Can there be spyware on your phone?

What is spyware?

Spyware is a form of malware (malicious software) that is unknowingly installed on your device and forwards your data to third parties. Spyware runs in the background of your device so that criminals can steal data from your computer, tablet, or smartphone. By using spyware, criminals can access a variety of sensitive information, including:

• Usernames and passwords
• Credit card information
• Your location
• Call logs
• Encrypted chat apps
• Contacts
• Online search history

Spyware can be difficult to spot, and victims don’t even realize that spyware has been downloaded to their mobile phone or device.

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How to tell if your phone has spyware

If you think your mobile phone has been infected with spyware, look for these signs:

• Your phone’s battery drains quickly. Since mobile phone spyware is always running in the background, it can make your phone die faster. If your phone’s battery drains quickly, don’t panic—your phone’s battery life can also be affected by other things, like age or running too many apps at once.
• Your phone is slower than usual. If your phone is running slowly, it’s possible that it has spyware. Since spyware runs in the background of your phone and steals your data, it uses up your phone’s resources and causes it to lag.
• There are new apps on your phone that you don’t remember downloading. Spyware may be installed in your phone as an app. If there’s a new, suspicious app in your phone that you don’t remember downloading, delete it immediately.
• Your data usage is higher. When criminals install spyware on your smartphone, they have to upload the information on your phone to their server. This requires a lot of data. If your data usage is unusually high, your phone may have spyware.
• Your phone’s settings have been changed. Criminals can use spyware to remotely access your phone. Unusual setting changes in your phone are a sign your mobile phone is infected with spyware.
• Your phone overheats. It’s normal for your phone to overheat if you’re running a lot of apps, but if it’s constantly overheating, it could have spyware installed as spyware will use a lot of your phone’s resources.
• You hear unusual noises during phone calls. If you hear weird noises in the background when you talk on the phone, someone may be listening in on your phone call through spyware.

What to do if you think your phone has spyware

The most effective way to remove spyware from your is to do a full factory reset. A factory reset will erase all of the data from your phone. You should also uninstall any suspicious apps in your phone.

Another option is to invest in antivirus software for your phone. Antivirus programs will search and notify you of hidden spyware in your phone, so you’ll know which apps to delete.

How to protect yourself from cell phone spyware

There are a few steps you can take to prevent spyware from getting into your phone:

• Never click suspicious links or email attachments. Cybercriminals can create links or files that will download malware to your phone when they are clicked on.
• Restrict app permissions. You can control app permissions in your phone’s settings.
• Keep track of your apps. If you notice an app on your phone that you don’t recall downloading, delete it.
• Be careful where you get your apps. You should only download apps from trusted app stores.

Now that you know more about smartphone spyware, you’ll be able to protect yourself from it in the future. What to ensure you’re safe everywhere you go online? Explore more privacy and safety tips.