If you think your phone might be under surveillance, there are some things you can look out for and ways to find out more. This is a guide on how to spot possible tracking and what to do about it.
Signs Your Phone Might Be Under Surveillance
Unusual Battery Drain:
- A sudden decrease in battery life can indicate spyware or background apps sending data.
- Check battery usage settings to identify suspicious apps consuming power.
Overheating:
Phones running surveillance apps may overheat even when idle.
Increased Data Usage:
- Monitoring tools often send collected data to external servers.
- Review your data usage in phone settings and look for unknown apps consuming excessive data.
Strange Background Noise:
Hearing static, clicking, or echoes during calls may indicate interception.
Random Reboots or Delays:
Spyware can cause your phone to behave abnormally, such as random reboots or sluggish performance.
Unknown Apps Installed:
Spyware or monitoring apps may disguise themselves as legitimate apps. Look for unknown or unauthorized applications.
Weird Text Messages:
Receiving unusual SMS messages with symbols, numbers, or links could be a sign of surveillance tools attempting to communicate.
Blocked Updates or Antivirus Warnings:
Spyware may prevent system updates or show warnings when legitimate antivirus software is installed.
Tools to Detect Surveillance
Antivirus/Antispyware Apps:
Use reputable apps to scan for malicious software:
- Malwarebytes
- Avast Mobile Security
- Lookout Security
Monitor Network Connections:
Apps like NetGuard or Wireshark can monitor outgoing traffic and detect unusual connections.
Permission Management:
Review app permissions:
- On Android: Settings > Apps > Permissions.
- On iOS: Settings > Privacy & Security > App Privacy Report.
Check for Root/Jailbreak:
- Surveillance software often requires root or jailbreak access:
- Use apps like Root Checker (Android) or check for unusual apps/settings on iOS.
Factory Reset:
If surveillance is suspected, perform a factory reset after backing up important data. This removes most spyware
