These Warning Signs Could Mean Spyware Is On Your Phone - And 9 Ways To Keep It Secure

Understanding Spyware 🚨

Spyware is one of the biggest threats to your mobile security and can severely impact your phone’s performance if you are unlucky enough to become infected. It is a type of malware that typically lands on your iPhone or Android phone through malicious mobile apps or phishing links, emails, and messages. While appearing to be a legitimate software package or useful utility, spyware operates quietly in the background to monitor your movements, spy on your activities, and may also record your conversations, whether they are phone calls or social media threads. You may find your actions screenshotted, your call records logged, and even your physical location tracked via GPS. This information is then sent to a remote server and into the hands of someone else without your permission.

Types of Spyware 🕵️‍♂️

There are various types of spyware:

• Generic Mobile Spyware: Steals operating system data, clipboard data, and anything of value, such as cryptocurrency wallet data or account credentials.
• Advanced Spyware (Stalkerware): Used to spy on individuals, often linked to cases of domestic abuse.
• Government-grade Commercial Spyware: Such as Pegasus, which can impact specific groups.

Warning Signs of Infection ⚠️

There aren’t always indicators of an infection attempt in real time, but receiving odd or unusual SMS messages, social media messages, or emails, or strange permission requests could be warning signs. Common signs of compromise include:

• Unexpected handset battery drain
• Overheating or sluggish performance
• Strange behavior such as GPS or camera functions turning on and off without input
• Increased cellular data usage
• Unusual noises during phone calls

How to Keep Your Phone Secure 🔒

If you suspect spyware on your device, consider the following steps:

1. Run a malware scan using mobile antivirus solutions.
2. Delete suspicious apps.
3. Reboot in Safe mode to safely uninstall apps.
4. Update your operating system.
5. Change your passwords and enable biometrics.

If you have found suspicious software on your handset, consider changing your passwords and enabling biometrics. If you suspect account compromise, change the passwords for every important account you have and remove access to any such hub services you use from a compromised device.

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