How to detect if you have stalkerware on your Android or iPhone

¿How to detect if you have stalkerware on your Android or iPhone? The idea of ​​someone controlling your mobile phone sounds like something out of a movie, but today it is a real and growing possibility. Stalkerware and spyware have gone from myth to an everyday threat This affects ordinary people: jealous partners, meddling bosses, or anyone with occasional access to your device can try to sneak a spy app onto your device.

If you have any suspicions or, directly, notice strange behavior, it's best to act sensibly. We explain how to identify warning signs, where to look on Android and iPhone, what tools can help, and what steps to take without putting yourself at risk., including important precautions in contexts of violence or harassment.

What is stalkerware and why should you care?

The term stalkerware Describe applications that are installed without your permission to monitor you: They read messages, record calls, track location, access camera and microphone, and even intercept notificationsMany are sold as parental control or "family security," but in the wrong hands they become tools of abuse.

In addition to the impact on your privacy, These apps are often poorly developed and riddled with vulnerabilities.Top-tier investigations have documented dozens of flaws in dozens of products, exposing the data of both the victim and the spy.

Warning signs: behaviors that betray spy apps

Espionage tools try to go unnoticed, but they always leave a trace. Pay attention to these signs, especially if several coincide. in a short period of time.

• Flying batteryHidden processes sending data can drain the battery even when the phone is idle.
• Unusual warmingIf the phone gets hot "for no apparent reason", there may be covert activity.
• Disproportionate data consumption: the continuous sending of information to remote servers increases MB/GB usage.
• Poor performance and crashesLag, freezes, and unexpected shutdowns are typical when something is snooping in the background.
• Strange sounds during callsClicks, echo, or background noise may suggest active recording.
• Pop-ups and web redirectsPop-up windows or page changes "on their own" are not a good sign.
• SMS or strange messages: random character strings can be attacker commands.
• unknown apps: blank icons, generic names like “System Service”, “Tracker” or “Device Health”.
• Hidden notificationsSomeone may have blocked alerts from suspicious apps so you don't see them.

Essential Android Reviews: Where to Look Step by Step

In Android there are several critical areas that should be reviewed carefully. You don't need to be an engineer: it's a matter of method and ofhealthy distrust in the face of what you do not recognize.

Accessibility Permissions (Settings > Accessibility): This access allows an app Read what's happening in other apps and act on your behalf.It's very useful for assistance, but also for spyware. Be wary of any activated service other than your antivirus or legitimate accessibility tools.

Access to notifications (Settings > Apps > Special access): Check which apps can read your notifications. If you see strange names or tools that shouldn't be spying on your alertswithdraw that permit immediately.

Device administration (Settings > Security > Administrator apps): Some spy apps become administrators to prevent their uninstallation. If you detect an entry with an ambiguous name, remove its privileges and uninstall it..

Installation from unknown sources: check out the permission to install apps outside of Google Play. If it's enabled and you're not using it, that's a red flag.especially if it coincides with other indications.

Google Play Protect: Open Google Play, go to Play Protect and force a scan. It helps to detect abnormal behaviorseven in apps installed from outside the store.

Key controls on iPhone: privacy, profiles, and specific signals

In iOS the ecosystem is more closed, but it is not invulnerable. A periodic review of privacy and configuration profiles It saves you from scares.

Installed apps and purchases: Check your app list and App Store history. If something appears that you don't remember installing, throw it away without hesitation.It is often disguised as a harmless utility.

Privacy and permissions (Settings > Privacy and security): Examine access to location, microphone, camera, contacts, photos, etc. A flashlight doesn't need your contacts or your text messages.If an app asks for more than it should, revoke permissions or delete it.

Profiles and Device Management (Settings > General > VPN and Device Management): Look for configuration profiles you don't recognize. If you see an unknown one, delete itMalicious profiles give the attacker extra control.

Data usage and activity: In Settings > Mobile data and Battery you can detect unusual spikes. Applications with high background usage for no apparent reason They are a red flag.

Jailbreak and “Cydia”: If you see Cydia, your iPhone is jailbroken. A jailbroken device lowers its defenses and it's easier to infect; restore to factory settings if you suspect tampering.

Assisted detection: antivirus and security solutions

Mobile suites have greatly improved the detection of stalkerware. On Android, Kaspersky Internet Security for Android identifies even difficult variantsAnd its free version already offers helpful alerts. Other well-known options include ESET Mobile Security, Avast, Lookout, and Norton. Check out our guide to best anti-spyware.

Keep in mind that, due to the disputed legal status of stalkerware, Some solutions mark it as "not a virus" to avoid problems, but they still alert you to the risk. Read the security notifications carefully, because They explain the software's peculiarities and the reason for the warning..

Important warning: There are spyware programs that notify their "owner" when they detect an installed antivirus. If you suspect that the person spying on you might react dangerouslyConsider strategies that don't immediately reveal your movements.

TinyCheck: a discreet way to find trackers on the web

TinyCheck is a project designed for victims of violence and anyone who needs a discreet check. It's not installed on the phone: it runs on a separate device, like a Raspberry Pi., configured between the router and the phone connected via Wi-Fi.

The project offers its technical guide and indicators in its repository, but requires some experience with hardware and networks. Assemble your own security kit Free apps can complement the review. If "Raspberry Pi" sounds like dessert to you, ask someone you trust for help. to assemble it. Crucial: do not entrust the configuration to anyone who might be involved in espionage.

TinyCheck analyzes in real time whether there are communications with known spyware servers. If it detects that the phone is “chatting” with surveillance domains or IPsIt points it out to you without the spy app noticing that you're looking for it.

The project offers its technical guide and indicators in its repository, but requires some experience with hardware and networks. If "Raspberry Pi" sounds like dessert to you, ask someone you trust for help. to assemble it. Crucial: do not entrust the configuration to anyone who might be involved in espionage.

What to do if you confirm (or have good reason to suspect) that you are being spied on.

Before deleting anything, think about your security and consult [a safer alternative/safety advisor]. How to know if someone is spying on my cell phone. Removing stalkerware can alert whoever installed it and even erase evidence. These are useful if you need to report something. If there is a risk of violence, contact specialized support services.

If you decide to work on the device, do it in an orderly fashion: Only back up your personal files (photos, videos, documents)avoiding settings and apps that could reintroduce the spyware upon restoration.

Change all your passwords (email, networks, banks, cloud storage) from a clean computer. Enable two-step verification (2FA) and avoid SMS codes if you can use authenticator appswhich are more robust.

Strengthen your mobile phone's lock with a strong code and biometrics. Do not share PIN, pattern, or fingerprintsDisable message previews on the lock screen and set up login alerts for your most sensitive accounts.

On Android, uninstall any suspicious apps after removing special permissions (Accessibility, notifications, device administration). On iPhone, delete unknown management profiles and remove suspicious apps.If the problems persist, perform a factory reset.

Factory reset: This is the most decisive measure. Restoring leaves the phone "like new" and usually removes stalkerware.Remember that restoring from a full backup could reintroduce leftover data; if the situation is serious, set up your phone from scratch.

Best practices to protect yourself in the future

Install from official stores: Google Play and the App Store filter more than any random website. Avoid third-party repositories and unknown APKs, no matter how much "offer" they promise.

Keep your system up to date: both Android and iOS release patches frequently. Updates close doors that spyware exploits.So don't postpone them.

Audit permissions and apps regularly: spend a few minutes a month reviewing what you have installed and what permissions you have granted. Less is more: give only what is essentialand remove what you no longer use.

Avoid jailbreaking and be wary of rooting: unlocking the system. Weakens key protections and makes you an easier targetIf it's not essential, it's best not to touch it.

Network and Wi-Fi: Change the router's default passwords, Use WPA2/WPA3 encryption and update the firmware.On public networks, a reliable VPN reduces the risk of local spying.

Digital common sense: Don't click on strange links or unexpected attachments, and don't share credentials "via WhatsApp". Learning about phishing and common scams will save you trouble. and prevent them from giving up your accounts.

Android: Express Security Checklist

Activate Play Protect and periodically review its reports. Check Accessibility, notifications, and device management to detect abusive access.

Monitor background usage from Data Usage and Battery. If a ghost app eats up resources, investigate or delete it as soon as possible.

Run a scan with a recognized solution (e.g., Kaspersky or ESET). Read the warnings carefully, even if they say "no-virus"Context dictates.

iPhone: Express Security Checklist

Review your App Store purchase history to identify suspicious downloads. Uninstall anything you don't recognize or that doesn't make sense. that it's there.

Review Location Services and the other permissions in Privacy and Security. Remove excessive permissions and control who has access to your data.

Remove suspicious profiles in “VPN & Device Management” and update to the latest version of iOS. If your phone is still acting strangely, consider a factory reset. after saving only your personal files.

What the data says: vulnerabilities and apps in the spotlight

The situation is not insignificant: Research has found 158 vulnerabilities in 58 of the 86 stalkerware apps analyzedIn other words, in addition to the damage they cause by design, they open doors to third parties who can steal data or take control of the device.

The spy app market is vast and constantly evolving, with names like Catwatchful, SpyX, Spyzie, Cocospy, Spyic, mSpy, and TheTruthSpy. Several have suffered data leaks with exposure of personal information of victims and, sometimes, also of those who spied.

In response to this reality, protection and awareness initiatives have emerged, such as the Coalition Against Stalkerware, which brings together organizations against domestic violence and the cybersecurity community to offer resources and guidelines.

Important notes on legality and personal safety

Monitoring someone else's mobile phone without permission is illegal in most countries. If you are a victim of espionage, prioritize your physical safety and seek support.Guide your steps with legal and specialized advice if you deem it necessary.

If you need to gather evidence, Do not rush to uninstall the stalkerware without considering the consequences.Documenting evidence and seeking professional help can make all the difference in a reporting process.

Technology offers solutions, but the human factor matters. Many infections occur because someone knew your PIN or accessed your phone for even a minute.Strengthen habits: solid locks, discretion with your passwords, and attention to the signs.

With reasonable oversight, appropriate configurations, and reliable tools, You can regain control of your mobile phone and preserve your privacy without turning your daily life into an obstacle course.