DIGITAL LIFE

How to identify potential spyware and prevent unauthorized access to your mobile phone

You are using your phone as usual when you notice something strange: the battery starts draining faster, the device heats up for no apparent reason, or a small colored dot appears on the screen. Most of the time, these behaviors have simple explanations. However, they could also indicate that an app is accessing features without your authorization. Knowing how to distinguish a common glitch from a potential intrusion is essential for protecting your personal information.

The small signal on the screen that can reveal camera usage...One of the simplest ways to find out when the camera or microphone is being used is to observe your device's privacy indicators.

On modern iPhones, a green dot appears when an app accesses the camera, while an orange dot indicates that the microphone is in use.

Recent Android phones also feature similar visual indicators, typically displayed at the top of the screen.

These features allow you to identify access even when the app is not actively open on your screen.

If an indicator appears unexpectedly, it is worth checking which program is using that feature.

Another behavior that warrants attention is receiving a message stating that the camera is already in use by another application.

However, this does not necessarily mean that your phone is being spied on.

Calling apps, social media platforms, and other legitimate services may use the camera or microphone in the background, depending on the permissions granted and the activities currently running.

Malicious programs known as spyware can monitor your activities, collect information, and, under certain circumstances, access sensitive features of your device.

According to guidance from the cybersecurity firm ESET, unexpected changes in how your phone functions deserve attention.

One example is excessive battery consumption.

If an app is continuously recording information or transmitting files, it may demand more power from the device.

The same applies to abnormal heating, especially when the phone is idle and seemingly not performing any tasks. Another possible sign is the presence of photos, videos, or screenshots that you do not recognize.

However, before assuming your device has been compromised, check whether these files were received via WhatsApp, downloaded automatically, or synced through services like Google Photos or iCloud.

None of these symptoms, on its own, proves the presence of spyware.

Worn-out batteries, software updates, or resource-intensive apps can also cause similar behavior.

Data usage can reveal what is happening in the background; beyond battery drain, mobile data traffic can provide important clues.

A malicious app that sends images, recordings, or other files to external servers may cause an unexplained spike in data usage.

For this reason, it is worth checking which programs are consuming the most data on your device.

Unknown apps or those showing high activity warrant closer investigation.

You should also watch for unexpected reboots, persistent sluggishness, frequent crashes, or the appearance of programs you do not recall installing.

While these signs can have various causes, a combination of unusual behaviors justifies a review of your security settings.

The goal is not to immediately conclude that your device has been compromised, but rather to identify activity that does not align with your typical usage.

How to find out which apps have access to your camera and microphone: modern operating systems provide tools to check and manage permissions.

On an iPhone, go to Settings, select Privacy & Security, and then choose Camera or Microphone. From there, you can review which apps have been granted access and revoke permissions that are unnecessary.

On Android, the steps may vary depending on the manufacturer and the version of the operating system. Generally, look for Settings, Security & Privacy, and then Privacy Dashboard or Permission Manager.

These sections allow you to see which apps have access to sensitive features and, on compatible versions, to review recent access history.

It is also advisable to keep your system updated, remove suspicious apps, and avoid installing software from unknown sources.

If the signs persist, a reliable security tool can assist with an investigation.

What should you do if you suspect your phone is being spied on? The first step is to review your installed apps and revoke any unnecessary permissions.

Next, check for security updates and analyze your battery and data usage.

If you find concrete evidence of a compromise, consider changing your passwords—using a different, trusted device—and seeking professional technical support.

The best form of protection is to maintain control over which apps have access to your camera, microphone, and personal information.

A phone that runs hot or a battery that drains quickly does not automatically mean you are being spied on.

However, keeping an eye out for unexpected changes and being familiar with privacy features can help you identify issues before they become more serious.

To identify spyware and protect your mobile phone from unauthorized access, look for warning signs on your device and follow the steps for removal and prevention.

Warning signs (how to identify them):

• Excessive battery drain: Your phone loses charge very quickly, even when not in use or during normal activity, because spyware is transmitting data in the background.

• Abnormal heating: The device frequently gets hot, even when you are not playing games or running resource-intensive applications.

• High mobile data usage: Unexpected spikes in internet traffic occur because files, photos, or audio are being transmitted to external servers.

• Unknown applications: Apps you did not download appear in your list of installed applications, or they may be disguised with generic names (such as "system update" or "service").

• Camera or microphone indicators: Green or orange dots appear on the screen, signaling that these sensors are active without your permission.

• Call and message forwarding: Settings for call forwarding or unknown paired devices appear in your linked accounts.

How to investigate and remove spyware:

1. Inspect installed applications: Go to Settings > Apps (on Android or iPhone) and remove any programs you do not recognize.

2. Check permissions and device administrators:

• On Android, go to Settings > Security & privacy > Permission manager or Device admin apps (disable administrator privileges for suspicious apps before uninstalling them). 

• On iPhone, go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management to check for suspicious MDM (Mobile Device Management) profiles.

3. Review connected accounts and devices: Open your Google account or Apple ID settings and sign out of any unknown sessions, browsers, or devices. 4. Run a security scan: Use reliable antivirus and antimalware applications, such as Kaspersky, Bitdefender, or Norton.

5. Perform a factory reset (if necessary): If the spyware persists or if you suspect a deep-level compromise, back up your essential files and restore the device to its factory settings. Change all your email and banking passwords using a different, secure device.

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