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How to spot hidden spyware, and kick it out for good
Ever get the feeling someone knows too much about what you’re doing online? I’m not talking about the sarcastic “My FBI agent is amused” way, but in the “Why did my phone just text my ex and order dog food at 2 a.m.?” kind of way.
If your device is acting sketchy, there’s a real chance someone’s planted spyware. And no, it’s not always a hoodie-wearing hacker from overseas, it’s usually someone closer than you think. Maybe a jealous partner, a controlling family member or even a roommate.
🕵️♀️ How spyware gets on your phone
Spyware can be installed in just minutes. Sometimes all it takes is someone borrowing your phone “for a sec” and secretly installing a hidden app disguised as “Device Helper” or “System Services.”
Other spyware programs get you to click a sketchy link, sideload an app or download “stalkerware” disguised as “parental control” tools. Once it’s on your phone, the spyware can read your texts, listen to your convos and track you like it’s their full-time job.
It logs every keystroke, reads texts and emails, accesses your camera and mic, and even tracks your location, all without your knowledge.
As this intel is being collected about you, it’s secretly sent to a cloud account. That’s how the person who put the spyware on your devices sees every single thing you are doing. Sneaky, right?
All hope is not lost. Good security software could prevent spyware getting on your device.
🚩 Signs something’s wrong
Your phone will give you clues if you know what to look for.
If your battery is draining faster than your patience, random pop-ups are showing up or strange autocorrect glitches keep happening, you may have spyware lurking on your device.
Unfamiliar apps, random noises during calls, or high data usage can all be signs of something sinister beneath the surface.
Even subtle issues like your phone running hot while idle can mean spyware is secretly working in the background.
💡 Pro tip: If your phone feels like it has a mind of its own, don’t ignore it.
🛡️ What to do if you suspect spyware
Start by backing up your important files, photos, messages and contacts. Then, perform a full factory reset on your phone. This is really the best way to wipe out hidden spyware.
After the reset, don’t immediately restore from an old backup. That could bring the spyware right back. Instead, reinstall apps manually. Then, change every password and turn on two-factor authentication for extra protection.
💡 Pro tip: After that, run a full security scan using TotalAV, a trusted tool I use and recommend. It’s only $19 a year.
TotalAV helps detect, remove and prevent hidden spyware, keyloggers and other threats. In fact, with all that we do on our phones, you need to have trusted and proven security measures. If you’re using free or old AV software (or Russian-based Kaspersky!), you really need to check out TotalAV now.
If you suspect someone close to you is spying on you, don’t brush it off. Your safety comes first, and in serious cases, it’s smart to involve law enforcement.
Tags: devices, family, online, photos, security
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