Have you noticed any problems with your smartphone lately? Is it slower than usual? Do applications open and take longer to load ? Your first instinct may be to think that your phone is old and can no longer run applications, or that the battery is faulty. Indeed, these are problems you can encounter with all types of cell phone, especially with recent new-generation smartphones. However, it's quite possible that your device is being traced. This article will show you the most common signs that your phone is being tracked, as well as the best ways to prevent your phone from being spied on.
How do I know if my phone is traced? The 5 most common signs
Here are the most common signs, many of them less obvious, that prove your phone is being monitored, listened to or tracked by spy software:
Data problems
If you experience unusual spikes in your monthly mobile data consumption, this may indicate that your phone is being monitored. Spyware uses the network to download collected data, resulting in abnormal data usage. On iPhone or iPad, check this in the settings under "Cellular" or "Mobile Data". On Android, access statistics via network settings.
Anomalies in linked accounts
Unusual activity on Google, Facebook or iCloud may indicate a security breach. This could mean that your device has been compromised and hackers have access to your personal data. Monitor any suspicious activity on your accounts for possible intrusions.
Communication problems
Pop-ups for fake viruses or strange SMS messages can signal the presence of malware or spyware. Similarly, strange noises during phone calls could indicate interception. These signals need to be taken seriously and investigated to prevent security breaches.
Operating system complications
If your phone becomes slow for no apparent reason, or takes a long time to switch off, this could be the result of spyware applications. Frequent or unexpected restarts can also indicate a compromise. Similarly, if your phone wakes up from standby for no reason, it could be a sign of surveillance. Finally, a battery that heats up or discharges quickly can be a sign of suspicious background activity.
Quality problems
Interference with other devices, poor-quality screenshots or faulty auto-correction can all be indicators of surveillance. Keep a close eye on these signs to detect any malicious activity on your phone.
How can I prevent my phone from being traced?
Here are a few tips to prevent spyware on your phone:
- Keep up to date: Updates to the operating system and various applications are necessary, and sometimes intended to plug a security vulnerability that has already been identified.
- Using antivirus software, it's easy to spot many spyware applications.
- Don't use external applications: Using unsupported applications on Android devices or jailbreaking an iPhone (unlocking software restrictions) increases your phone's vulnerability to piracy.
- Don't forget to keep an eye on your phone: locking the screen and never leaving it are the safest ways to avoid being hacked.
- It's important to be cautious online: dubious websites and suspicious attachments (or URL links) can present dangers. So don't select what you don't know about.
- Use virtual private networks (VPNs) to protect your personal data.
What should I do if my phone is being monitored?
If you suspect that your phone has been compromised by spyware, you can also take additional measures, such as using antivirus software and updating your operating system.
Set up 2FA on your accounts
Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) won't remove spyware from your phone, but it will protect your accounts in the event of your phone being hacked.
It would be best to set up 2FA in such a way as to request authentication from another device. If you only receive a message or e-mail to confirm your connection, it's likely that the person who hacked your phone will also be able to see it.
Change your login
It's a good idea to change your passwords to protect yourself if you feel your phone is being monitored. Also, perform this action on another device if you don't want to renew your passwords in five minutes.
Don't forget that hackers can access all your activities on your phone. This way, by using the same phone to change your passwords, you're not hiding anything from hackers.
Remove spyware on Android manually
Spyware can be installed on your phone under names such as "spy", "monitor" or other unsubtle terms. Here's how to spot them:
- Go to settings;
- Select applications;
- Choose between application management and service execution;
- Make sure you don't find any suspicious applications.
Another approach is to take a tour of file sections and directories to spot those with mysterious titles. Here are the steps to follow:
- Please find My Files or a similar application on your device.
- Connect to internal storage (phone or SD);
- Choose Android;
- Choose Data;
- Examine files with suspicious names.
Manually remove spyware from iOS devices
Applications that prohibit jailbreak are based on spying on the data you upload to iCloud. The easiest way to eliminate them is to change your iCloud password.
For real spying, you need to jailbreak an iPhone. Even in this situation, applications require an external installer in order to function properly. Be sure to check whether you have applications such as Cydia or Icy on your phone. In this case, it's a jailbroken phone.
You can also make sure that all the applications installed on your device are available in the App Store tab. If not, your phone is jailbroken.
What's the solution to this problem? Update to the latest version of iOS via iTunes.
Do not accept location requests unless you have given your prior consent.
Third-party location services such as Geoloc.be prohibit the use of location applications without the consent of the owner of the device in question. In general, these platforms ask for your permission to share your location before sending it to the person who requested it. Other solutions that bypass you use methods that are illegal and punishable by law.
How do I know if my phone is being traced?
If you notice any anomalies on your smartphone, such as unusual data consumption, suspicious activity on your linked accounts, communication problems or operating system complications, it's possible that your phone is being monitored.
To avoid this, make sure you regularly update your operating system, use a reliable anti-virus and don't download any unapproved external applications. In case of suspicion, activate two-factor authentication, change your login details and search for and remove any spyware detected. By acting quickly and taking preventive measures, you can protect your personal data and secure your device against spyware.
