The evolution of software usage is apparent, given the vast global reach. However, this growth comes at a cost, with hackers focusing on mobile phone users.
Mobile Spyware is malware that collects information from your mobile device without consent. Since mobile phones are a significant part of our everyday life, a hacker can access much information from your mobile, including location, passwords, and online payment details.
What Is Mobile Spyware?
Mobile spyware hides in the background of your mobile device. It steals information from the mobile device, like SMS messages, call logs, emails, contact lists, browser history, and even photos.
Mobile spyware sometimes has additional functionality like keyloggers to record keyboard strokes. It can also record conversations within a certain distance of the phone’s microphone. The malware can also access the phone’s camera to take photos in the background and use GPS to track the phone’s location.
In some cases, hackers might use spyware apps to control devices. The attacker uses SMS messages or remote servers to gain control.
History of mobile spyware
Reports of mobile spyware date back to when mobile phones became mainstream. Mobile spyware has become popular as it is stealthy and runs in the background while causing minimal disruptions to the phone user.
The most popular spyware is the Pegasus software. An Israeli cybersecurity firm is behind this software. Reports of the spyware targeting activists and journalists later emerged, presenting the danger of such surveillance tools.
How Does Mobile Spyware Work?
Spyware infiltrates your mobile device discreetly without the knowledge of the end user. It enters the user’s device through an app installation package, a malicious file attachment, or a malicious website.
Spyware will be activated on your mobile device every time it is on. Given its name, this app tends to hide in the background to conduct unauthorized surveillance. As this app works continuously in the background to collect and transmit information, it might cause your phone to slow down, deplete your battery life, and affect your overall performance.
Spyware can be installed on your phone to spy on your phone’s activities such as messages, calls, browser history, and location. In some cases, it might be installed by malicious actors looking to record your keystrokes and gain access to sensitive information such as email sign-in details, credit card numbers, and bank account passwords.
Spyware can be used to collect sensitive private information that could be used for identity theft. The same information could also be sold to third parties. In its worst form, spyware will invade your privacy and access even the most sensitive details of your life.
In some instances, mobile spyware can change the firewall settings of your device. These apps can change the security settings to bring even more malware to your device. Some forms of spyware can also make it challenging for you to uninstall it. Some of these will intercept any attempts that you make to uninstall them.
Where Does Mobile Spyware Come From?
There are many ways that mobile spyware can land on your device. Let us explore some of the most common ways:
A malicious app
Mobile spyware is often spread through malicious applications. Google often has a policy to vet the apps published on the Google Play Store. However, despite the thorough vetting process, malware can sometimes find its way into the app marketplace.
The possibility of downloading malware through malicious apps is also among the top reasons why phone users are advised to stop installing apps from third-party sites.
Phishing campaigns
Phishing campaigns can also see mobile spyware infiltrating your device. Phishing campaigns often rely on emails and text messages.
Phishing scams involve cybercriminals impersonating a legitimate company to trick the victim into downloading a file containing malware. In some cases, phishing scams can also be used to disclose personal information.
Spy apps
If someone has access to your phone, they can install spy apps that will monitor everything you do on your mobile device. Spy apps can be used to monitor information such as calls, messages, browser history, social media activity, and location data.
Spy apps are often hidden on a mobile device and it might be hard to detect and uninstall them. They also operate stealthily in the background. Some signs that you might have spy apps installed on your phone include lagging performance and poor battery performance.
Examples of Mobile Spyware
Mobile spyware has been wreaking havoc over the years. Here are the most popular cases of mobile spyware reported by cybersecurity researchers.
In 2022, researchers detected the RatMilad Android spyware targeting mobile devices based in the Middle East. This spyware was used to spy on victims and steal user data. According to researchers, this malware was distributed through social media by luring users to download an app.
In 2022, another mobile spyware known as FurBall was also detected by researchers. This malware targeted Android phones. It was found to be conducting surveillance on Iranian citizens, with its operations dating back to as far as 2016.
Researchers investigating this mobile spyware found that it remained hidden on user devices. It was distributed through malicious links on direct messages, social media platforms, emails, and SMS.
Looking at the findings by researchers into these instances of mobile spyware, it is certain that this malware is spread in the most common ways. Sometimes, you can download mobile spyware on your phone without even knowing that it exists.
Once spyware gets into your phone, removing it can be challenging. The most effective way of getting rid of spyware on your phone is by installing anti-spyware that will not only remove harmful apps but also prevent them from being installed in the first place.
Is Mobile Spyware Dangerous
Nearly every smartphone has some form of mobile spyware. Health and exercise monitoring apps can track your physical movements. Some apps might also track your location and purchase history to customize ads for a better experience.
While this kind of intrusion is scary, this form of spyware is often harmless, with app developers guaranteeing the protection of user information.
However, there is dangerous spyware. This type seeks to collect and use your personal information later for identity theft or corporate espionage. A mobile user wanting to cause you harm can access your camera, microphone, and real-time location data.
Mobile spyware also poses a risk when used to gain access to information that you would otherwise want to remain private. For instance, a jealous partner or a stalker might install spyware on your phone to track your conversations, and movements and gain remote control over your phone.
Getting spyware is very easy as there are some free spy apps available in the market. These apps pose a major danger to your phone usage and might compromise your privacy while posing a significant danger.
In some cases, spyware can be used for the greater good. For instance, if you are a parent who wants to keep their kids safe, you might choose to use spyware to monitor what they do with their phones. Spyware can also be used to gather evidence where permissible in law.
How to Detect Spyware on a Mobile Phone
Many people are always looking for signs of mobile spyware installed on their phones. There are not many signs of mobile spyware on a phone as these apps remain hidden. However, your phone could show you some signs of infection.
Lagging performance
If your phone suddenly appears sluggish, even when you do not have any active apps running in the background, it could be a sign of spyware. Spy apps make apps take longer to load and freeze.
Besides lagging performance, you might also notice your phone overheating. While using an app, your phone might witness some warmth. however, with malware, the phone tends to heat more than usual.
Poor battery performance
Mobile spyware runs discreetly in the background, and it aims to remain hidden. However, as it is continuously running in the background, it consumes a lot of extra battery and data. Therefore, you might notice the battery draining faster than usual.
New apps
You might also notice some new apps that you did not install yourself on your phone. Some of these apps might be hidden from the app drawer, which is usually a sign of malware.
Ads and pop-ups
Sometimes, spyware comes bundled up with adware. If you detect random pop-ups and ads on your device, it could indicate spyware. These pop-ups tend to affect the overall user experience.
Strange phone behavior
Sometimes, you might notice strange text messages and emails popping up on your phone. You might also notice codes seeking to obtain access to social media accounts. If you notice codes suddenly appear on your phone, you should refrain from clicking any links or downloading files.
Other strange behavior includes the phone suddenly rebooting or going to sleep without your involvement. If you also notice that your phone is taking too much time to power off, it could be a sign of spyware.
How To Stay Safe From Mobile Spyware
To stay safe from dangerous mobile spyware, refrain from installing third-party software. You should only download apps from the official app marketplaces: Google Play Store for Android users and App Store for iPhone users.
Always check app permissions after installing an app. For instance, a VPN app does not need access to your microphone and camera. Whenever an app asks for permissions that seem suspicious, uninstall it.
Be cautious of unsolicited attachments and links. You should also avoid public Wi-Fi collections. Hackers often use these channels to distribute mobile spyware.
Protecting your device should also be your utmost priority. Adopt comprehensive online protection software to protect your phone in the same way as your laptops and computers.
Removing Evasive Apps from Your Phone
To remove evasive apps from your phone, follow the below steps:
iOS devices
- Open Settings > Privacy & Security and open Safety Check
- Review app permissions and make any necessary changes
- You can also go to App Privacy Report and change app permissions
Android devices
- Open Settings > Apps
- Click on the App whose settings you want to change
- Select Permissions
- Select “Allow” or “Don’t Allow” from the Permission settings
Nevertheless, you can always choose to have antispyware on your phone. Antispyware makes it easy for you to detect and remove malware. It prevents it from getting into your phone and removes any malicious app instantly before it causes damage.
Final Thoughts
Mobile spyware can be a menace to smartphone users. You do not expect prying eyes to watch your every move when using your phone. However, the reality is that hackers are increasingly targeting mobile users to collect private information. Often, mobile spyware spreads through malicious apps. Therefore, always download apps from trusted developers on official app marketplaces.
You should also refrain from following malicious links as they could be a form of a phishing campaign.
If you want to protect your phone, the best way to do so is by having anti-spyware. This software will keep your phone safe and ensure spyware does not land on your phone.
FAQs
What is mobile spyware?
Mobile spyware is malicious software that infiltrates your device to steal user information. It compromises your privacy and could be used to even track your location.
Is mobile spyware dangerous?
Spyware is dangerous. It can infiltrate sensitive information from your phone including email addresses, credit card information, and sensitive messages. Sometimes, it can be used by dangerous people to track your location.
How is mobile spyware spread?
Mobile spyware is often spread using malicious apps. Sometimes, it can also be spread through malicious links sent to your phone to conduct phishing campaigns.
How do I detect mobile spyware?
There are signs that your phone might have spyware. These signs include lagging performance, poor battery performance, random popups, etc.
How can I get rid of mobile spyware?
You can get rid of mobile spyware from your phone using an anti-spyware tool. Such tools are readily available. You can also choose to uninstall spyware manually from your phone’s settings.
