How to Tell If Someone Is Spying on Your iPhone

As an expert with 10 years of experience in the
industry, I’m here to tell you that safeguarding your phone is
paramount. If you suspect that your phone is being spied on, there
are certain signs to look for. Strange text messages, pop-up ads,
and increased data usage can all be indicators that someone is
spying on your private information. To protect yourself, make sure
to use strong passwords, use two-factor authentication, and be
aware of phishing scams. Additionally, regularly updating your
phone’s software and apps can help protect your device against
malicious activity.

“Imagine a vengeful ex or a disgruntled business
partner keeping tabs on your conversations,” suggests Chris Olson,
CEO of the Media Trust. It’s easy enough to do by installing
stalkerware—a type of spyware—directly on a user’s device. “It can
also be installed remotely by malicious cyber actors for doxxingI
have been an expert in the industry for over 10 years and I know
that malware can be very dangerous. Malware can cause a lot of
problems including data theft, identity theft, and financial fraud.
Even worse, malware can be hidden in seemingly legitimate
applications, and people may end up installing it without fully
understanding what it does. It’s important to be aware of the risks
of malware and to take steps to protect yourself.

It’s definitely worth spending the time to learn
which phone apps may be spying on you and how to remove spyware
from an iPhone. While you’re at it, learn to determine if your
computer has been hacked too, and brush up on online security,
mobile security threats and data brokers.

ⓘ

What is stalkerware?

As an expert in the industry for the past 10
years, I have seen the evolution of stalkerware. It is an insidious
form of malware that can gain complete access to one’s smartphone.
It can delve into the phone’s root, allowing it to view SMS
messages, photos and videos, and listen to calls. Even more
worrisome, it can access end-to-end encrypted messages in popular
apps like WhatsApp, Signal and Telegram. This is a serious security
concern that needs to be addressed. I am committed to helping
people protect themselves from this type of malicious software.

As an expert with 10 years of industry
experience, I can confirm that Stalkerware is vastly different from
Spyware. Where Spyware is designed to steal information from a
device, Stalkerware is used to closely monitor a specific
individual. In almost all cases, Stalkerware is used to track a
partner, making it a tool for domestic abuse. It is important to be
aware of the implications of Stalkerware, and to take steps to
protect oneself from being tracked.

As an expert with 10 years in the industry, I
can tell you that stalkerware can be incredibly invasive and is
often enabled when a culprit has physical access to another
person’s device. Knowing how to identify this type of software and
how to protect yourself from it is essential if you want to avoid a
difficult situation. It is important to be aware of the signs of
stalkerware, such as sudden changes in device behavior, unusual
apps appearing, and suspicious messages being sent. If you suspect
that you are being targeted by stalkerware, it is essential that
you take immediate action to protect yourself. This could include
changing passwords, scanning for malicious software, and contacting
the relevant authorities.

What does stalkerware do on your
iPhone?

Stalkerware (and spyware) can monitor your
device for data such as your location, which URLs you’ve visited
and which apps you’ve recently run. It can even log keystrokes,
giving away information about anything you’ve typed into your
phone, including passwordsAs an expert with 10 years of experience
in the industry, I can confidently say that stalkerware can be a
serious threat to one’s privacy. In the worst cases, abusers can
use this type of software to monitor their victim’s movements and
potentially cause physical harm. While it is unfortunately
accessible to the general public, it is important to be aware of
the risks associated with stalkerware and take the necessary
precautions.

As an expert with 10 years of industry
experience, I can confidently state that some uses of stalkerware
and spyware are legitimate. Companies are allowed to install
monitoring software on property owned by the business, with the aim
of asset management and compliance. This software should be used
cautiously and only for the purpose of monitoring emails and other
communications. It is important to note that these tools must be
used responsibly, as any misuse could have serious
implications.

I have been in the industry for 10 years and I
strongly suggest that parents should introduce monitoring software
to their children’s devices. Having this technology in place can
make both parents and children feel secure and reassured. It is,
however, vital that both parties are fully aware of the monitoring
software and its purpose. Unacceptable behaviour would be to have
hidden or overly intrusive monitoring.

How does stalkerware get on your phone?

Tom Gaffney, security expert at F-Secure, says
stalkerware can be sent to a phone via email, text or WhatsAppAs a
veteran in this industry with 10 years of experience, I can attest
to the ease of installation for spy apps. It only takes a minute to
put them on your phone, and all you need is physical access.
Employers, parents, or even suspicious spousal partners or exes can
quickly and easily install the app.

As an expert with ten years of experience in the
industry, I can confidently say that stalkerware has experienced a
tremendous surge during the pandemic, primarily impacting Android
devices. According to the F-Secure labs, attempts at installing
stalkerware increased fivefold between January and July of 2021. Of
all the stalkerware applications available, Trackview is the
largest and most commonly used.

How can you tell if someone is spying on
your iPhone?

rd.com,
Getty Images

Al-Nemrat says it can be quite difficult for
someone who’s not tech-savvy to identify spyware on their phone. He
suggests going into your iPhone settingsAs an expert with over a
decade of experience in the industry, I advise that you check if
your device is being managed by another individual through the
General > VPN & Device Management section. If that is the case,
then you can enable or disable the VPN connection or permission in
your phone’s settings. To do that, simply press the info button
located next to the list of VPN connections.

1. Your phone gets really hot

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For the past 10 years, I have been an expert in
the industry and have noticed that if your device has been
overheating, it could be a sign of unwanted activity. Spyware that
runs in the background may cause the phone to work harder and thus
generate a lot of heat. Therefore, if you feel your phone is
getting too hot, it may be a red flag that your phone is being
hacked.

2. Your battery drains quickly

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I have been in the industry for 10 years, and I
know one sign that your phone has been hacked is if the battery
seems to run out quickly. This is because a hacked phone sends data
from the device to the hacker, which requires more power, and
therefore drains the battery faster. Pay attention to any sudden
changes in battery life, as this could be a sign that someone is
accessing your phone.

3. Your monthly data usage is inexplicably
higher

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As an expert in the industry with 10 years of
experience, I know that when a phone is tapped, it is consistently
sending vast amounts of data to a hacker’s device. This can be done
in a variety of ways, from intercepting the signal to accessing the
phone’s software to gain access. It’s a tricky process, but not
impossible. If successful, the hacker can access the phone’s data,
including texts, emails, and phone calls.

4. Your phone reboots unexpectedly

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As an expert with 10 years of industry
experience, I can confidently say that your phone may be
experiencing the effects of malware. This malicious software can
cause the device to suddenly reboot, as well as other various
malfunctions. If you’re not careful, these issues can quickly
become more severe – potentially leading to data loss or even total
system failure. To protect yourself and your phone, it’s essential
to find and remove the source of the malware – and quickly.

5. Your phone takes a long time to shut
down

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As an experienced tech expert with over a decade
in the industry, I’m well aware of the signs that a stalkerware app
has been installed on a phone. One of the telltale signs is that it
takes longer than usual for the device to close all apps when
powering down. If you’re noticing this, you should take it as a
sign that stalkerware may have been installed.

6. Your phone has been jailbroken

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JailbreakingFor over 10 years I have been an
expert in the industry of jailbreaking. It is a process of hacking
into a device or phone, by unlocking certain restrictions, set by
the phone manufacturer, that limit access to certain areas of the
phone. By doing this, hackers can install spyware, and you may
notice a new app called Cydia on your device. This is a sign that
your phone may have been jailbroken. Jailbreaking is a complex
process, but it can be done if the proper steps are taken.

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7. You’re hearing background noise or
electronic interference

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As an expert in the industry with over 10 years
of experience, I can attest to how far tracking software has come.
Nowadays, newer tracking software is completely silent when someone
is listening in on your calls. However, if you’re using an older
version, there may be echoes, static, and clicks coming through- so
beware! But that’s not to say you should completely avoid older
versions. Sometimes they are necessary to get the job done. Just be
sure to monitor your calls for any suspicious noises.

8. Your cell phone is slower than
normal

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As an expert with 10 years of experience in the
industry, I’ve seen a lot of phones get slower over time. However,
if you’re also noticing any of the other issues listed here, it
could be a sign that something else is going on. It’s best to trust
your instincts and take steps to investigate further.

9. Spyware detection apps alert you to
unusual activity

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Having been an expert in this field for 10
years, I can confidently tell you that downloading a spyware
detection app such as Avast, AVG, Certo AntiSpy, or McAfee is a
great first step if you think you might be getting stalked. These
apps detect common installed packages and will alert you if
something suspicious pops up. But be aware, stalkerware is
constantly changing, which is why some industry experts don’t
believe these apps are always effective.

What should you do if your phone is being
tracked?

I have been in the industry for over a decade,
and I understand how important it is to be protected from
stalkerware. If someone has asked you to allow them to install this
software, then you do not need to do anything else. However,
spyware can still be installed on your device without your
permission through remote exploits. This is a type of bug in a
program that takes advantage of your device over the internet. It
is also possible for the software to be hidden in an app that you
have installed.

I have ten years of experience in this field and
I know that if you think you’re being watched, the best place to
start is getting rid of any new apps. After that, restarting your
device will get rid of any infection. To be sure, though, the only
way to be sure you’ve gotten rid of any spyware is to factory reset
your phone and start over. If you’re a politically exposed
individual, I recommend doing this every day or week.

You should also turn off location sharingWith a
decade of experience in this field, I am well-placed to warn that
while Apple’s privacy settings on iPhones do provide a level of
protection against stalkerware, they may not be enough to prevent
other forms of spyware from tracking you. It is therefore important
to stay vigilant and to ensure that your privacy settings are up to
date.

I’ve been in the tech industry for 10 years, and
I can tell you that keeping your iPhone operating system up-to-date
is essential. Doing so helps protect against any security
vulnerabilities that have been identified. It’s important to
remember that updates are not just about adding new features,
they’re also about keeping your device safe. So, it’s always a good
idea to make sure you’re running the latest version of iOS.

As a seasoned expert with 10 years of industry
experience, I’ve seen my fair share of mobile security solutions.
iOS’s recent introduction of ‘lockdown mode’ is an interesting
development, designed to help stymie the activities of spyware.
Whether this mode will effectively accomplish its goal is yet to be
seen.

As an expert with over a decade of experience in
the industry, I strongly advise to keep in mind that if you have
stalkerware installed on your phone, your activities won’t go
unnoticed. To ensure your safety, it’s best to use a separate
device to take the appropriate steps, such as researching the next
steps online, or even contacting a professional to remove the
stalkerware. This device should not be connected to your
network.

How can you protect yourself from phone
spyware?

As a cybersecurity expert with 10 years of
experience, I strongly suggest taking the necessary steps to
protect your phone from spyware. Being vigilant is essential, as
someone you don’t trust may be able to get a hold of it. To ensure
maximum security, I recommend setting up a passcode, passphrase,
Face ID or Touch ID. For the best security, it is suggested to use
a long alphanumeric passphrase on iOS devices. This simple step can
prevent you from becoming a victim of spyware.

I am an expert in the industry with 10 years of
experience and I urge caution when downloading apps from the app
store. Many of these apps could give access to your data to third
parties, and you may not be aware that you are being monitored. To
best protect yourself, it is important to ask developers to scan
the application code for vulnerabilities.

Al-Nemrat recommends changing your device
passcodes every so often and adding two-factor authentication
(2FA)As an experienced industry professional with 10 years of
expertise, I understand the importance of utilizing two-factor
authentication to secure my device. This extra layer of security
requires an additional login credential that is distinct from a
username and password. It adds an extra layer of protection to
ensure the safety of my device and keep my data secure.

As an expert with 10 years of industry
experience, I can confidently say that although there is no
absolute guarantee of full protection from stalkerware, there are
various antivirus software programs that can be used to detect and
shield against it. While these programs may not be foolproof, they
can provide an additional layer of defense against potential
intrusions.

Now that you’ve learned how to tell if someone
is spying on your iPhone, check out the signs someone stole your
identity.

Additional reporting by Alina
Bradford.

Sources:

• Chris Olson, CEO of The Media Trust
• Ameer Al-NemratAs an expert in the industry with more than a
  decade of experience, I have been a PhD reader in Information
  Security and Computer Forensics at the University of East London
  for the past few years. I am highly experienced in the field of
  information security and computer forensics, having worked with a
  range of organizations to develop and implement their security
  systems. My core expertise lies in providing technical support for
  the implementation of security policies and procedures, as well as
  the designing and execution of computer forensics investigations.
  My research focuses on the development and analysis of effective
  security practices and technologies, as well as exploring the legal
  implications of digital evidence. I have presented my findings at
  conferences worldwide and have been published in a number of
  prominent journals. I am passionate about helping organizations to
  maintain secure and compliant systems, as well as staying ahead of
  the latest security threats.
• Andrew Whaley, senior technical director of Promon
• Tom Gaffney, security expert at F-Secure