Every smartphone owner should know this essential code

Smartphones have become frequent targets for different kinds of attacks, many of which are focused on accessing sensitive information. Such exploits may involve eavesdropping on or misdirecting calls. Luckily, there's a reliable method to ascertain if your device has been compromised.

Gazeta.pl outlines a straightforward approach to determine whether your phone is subject to eavesdropping. Dr. Maciej Kawecki, president of the Lem Institute and vice-rector of the School of Banking in Warsaw, brought to light this method during a live broadcast of "Business Studio" on Wednesday, September 29. This part of the program can be heard here.

Dr. Kawecki shed light on scenarios where phone calls directed to our numbers are transferred to another device. This is a common mechanism for gathering information about specific individuals. To ensure this isn't happening, you should key in the code "*#21#". Upon activation, you'll receive details regarding potential redirection of calls, texts, and data. If everything appears normal, a message stating "not redirected" should appear, as shown in the image below. Should there be any redirection, the number to which the calls are being diverted will be displayed. Please note that this command works solely for phones using the Android operating system.

This approach could be invaluable considering the rising frequency of remote desktop scams. In these scams, culprits convince their potential victims to download malicious software, often posing as a bank employees. We have reported on such incidents repeatedly.

The scam typically begins with an alleged consultant notifying the victim of a hacking attempt on their bank account. The individual is warned that they risk losing all their savings if they don't take immediate action. The "consultant" then offers assistance, which includes the installation of a specific piece of software. Falling into this trap gives the fraudsters access to the victim’s computer or smartphone data – contacts list, notepads, login credentials for online banking and social media sites, and even the ability to reroute calls.