Modern smartphones have enormous storage capacities for personal data, including photos, videos, and even online activity. They become a prime target as a result if someone wants to spy on you. Spyware has developed over the years to the point where it can now operate in the background without the victim even being aware of it. Fortunately, there are some ways to identify spyware and steps you can take to protect your phone. In this article, we’ll show you how to determine if your phone is being watched. We also provide a list of precautions you can take to protect your phone from being tracked.
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Summary of Contents
How to tell if someone monitors your phone
Spike in battery usage
Your phone’s battery life may suddenly start to decline if spyware is installed on it. The battery of your smartphone is constantly being used to maintain the activity of the spyware apps because they run in the background. Any unusual decline in battery life needs to be checked out more closely. Go to Settings>Battery>Battery Usage and check to see if any apps are consuming an excessive amount of battery life. Look for any unidentified apps as well. If no app indicates unusual usage, your phone may have hidden spyware installed.
Check the data usage
Any spyware must transmit information back to the person or entity who installed it. The spyware will require access to your phone’s internet data in order to accomplish this. Check your phone’s data consumption if you realise that you’re using up your data quickly despite not using the internet all that frequently. Check your phone’s data usage for the various apps by going to Settings>Connections>Data Usage. There is nothing to be concerned about if the data usage appears to be consistent with your activity. Your smartphone should, however, be given a closer look if it uses any unused data.
Phone overheating
Your smartphone overheating even when you are not using it is one of the most obvious symptoms that spyware has been planted on it. As we already established, spyware continuously transmits data back to the source while operating in the background. Additionally, it keeps track of your location, keeping your GPS active at all times. Your phone would undoubtedly be affected by this, and it could get too hot even when you’re not using it.
Disturbance during phone calls
Your calls may be being monitored if you hear any strange background noise or echo while making them. If it occurs even while your phone has strong network reception, that is cause for concern.
Drop in phone performance
If the performance of your smartphone suddenly declines, dangerous spyware may also be the cause. Even if it might not prove that your phone is being spied on, it clearly calls for more investigation.
How to safeguard your phone from being spied on?
If your smartphone exhibits several of the warning indicators described above, it is best to err on the side of caution and protect your phone from spying. Here are some methods you can employ:
- Try to find the spyware app manually: Go to the file explorer on your phone and look through the installed files. Be on the lookout for any strange names or duplicates. Sometimes a spying app can be disguised with an inconspicuous name like Calculator or Gallery . Always be mindful of any unusual activity.
- Perform a factory reset: Performing a factory reset will delete all data from your phone, including any hidden spyware. This is the quickest way to secure your phone, but you will lose your personal data.
- Install an antivirus app: There are several antivirus apps on the Play Store that are equipped to detect any malicious files or spyware on your phone. Once you install an antivirus app, schedule routine checks for your phone.
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If you keep an eye out for these indicators, you can determine if someone is keeping an eye on your phone. The logical next step should be to implement the necessary safety precautions if you have a solid suspicion that it is. Avoid downloading any programmes from sources other than the Google Play Store to be on the safe side. Use a safe marketplace that flags any phoney developers if it is absolutely essential.
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