How safe is your personal information? Someone can be logging your phone calls, texts, FaceTime sessions, and GPS locations without your consent. A tech-savvy stalker can hack your phone and install malware that bugs your device. It sounds like something from a sci-fi movie, but it’s real. This commercial software has one job: to spy on victims without detection.
What is Stalkerware?
Stalkerware, also known as spyware, is software or an application installed on a device like an Android phone to monitor and track your activities. The software’s only job is to invade your privacy without detection, and Android phones are particularly at risk.
The reason why Android phones are at high risk is that spyware uses built-in Android features. The app developers market the software as family tracking apps, but they’re a way to bug someone’s phone. You may not realize your phone is bugged because stalkerware runs in stealth mode until clear warning signs appear.
If your Android phone has spyware installed on it, the software can:
- Access your phone’s GPS location
- Record your phone conversations and see what calls you make
- Read your emails and text messages
- Access your images and videos
- Track and monitor your online activities
Stalkerware on your phone comes with financial and legal risks, especially if you’re using your phone for business. These risks include identity theft, fraudulent charges on your phone bill, and data breaches of your work information.
How To Identify Stalkerware on Your Phone
According to the reports, the number of stalkerware incidents is on the rise. Knowing how to identify stalkerware can protect you from being a victim of stalkerware attacks.
The Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advice shares some signs your phone has stalkerware installed. The main sign is if someone knows specific information about you. That information may include your exact location, the contents of messages sent, and your conversations.
Other signs are increasing data usage, changes in your phone settings, and a fast-draining battery without increasing your phone usage. You can also check for granted permissions relating to your GPS location and other sensitive data.
Additional signs:
- An overheating phone
- Slow performance
- Persistent pop-ups
- New apps you don’t remember installing
- Random reboots
- Strange sounds during phone calls, like clicks, echoes, and static
How To Remove Stalkerware From Your Android Phone
You can remove stalkerware from your device in several ways, either by yourself or using a trusted app.
Use Accessibility Services
Because stalkerware relies on deep access to your phone, the first place to look is under the “Accessibility Settings” on your phone. You will need to navigate to the “Accessibility” section and look for downloaded services you don’t recognize. Turn off unknown services and remove the app.
Uninstall Apps
If you don’t see the icon for the app on your phone’s home screen, it doesn’t mean it’s not there. Go to the app list on your phone and view all installed apps. Keep an eye out for apps you don’t recognize. You should also check for apps with broad access to your GPS services, contacts, call logs, and other personal data.
Force stop the app and uninstall it to remove the stalkerware.
Perform Factory Reset
You can perform a factory reset to erase all data and applications for a more permanent solution. Remember to back up your important files!
Factory reset on your Android phone:
- Visit the “Settings” app
- Open “System”
- Scroll to “Reset”
- Select “Factory data reset” or something similar
- To confirm your choice, select “Reset”
Check Device Admin
You can often find Stalkerware in the Android device admin options. You’ll find device admin settings under “Security” on the “Settings” app. Be on the lookout for app names you don’t recognize or that look odd. You can force stop and uninstall any suspicious apps.
Use a Security App
Some apps from the Google Play Store can help detect and remove malicious spyware from your phone. The app will scan your phone to identify malicious software and provide prompts to remove it.
Some security apps can even prevent stalkerware from installation in the first place. The security app will do this by blocking the installation of apps from unknown sources.
How To Protect Yourself From Stalkerware
Protect yourself from future stalkerware installations by:
- Avoiding suspicious downloads
- Not clicking on unknown links
- Review app permissions
- Turning on Google Play Protect
- Being cautious about who has physical access to your phone
- Updating security apps
- Using strong passwords
- Enabling two-factor authentication
You should also use a VPN for Android to encrypt your data while browsing online. A VPN won’t be a direct shield against stalkerware, nor will it prevent access to your data if installed. But, it will encrypt your data in transit, adding to your security and data privacy online. In addition, premium VPNs can help prevent malware infections with features like ad blockers and link checker tools to analyze suspicious links.
An Android VPN is not enough to protect you against spyware. You should always stay conscious of your online security and not download apps from unknown sources.
