Surveillance and surveillance are no longer the competence of only security forces; sometimes everything is much closer to mere mortals.
Our digital alter egos are increasingly becoming a part of us. Emails, correspondence on social networks, photographs, the regular publication of which has already become the meaning of life for many, videos watched, as well as sites visited form our digital portrait.
Mobile devices are currently the main tool for social interaction, which is why information on them may be of interest not only to advertising agencies and security forces.
When government agencies or cybercriminals are eager to penetrate our digital lives, despite the sometimes different weight categories, we can still stop them. The most popular solutions are VPN, end-to-end encryption and the use of special browsers or private mode for them.
However, it is not always possible to detect self-surveillance, and basic precautions make life more difficult in a certain way. For example, with a VPN, the Internet connection speed will be lower, and private modes do not save browsing history.
This guide will help you understand what spyware is, what the symptoms of infection are, and how it can be treated on mobile devices.
If you don't have time to study the entire article, then below is a shortened version of the guide for you.
Firmware Unwanted Software
In addition to this, mobile devices will definitely have a package of basic and not very convenient applications that cannot be deleted. Such assemblies often contain potentially unwanted programs. They can interrupt your every action with pop-ups, change your home page and search settings, and collect information about you to later sell it to advertising agencies.
However, firmware packages are "legal" and usually only cause inconvenience to users.
Anti Spy Mobile Free
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Characteristics
- Protects against mobile spyware
- Advanced spyware detection
- Regular update
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Price : free
Advantages
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Flaws
- Key features added to the trial version
Spyware and Stalkerware
The main task of spyware is to steal your data, which manifests itself in the form of theft of images, videos; tracking your mobile SMS, MMS messages, listening to telephone conversations both over standard telephone lines and Voice over IP (VoIP) applications, etc.
After a series of studies by Motherboard, a new term in the field of digital espionage appeared - stalkerware.
Previously, spyware usually did not have the purpose of tracking a specific person, with the exception of their use by various government organizations, etc.
But now it’s easy to buy stalkerware software, and anyone can spy on you, for example, a jealous wife or a harmful neighbor.
Typically, such programs can steal images, videos, intercept text messages, listen to and secretly record your telephone conversations.
In addition, stalkerware has the ability to intercept various data transmitted using Facebook, WhatsApp, Skype and iMessage.
Regular spyware, like stalkerware, belong to the same type of malware, but the latter software is intended more for personal use.
To avoid possible legal problems, the producers of such software have found a good excuse. Allegedly, the programs are created for parents who are looking for a way to control the use of their child’s mobile devices. However, when purchasing such software, you do not need to pass a test for the presence of children.
Retina-X, the company that created PhoneSheriff, sold their product under the guise of “parental controls for mobile devices.”
PhoneSheriff, designed for Android, allows you to: monitor location via GPS, record calls, text messages and website history. The program could also block unwanted contacts, websites and applications.
Retina-X, which also developed TeenShield, SniperSpy and Mobile Spy, shut down last year thanks to the efforts of two hackers. In addition to the fact that the activists stole tens of thousands of client and corporate records, they also promised to “burn them to the ground” because they consider this business immoral.
However, not everyone shares this opinion. Usually the main reason for using spyware is a lack of trust between people and the desire to catch a person in a lie. As technology has evolved, domestic violence has also changed. Therefore, sometimes such software is used openly, however, in this case, no one bothers you to use another phone and social network accounts for affairs and other things.
Less commonly, such software is used in enterprises, although some spyware is sold to companies to track employees' mobile devices and their activities.
In this case, the mobile device must be owned by the company, and the employer will usually specify in the employment contract that the company's devices are being tracked, otherwise it may be grounds for legal action.
Signs of a surveillance program on a gadget
Unusual sounds when calling
If during a conversation there are distant voices or clicks (or parts of someone's voices) that pass through your phone, then this is a sign that you are being monitored. This is not normal for today's phones. Similar problems with old analog networks are a thing of the past.
Reduced battery capacity
Another sign of a faulty mobile phone is decreased battery performance. If your phone is tapped, it records your actions and transmits them to a third party.
What spyware and spyware programs are relevant today?
SpyPhone Android Rec Pro . For £144, the program gives you full control over your smartphone's functions, including listening to background call noise and recording them; intercepting and sending copies of SMS and MMS messages sent from the victim’s phone, sending reports on smartphone activity to your email, etc.
FlexiSpy : One of the most popular stalkerware programs. Its slogan: "We control your device completely, allowing you to know everything, no matter where you are."
FlexiSpy tracks both Android smartphones and PCs running various versions of Windows OS. But the most important thing is that you can order a device that is already infected with spyware.
The spyware can listen to and record calls, spy on apps including Facebook, Viber and WhatsApp, enhance content such as photos and intercept both SMS messages and emails.
mSpy : Manufacturers sell this software under the guise of a service for parents. The program for iOS allows you to listen to and record telephone conversations, track SMS, GPS coordinates, applications (WhatsApp, Snapchat, etc.), and it also has a keylogger to intercept input from the touch keyboard.
PhoneSpector : The developers claim that with their brainchild you can get “undetectable remote access” to any Android and iOS device. However, the company disclaims responsibility by stating that their product is intended for parents and companies who want to track the devices they own.
To start tracking your phone, you need to send a special link to it; after clicking on it, the data transfer protocol will be automatically installed. Next, you have your own account, with which you can view the information you are interested in (texts, calls, GPS location, etc.).
Spyera, SpyBubble, Android Spy and Mobistealth are a few more popular stalkerware programs among hundreds of others, because today the production of spyware is a fairly profitable business.
It is also worth noting that spyware is not limited to open source products. Quite often, “clean and fluffy” programs are hacked by attackers to obtain information. For example, applications for saving and archiving data on a smartphone or software for tracking it via GPS in case of theft or loss. In case of hacking, data and GPS coordinates can be transmitted to attackers.
Privacy Scanner
Privacy checker app checks your smartphone and detects parental controls. It uses GPS tracking technology to read your contacts, call history and calendar. This app detects Spybubble, app parental controls and more. It also scans apps that run with suspicious permissions, such as SMS, contacts and profile reading.
Characteristics
- Free protection against spyware
- Customizable
- Removing malicious applications
- Activate automatically
Price : free
Advantages
- Simple design
- Regular updates
Flaws
- Sometimes the app crashes
Warning Signals
If you receive strange messages on social media or in the mail, this could be a warning sign. Naturally, you should not follow suspicious links or download unknown files.
On social media networks and email services, such messages are often recognized as a threat and marked as spam, however, if the attack is aimed specifically at you, it can reach the recipient.
If detractors resort to such tactics, they need you to respond to them.
There is no magic button to teleport spyware to the target device. Instead, physical access or accidental installation of the desired program by the victim is required.
With physical intervention, it may take attackers several minutes to install everything they need. If your device strangely disappears and then appears equally strangely with some settings changes, it may not be a coincidence.
How will I know if my phone is being monitored?
Every year, software becomes more and more complex, and the abundance of applications on an ordinary smartphone only makes it easier for attackers. However, not all spyware is invisible, and sometimes you can find out that you are being watched.
Android : Google Plus apps are generally safe. An exception may be hacked applications, but a mere mortal cannot detect such a threat.
To avoid the risk of catching something, it is recommended to install applications only from the official store.
If your device's security settings allow unknown sources (in Settings -> Security -> allow unknown sources), you may have already been attacked, in any case, it is better to close this hole in your phone.
It is also advisable to remove all unnecessary applications if possible. Unknown processes and programs can always be checked using search, but this is more suitable for detecting common unwanted software that displays pop-ups, changes browser settings, etc.
iOS : Unlike Android users, who prefer to download applications for free, Apple users often have to pay for everything, which makes life much more difficult for spyware.
However, thanks to the Cydia application, which can be called a window into the black market for iOS programs, ill-wishers get the same loophole as in the case of unofficial Android programs. If this app appeared on your device without your knowledge, then it is definitely not a coincidence.
Windows : The principle of staying untouched is exactly the same here. Do not download anything pirated or suspicious, do not click on unclear links. But PC users even more dislike paying for games or software, at least in the CIS, what can we say if many of the OS itself is pirated.
If you download hacked programs, then at least do not allow them to make changes to the system (almost every program considers itself the most important and adds itself to startup, etc.). Starting with Windows 7, a warning appears in such cases.
If spyware has already broken through, you can try to find it using the list of programs in the toolbar or in the list of processes in the task manager.
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Mac : Apple Mac computers have a similar task manager called Activity Monitor, where you can view running processes and look for malware among them.
On Android and iOS, symptoms of spyware can also include a sharp decrease in battery efficiency, as well as an increase in temperature in a working device. There may also be strange behavior in the operation of the device or individual applications.
As in many areas of life, it is also better to trust your instincts. It is better to be extra vigilant than to give an attacker access to a Bitcoin wallet.
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How to remove spyware from a mobile device?
Here things are even more complicated. Even if you were able to detect malware, it is not a fact that it will be so easy for you to get rid of it. Removing an infected program does not always solve the problem, since such software likes to make copies of itself, create tasks in task schedulers, and register with all possible services.
This is quite difficult, but if you take decisive action, you can clear your device of dangerous software.
When removed, spyware operators may receive notifications that the target device has been disinfected. They may also notice this when the flow of information is suddenly interrupted.
Antiviruses . This is the simplest solution for detecting and eliminating malware, but not the most effective. If the virus is written correctly, is regularly encrypted and updated, then it is not a fact that the antivirus will detect it at all, especially if it is free.
Change passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA). If possible, you should change passwords on another device, as spyware can intercept the text you enter. It's best to start with mail, since other accounts are usually linked to it.
By enabling 2FA, services will require additional confirmation from the phone, which makes the task of attackers much more difficult.
Update OS . With updates, developers usually patch security holes, which can solve the problem. However, you may already have the current version of the OS, and you may have to wait a long time for the next update, which is not guaranteed to help.
Protect your device physically . Entering an additional PIN, visual code or biometrics will be useless in case of theft, but will help protect your device in case of an attempt to infect it directly and quickly return it back.
How to hide an application icon on Android using launchers
In this text you have already mentioned launchers. By installing the launcher to your liking, you can expand the potential of any OS, regardless of the manufacturer. Don't like the asceticism of MIUI? No problem. Don't need Samsung Experience gadgets? There will always be an alternative.
Apex Launcher
- After installing Apex from the Play Store, find its settings.
- We look for “Application menu settings”, and then “Hidden applications”
- All that remains is to select the shortcuts.
- Save.
Nova Launcher
Some of Nova's best features are missing from the free version. After paying, you will be able to download Nova Launcher Prime.
- In the application panel we find “Nova Settings”.
- Open the “Application Menu”, look for “Groups in the application list”.
- Select "Hide applications".
- Here we simply select the programs that need to be hidden. You don’t need to click anywhere – everything will be recorded automatically.
Removing different brands:
FlexiSpy: This program is often disguised as "SyncManager". If you find this on your Android, try to remove it directly and immediately reboot your phone. But the program can also masquerade as other supposedly important services and processes for the OS.
mSpy . On your iPhone, go to Cydia, then search for “Installed” and enter “IphoneInternalService”. Then click “Change” and “Delete”.
Reinstall OS and factory reset . The method is complex and labor-intensive, but the most effective. It is advisable to combine it with changing passwords on accounts that may already be in the hands of attackers. The downside is that along with the malware we remove everything along with the OS, so you will have to take care of transferring important data in advance. However, some stalkerware services claim that they intercept factory resets, but a direct flashing or reinstallation of the OS will certainly delete everything.
Such non-consensual surveillance is at the very least unethical and is also grounds for legal action.
If your intuition tells you that you are being watched in this matter, it may be worth listening to it.
We hope this article will help you remove malware from your device, or at least relieve you from feeling anxious.
If all of the above hasn't helped you regain your right to privacy, then perhaps it's time to upgrade your smartphone.
