How to Detect and Eliminate 'Stalkerware' on Your Phone

Understanding Stalkerware and How to Detect It

Stalkerware is a type of malicious software designed to monitor your activities on a mobile device without your consent. This includes tracking messages, photos, location, and even real-time activity. These apps are often installed secretly, either through direct downloads or by exploiting vulnerabilities in your device's built-in features. They can be disguised as harmless applications or hidden from the home screen, making it difficult to detect them.

Common examples of stalkerware include apps like Cocospy, Spyic, and TheTruthSpy. These programs are typically not available on official app stores such as Google Play or the Apple App Store, but rather through unofficial sources or direct installation. While these apps may not always show obvious signs of presence, there are several indicators that might suggest their existence.

Signs That You Might Be Affected

Some potential signs of stalkerware include unusual data usage, increased battery drain, a warmer phone, or unexpected changes in performance. However, it’s important to note that these symptoms aren’t always present. According to the Coalition Against Stalkerware, one of the most telling signs of monitoring isn’t technical at all—it could be a change in the behavior of someone you know, or they might have knowledge about your daily activities that seems too detailed.

Additionally, other settings on your phone, such as shared accounts, location sharing, or backups, can also be exploited for surveillance. If you suspect that your device is being monitored, it’s crucial to take action carefully.

Creating a Safety Plan

Before attempting to remove any suspicious apps or changing access settings, it’s essential to create a safety plan. Deleting monitoring apps or adjusting permissions could alert the person who installed them, potentially increasing the risk of further abuse. Resources like the Coalition Against Stalkerware provide assistance and support for survivors, including information on local organizations and emergency contacts.

It’s also important to consider that removing stalkerware might erase evidence needed for legal reporting. Keeping a detailed log of your experiences can be valuable if you decide to report the incident to law enforcement.

Checking for Unrecognized Apps

You can check for unfamiliar apps in your device settings. On both iOS and Android, this is found under the "Apps" or "App management" section. On iOS, you can scroll down to see hidden apps. On Android, look for any apps listed under "Accessibility" or "Device admin apps," as these are common areas where stalkerware may reside.

Reviewing app permissions is another key step. Stalkerware often requests excessive access to sensitive data such as location, camera, microphone, and notifications. On iOS 16 or later, Apple’s Safety Check feature allows you to manage permissions and sharing with individuals and apps. This includes checking who you’re sharing information with, updating passcodes, and resetting privacy settings.

Removing Stalkerware

If you believe your device is compromised, one of the most effective steps is to replace your phone with a new one. Ensure the new device is secured with a strong, unique passcode to prevent future installations of malicious software.

Another option is to perform a factory reset, which will erase all data and apps from your device. This is accessible through Settings on both iOS and Android. However, keep in mind that this process will delete all unsaved data, so it’s important to back up important files before proceeding.

You can also use antivirus apps from reputable companies to scan for hidden threats. On Android, Google Play Protect offers manual scanning capabilities. After removing stalkerware, make sure to update your security settings, including using strong passwords and enabling two-factor authentication for your accounts.

Taking these steps can help protect your privacy and ensure your device remains secure against future threats.