any Mac-hosted web services.

Windows

• Patch via Intune/WSUS/Autopatch. Disable or restrict RDP, SMBv1, legacy protocols; enforce Network Level Authentication.
• Apply Windows Defender Firewall with inbound rules; place admin services behind VPN with MFA.
• Segment networks; deploy WAF/Reverse proxies for public apps; baseline with CIS or Microsoft Security Baselines.

Malware-based attacks (viruses, Trojans, ransomware, spyware, rootkits, backdoors)

• What it is: Malicious software that steals data, spies, or encrypts files.
• Example: A user opens a “delivery invoice” on Windows; a loader installs a backdoor, and ransomware detonates later.

This is what our cyber hacking experts will do to eliminate the risk

iOS

• Lock devices to App Store only; block enterprise/Developer profiles unless approved.
• Enforce Lockdown Mode for high-risk users; restrict iCloud Drive sharing; disable profile changes.
• Mobile EDR/telemetry via MDM; isolate suspected devices; rotate Apple IDs only if necessary.

Android

• Enforce Google Play Protect with enterprise policy; Managed Google Play only; block sideloading.
• Mobile EDR to detect spyware/stalkerware and risky behaviours; disable Accessibility abuse and install unknown apps.
• Harden Work Profile separation; block clipboard sharing/cross-profile data where required.
• macOS
• Deploy EDR/XDR; enable System Extensions for kernel-safe telemetry.
• App notarisation & Gatekeeper enforced; read-only system volume (modern macOS) leveraged.
• FileVault full-disk encryption; restrict LaunchAgents/Daemons; monitor persistence locations.

Windows

• Turn on Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (EDR) (or equivalent): ASR rules, Tamper Protection, Controlled Folder Access.
• Application Control (WDAC/AppLocker); block macros and dangerous file types; remove local admin rights.
• BitLocker with recovery keys escrowed; scan and evict persistence (services, scheduled tasks, WMI).

Credential theft (phishing)

What it is: Fake emails/SMS/pages harvest passwords (and sometimes MFA codes). Example: A spoofed O365 message on iOS leads to a perfect copy of the login page; credentials are used immediately to log in from abroad.

This is what our cyber hacking experts will do to eliminate the risk:

iOS

• App-based or FIDO/WebAuthn MFA (avoid SMS where possible).
• Enforce managed mail/calendar apps; block unmanaged profile installs; DNS filtering on device.
• Anti-phishing training in bite-size mobile workflows; disable link previews in sensitive contexts if required.
• Android
• Enforce company mail apps with conditional access; WebView/Chrome Safe Browsing policies.
• Require phishing-resistant MFA; device compliance gates for access (attestation/Play Integrity).
• Block copy-paste to personal apps for corporate accounts.
• macOS
• Conditional access for SaaS; Mail/Browser isolation policies; Safe Browsing/SmartScreen equivalents.
• Detect suspicious forwarding rules and OAuth grants in user mailboxes; disable legacy IMAP/POP.

Windows

• Enforce MFA everywhere; enable SSPR/Passwordless for VIPs.
• Defender for Office or equivalent: attachment detonation, link rewriting, impersonation protection.
• Monitor impossible travel, consent grants, inbox rule creation; block legacy auth protocols.

Brute force (password guessing / credential-stuffing)

• What it is: Automated attempts until a password works, often using leaked credentials.
• Example: Windows web admin panel allows unlimited attempts; a reused password succeeds.

This is what our cyber hacking experts will do to eliminate the risk

iOS & Android

• Enforce strong device passcodes and biometrics with timeout.
• MFA for all corporate apps; device compliance required; rate-limit sign-ins via IdP.
• Geo/IP restrictions and risky sign-in policies; rotate compromised tokens.

macOS

• Strong passwords and FileVault with secure token management.
• Lockout policies and screen-lock; disable password hints; SSH disabled by default.
• IdP conditional access; PAM/SSO with device trust.

Windows

• Account lockout & Smart Lockout; MFA; block legacy NTLM where possible; enable Credential Guard and LSA Protection.
• WAF/bot controls on public portals; rate limiting and geo-blocking; put admin panels behind VPN.
• Enforce unique passwords (Local Admin Password Solution/LAPS); monitor failed-login patterns.

Insider or social engineering

• What it is: Coercion, impersonation or misuse of legitimate access.
• Example: A caller posing as “mobile carrier support” convinces an Android user to install a “support tool,” granting full screen-sharing.

This is what our cyber hacking experts will do to eliminate the risk:

iOS

• MDM Lost Mode and remote wipe if needed; restrict screen-recording and unmanaged screen-sharing.
• Just-in-time access to sensitive apps; DLP for copy/paste/share to personal apps.

Android

• Work Profile data separation; block unknown screen-sharing/remote-access apps.
• DLP rules to prevent data egress to personal space; restrict USB debugging and ADB.

macOS

• Least-privilege and Just-Enough-Administration; audited admin elevation.
• DLP for removable media/iCloud; UEBA monitoring for anomalous actions; approvals for sensitive exports.

Windows

• PAM with time-bound elevation; Just-in-Time (JIT) admin.
• DLP for USB/OneDrive; watermarking/sensitivity labels; alerting on bulk exports.
• Mandatory call-back verification for money or access changes; regular social-engineering drills.

Advanced Persistent Threats (APT)

• What it is: Long-term, stealthy campaigns against specific individuals/organisations.
• Example: A consultant’s Mac is spear-phished; a zero-day implants an agent that only beacons during office hours, exfiltrating documents gradually.

This is what our cyber hacking experts will do to eliminate the risk:

iOS

• Lockdown Mode for high-risk roles (exec, legal, journalists).
• 24×7 MDR telemetry from MDM/EDR; strict iMessage/FaceTime exposure controls; rapid OS hotfix adoption.

Android

• High-risk users on Fully Managed devices with strict app allow-lists.
• MDR with network/behaviour analytics; Play Integrity enforcement; per-app VPN with egress control.

macOS

• EDR/XDR with threat hunting; collect Unified Logs; enable Quarantining and notarised apps only.
• Network segmentation; egress filtering/DNS sinkhole; detections for LOLBAS (living off the land) tools.

Windows

• EDR/XDR with ASR rules and attack surface reduction tuned for APT tradecraft.
• Sysmon telemetry; PowerShell Constrained Language Mode where feasible.
• Tiered admin model (Tier 0/1/2), PAM, PAW (privileged access workstations); strict egress/DNS policies.

Cross-platform incident response (when you suspect compromise)

• Stop using the device; do not delete or reset.
• Isolate from networks (airplane mode for mobiles; unplug or disable Wi-Fi/Ethernet for laptops/desktops).
• Preserve evidence (timestamps, screenshots, suspicious messages).
• Contact Computer Forensics Lab (London). We’ll take a forensically sound image/backup (iOS full logical/AFU; Android full file-based where supported; macOS/Windows disk and memory), eradicate persistence, close entry points, and deliver a UK court-compliant forensic report suitable for insurance, disputes, or taking legal action.

Optional platform baselines we can deploy for you

• iOS: ABM+MDM, Rapid Security Responses, per-app VPN, managed Apple IDs, Lockdown Mode for VIPs.
• Android: Android Enterprise (Work Profile/Fully Managed), Play Protect, Managed Play allow-list, Integrity/attestation, per-app VPN.
• macOS: JAMF/Intune, Gatekeeper & notarisation, FileVault, firewall/stealth, XProtect/MRT, EDR, CIS/Microsoft baselines adapted for macOS.
• Windows: Defender for Endpoint, ASR rules, Credential Guard, SmartScreen, BitLocker, WDAC/AppLocker, RDP hardening, CIS/Microsoft baselines.

Mobile phone hacking: Getting into your iPhone or Android mobile by monitoring your activities and intercepting your communications by doing the following:

• Spyware / stalkerware: hidden apps monitoring calls, texts, GPS, microphone, and camera.
• SIM swapping: hijacking your number to intercept SMS and 2FA codes.
• Malicious / rogue apps: data theft and tracking via fake or modified apps.
• Wi-Fi / Bluetooth interception: eavesdropping on communications.
• Zero-click exploits: infections without user interaction via software flaws.
• Root/jailbreak exploits: bypassing protections to gain full control.

For specialist smartphone examinations, see our Mobile Phone Forensics page.

3. Common hacking techniques (computers & mobiles)

• Phishing & social engineering: tricking users into revealing credentials or installing malware.
• Drive-by downloads: silent malware installs from compromised sites.
• Exploit kits: automated exploitation of outdated software.
• Keyloggers & screen capture: recording keystrokes and screenshots.
• Man-in-the-middle (MitM): intercepting and altering traffic on insecure networks.
• Remote Access Trojans (RATs) & backdoors: persistent remote control of devices.
• Rootkits: stealthy, deep-system persistence.
• Ransomware: encrypting data for extortion.
• Zero-day exploits: attacks on newly discovered vulnerabilities.

4. Signs of hacking in your mobile phone

• Rapid battery drain or frequent overheating.
• Unexplained spikes in data usage.
• Unknown or suspicious apps appearing.
• Crashes, freezing, or unexpected restarts.
• Pop-ups outside normal browsing; aggressive ads.
• Settings changed without your action.
• Unfamiliar calls/SMS sent; contacts receive odd messages.
• Microphone or camera activates unexpectedly.
• Account lockouts or failed two-factor authentication.

5. Signs of hacking in your computer

• Slow performance, freezing, or high CPU usage.
• Unexpected crashes or blue screens.
• Unusual outgoing network traffic or data transfers.
• Unknown programmes or new startup items.
• Disabled antivirus or firewall without your action.
• Files missing, renamed, or encrypted; ransom notes present.
• Browser redirections, strange toolbars, or pop-ups.
• Unfamiliar user accounts or remote sessions.

6. Why keeping your device secure matters

• Identity theft: personal data used for fraud and impersonation.
• Scams: attackers message contacts pretending to be you.
• Financial loss: banking and payment accounts compromised.
• Surveillance: monitoring of calls, messages, camera, and location.
• Invasion of privacy: exposure of photos, chats, and documents.
• Legal/business risk: potential UK GDPR issues and reputational harm.
• Physical threat: stalking or location misuse in severe cases.
• Loss of evidence: delaying action can erase essential forensic traces.

7. Do not panic — and do not delete anything

What to do instead

• Do not delete or modify anything.
• Turn off the device immediately.
• Disconnect from Wi-Fi, mobile data, and Ethernet.
• Do not reinstall or reset the device.
• Contact a professional such as Computer Forensics Lab in London for guidance.

8. How Computer Forensics Lab can help hack victims

NOTE: We are a private cyber security company and digital forensics practice in London — not a government or police agency. We charge for our services and work confidentially with individuals, companies, and legal professionals.

Our process

1. Initial consultation & triage: discuss symptoms and immediate preservation steps; outline scope and fees.
2. Secure evidence collection: chain-of-custody, cryptographic hashing, and bit-for-bit forensic imaging of devices.
3. Threat discovery & malware analysis: identify malware, backdoors, IoCs, and attacker activity.
4. Threat profiling & timeline: reconstruct entry point, persistence, movement, and data exfiltration.
5. Controlled remediation: safely remove implants/backdoors; patch and harden systems.
6. Recovery & restoration: rebuild or restore from clean backups; validate system integrity.
7. UK-compliant reporting: deliver a legally robust forensic report for claims, disputes, or litigation.
8. Post-incident support: hardening, monitoring, backup strategy, and incident response advice.

9. Examination, threat profile & UK court-compliant forensic reporting

Device examination & evidence preservation

Devices are examined in isolation within our secure lab. We create forensically sound images and preserve originals. Volatile memory (RAM) may be captured where relevant.

Threat profiling

We map the attacker’s behaviour, tools, and objectives, and assess scope, damage, and risk.

Digital evidence documentation

Every artefact is catalogued — logs, registry changes, process trees, network traces — with chain-of-custody and cryptographic hash values maintained for evidential integrity.

Legally compliant forensic report

We deliver a detailed report designed for legal and insurance contexts in the UK, including executive summary, methodology, findings, evidence catalogue, conclusions, and recommendations.

For mobile-specific cases, see Mobile Phone Forensics (deleted message recovery, iPhone/iPad extractions, Cellebrite/GreyKey workflows, and more).