Smartphone is the greatest gift of this technological era. From storing valuable information such as pictures to tracking your GPS location, it can do everything. This makes it the most convenient tool for you, but also becomes a lucrative target for scammers.
Today there are many spyware or stalkerware apps that gets installed on your mobile devices without your consent. So, here are is a detailed guide on how to identify such apps. Bonus Tips! You also get a guide on how to stay safe.
How to identify spyware
Spyware can monitor all the information on your phone. Such apps can even take photos, take screen grabs, and record conversations, among others. Here's how to identify them:
Pop-ups: Some could warn you about malware. The moment you click on them, they redirect to shady web pages. Thus making you enabling acess to your phone.
Suspicious text messages: Such texts could be a result of spyware on your phone. You should never click on a link in either email or text. Just ignore such messages.
Unusual battery drainage: Spyware software usually uses a significant amount of battery when active. Therefore, if you notice your battery is draining more quickly. This means you could be under attack.
Cydia being installed : Cydia is a package enabling users to install software packages on any jailbroken device. This promotes the installation of malicious program. If it is there even if you have never downloaded it could indicate that your device is at risk.
Unable to shut down your phone: Spyware can prevent your device from carrying essential functions, such as shutting down completely.
Stay safe: Tips to protect your device
You can check for installed spyware by checking your files. All you need to do is follow the steps given below:
Go to your phone’s Settings.
Then open the Additional Settings.
Now click on Application Management
Now you need to look for an unusual file you probably didn’t put yourself.
If you find one, delete the app.
Pro Tip: In addition to the above mentioned steps, you can also search specifically for spy apps. You can search for keywords such as stealth, monitor and Trojan, among others.