How would you feel if you knew that someone was spying on your phone without your knowledge? It's a scary thought, right? Unfortunately, this is a reality for many people. In 2021 alone, there were 2 million phishing attempts on smartphones in America, and Google searches like how to spy on someones phone without them knowing have increased.
No wonder cybersecurity is now taking center stage. There are several ways that someone can spy on your phone, and it's important to know how to protect yourself from these threats. In this blog post, we will discuss how to tell if someone is spying on your phone and how to protect yourself from these attacks.
How to know if someone is spying on your phone
1. Anomalous data usage patterns
One of the first signs that someone may be spying on your phone is unusual or excessive data usage patterns. This could indicate that someone is using your phone to send and receive large amounts of data, potentially without your knowledge.
2. Unusual activity on linked accounts (Google, Facebook, iCloud)
Another common sign that someone is spying on your phone is if there are unauthorized devices or accounts linked to your phone. For example, if you have recently logged into your Google account from a device that you don't recognize, this could be a red flag. Similarly, you may also want to check the activity logs of any linked social media or cloud storage accounts to see if they have been accessed from unknown devices.
3. Weird pop-ups and messages
This could indicate that someone has compromised your device and is sending these messages from your account without your knowledge. Also, one type of identity hacking is SMS trackers. To protect yourself against this type of attack, it's important to ensure that all of the apps on your phone have up-to-date software and security patches. Do not download applications from unverified sources and always keep your operating system up to date.
4. Phone getting slower than usual
If your smartphone is running more slowly than it used to, this could be a sign that someone has installed malicious software on your device. This may be especially true if you have recently received any unusual pop-ups or notifications, as these are often designed to get you to install more malware.
5. Random reboots or shutdowns
Another sign that someone may have installed spyware on your phone is if you are experiencing random reboots or shutdowns. This could indicate that someone is using your device to mine cryptocurrency, which can rapidly drain battery life and cause your phone to freeze or reboot frequently.
6. Longer or impeded shutdowns
Another potential sign that someone is spying on your phone is if it takes longer than usual to shut down or restart. This could indicate that there is a piece of malware running in the background and consuming resources, which may also contribute to slower overall performance and increased data usage.
7. Your emails end up blocked or flagged as spam
If you are suddenly receiving more emails from your email provider or other major websites, this could indicate that someone is spying on your phone. This may be especially true if the messages are being marked as spam or blocked by providers for no apparent reason.
8. The phone wakes up randomly
If you notice that your phone is waking up on its own or sending data at odd hours, this could be another sign that someone has installed spyware on your device. This may indicate that someone else is using your phone to send commands and harvest information without your knowledge.
To protect yourself against these threats, it's important to take steps to secure your phone and keep your data safe. Some tips for preventing spyware on your phone include using strong passwords, updating your security software regularly, and being careful about how you download apps and connect to Wi-Fi networks. Additionally, it's a good idea to regularly back up your data so that you will be able to recover it if your device is compromised.
9. Interference outside phone calls and text messages
Another sign that someone may be spying on your phone is if you notice strange interference when making calls or sending text messages. This could indicate that someone has installed a remote access tool (RAT), which can allow them to send commands and harvest information from your device even when it is not in use.
10. Weird noises during phone calls
If you hear strange clicking, humming, or buzzing sounds during phone calls, this could be a sign that someone is spying on your device. This may indicate that there is a piece of spyware installed on your phone that is monitoring your activity and sending information back to the attacker.
What to do to protect yourself from spying?
To protect yourself from spying on your phone, it's important to take a few key steps. First, you should always make sure that your phone is running the latest version of its operating system and all of the apps on your device. Additionally, you should avoid opening suspicious links or downloading software from untrusted sources, as this can increase your risk of being targeted by spyware. Finally, you should also consider investing in reputable phone monitoring software that can help you detect and remove any malicious software on your device.