I let a stranger use my Samsung Galaxy A06's hotspot while I was ordering food because he said he needed internet to pay a bill. He only used about 3 MB, then started asking me odd basic math questions. I ended the connection and changed the hotspot password after a few questions. My phone is updated, but I'm worried because it has my banking information and payday is tomorrow. Could he have hacked my phone or accessed my accounts while connected?
3 Answers
Updated phones have security protections that make this kind of attack unlikely, especially after only a brief connection. Still, avoid using simple hotspot passwords, turn the hotspot off when you’re done, and make sure your phone has a screen lock and two-factor authentication enabled for banking.
It’s very unlikely that he accessed your banking information just by connecting to your hotspot. A hotspot normally provides internet access rather than direct access to the phone’s apps, files, or saved credentials. Since you disconnected him and changed the password, the immediate risk is low. For peace of mind, check which devices are allowed to connect, install any pending updates, and review your bank account and login alerts.
You don’t need to assume your phone was hacked, but monitor your bank and phone accounts as a normal precaution. If you notice an unfamiliar transaction, login, app, or device, contact the bank through its official app or phone number and change the affected password. Merely using your hotspot does not automatically give someone access to your financial accounts.
The main thing is not to let unknown people use your hotspot routinely. Keeping the password private prevents them from reconnecting and avoids having suspicious activity associated with your connection.