Have you ever felt like your phone calls or devices were being listened to or monitored without your permission? Not knowing if your privacy is being invaded can be an unsettling feeling. Unfortunately, with the proliferation of spyware and phone-tapping technology nowadays, it has become easier than ever for others to listen in on your conversations.
In this post, we will discuss signs that could indicate someone is listening to your phone calls and what you can do to find out if your suspicions are correct. We will find out how spyware remover software helps remove intrusive programs from your devices. Generally, the best spyware remover should not only scan for problems but also prevent new spyware from being installed. Let’s dive in.
Signs Your Phone May Be Tapped
If you suspect someone has installed spyware or other tapping software on your phone to listen in on you, there are some telltale signs to watch out for. Here are the most common indicators:
- Unusual background noises during calls: Clicking, buzzing, or other odd sounds may indicate a tap.
- Lower call quality than normal: If voices cut out or calls drop more frequently, it could mean someone is intercepting the call.
- Higher phone bills: Extra usage on your phone bill could reveal potential spyware sending data from your phone.
- Weird battery drainage patterns: Some spyware runs constantly in the background, draining the battery faster.
- Sluggish smartphone performance: If apps are crashing or lagging more often, it might be a sign of spyware overhead.
- Unexpected apps appearing: Shady apps you never downloaded turning up may be spyware.
If you notice any of these issues suddenly occurring with your phone, it’s worth looking into whether spyware could be causing the problem. But how exactly are people tapping into your phone mic and listening in?
How Attackers Can Tap Your Phone Calls
There are a few different ways cybercriminals and other bad actors can tap into your phone to listen to live calls or recordings:
Spyware Apps: Spyware refers to phone tracking apps that can be secretly installed on devices to monitor all activities. Once the spyware infects a phone, it can record calls, snap pictures, log messages, and transmit all the data back to whoever installed it.
Malware Infections: Similarly, malware like viruses and trojans can be unknowingly downloaded onto phones through shady links. Once implanted, the malware gets to work communicating data back to attackers. Recording private calls is usually included in the damage these malicious programs can do.
SS7 Exploits: SS7 refers to the core network system that routes calls and texts between mobile carriers. Unfortunately, spies have figured out ways to exploit weaknesses in SS7 to intercept calls traveling between carriers. By posing as a legitimate carrier, they can reroute call data to tap lines.
Stingray Devices: Known as IMSI catchers, Stingrays are physical devices that can fool cell phones into routing through them. This grants access to record calls, texts, and internet traffic. Police primarily use Stingrays to tap phones, but private individuals have also gotten access.
Wi-Fi Snooping: Many modern phones rely on Wi-Fi calling and VoIP services like FaceTime. Well, if someone has access to the same Wi-Fi network as you, packet sniffing allows them to intercept these unsecured call data transmissions. So, public Wi-Fi leaves you most vulnerable.
Finding Spyware on Phones
If you do notice the telltale signs of spyware on your device, how do you go about finding and removing the sneaky intruder? Here are some steps to discover and get rid of any potential tapware.
Check Default Apps
Start off by scrolling through your list of installed apps on your iPhone or Android phone. Make sure you recognize each app and know exactly why it’s there.
Any apps you don’t remember ever downloading should be suspect. Often, spyware tries hiding behind ordinary app names and icons.
While checking, also look for duplicate apps, as sometimes spyware copies legitimate apps’ names.
Inspect Background Activity
You can also detect spyware lurking in the background through closer analysis of your phone’s activity and traffic. On iPhones, utilize the Screen Time feature to see your top used apps – including those running in the background you might not directly interact with.
For Android, under Settings > Battery, check to see the top services draining your battery. Spyware running constant surveillance in the background tends to drain more battery. You can also use data monitoring apps to inspect what traffic is being sent/received. Spyware often communicates the data it collects back to its creators. Traffic to any unfamiliar services may be worth investigating.
Run Antivirus Scans
Antivirus apps provide the most comprehensive method for uncovering spyware. Top antivirus software like Norton and McAfee incorporate spyware scanning to detect phone tracking apps, keyloggers, password stealers, and other malicious mobile software during routine scans.
Most antivirus apps offer free trials of their premium offerings. Running a full scan with multiple highly rated antiviruses helps ensure any potential spyware is caught. This leads us to the next important step – removing any dangerous apps uncovered.
Getting Rid of Spyware
If your phone scans turn up positive for spyware, here are the necessary steps to get rid of the infections:
Delete Suspicious Apps: If antivirus scans or manual inspection reveals any strange apps as spyware, instantly delete them. However, don’t stop there, as the malicious apps usually leave behind components that allow them to be reinstalled later.
Clear Cache and Data: After removing the spy apps themselves, also clear the app cache and data through your device settings. This wipes out any stored data the spyware collected and deletes residual files. Doing so prevents the malicious code from continuing to run or transmit data.
Reset Network Settings: Also, reset all network settings back to factory default. This forces your phone to re-establish connections and severs any spyware persisting in the background that relies on those connections to operate.
Restore Factory Settings
If infections persist even after removing spyware apps and resetting various phone settings related to them, the nuclear option is performing a factory reset. This gives your phone a clean slate, removing ALL data, apps, files, accounts, and settings. Just be sure to back up what you need first!
Following these steps deletes active spyware from phones, but it’s still possible for attackers to re-install the insidious apps later if given another chance to access your device physically or digitally. That’s why having reputable antivirus protection installed matters so much.
Best Spyware Remover Apps
Antivirus apps provide the best defense against spyware by scanning for infections plus preventing new attacks. Here are the top-rated Android and iPhone antivirus apps to guard your phone:
Norton 360 Deluxe: With perfect 100/100 marks from AV-Test for both Android and iOS protection, Norton 360 is the best spyware remover software available. On top of impeccable malware detection, their phone antivirus also offers additional features like a VPN, password manager, cloud backup, and Dark Web monitoring.
McAfee Total Protection: Another highly-rated option, McAfee Total Protection, brings solid antivirus scanning tuned to catch spyware, ransomware, phishing scams, and more. McAfee sets itself apart with extensive identity theft protection, including alerts for suspicious financial activity.
Lookout Mobile Security: Providing reliable malware detection alongside VPN, WiFi scanning, and missing device features – Lookout Mobile Security suits security-focused users. It specifically excels at assessing risky, sideloaded apps and detecting potential device breaches.
Avast Mobile Security: With millions of installs worldwide, Avast Mobile Security makes it easy to manage protection across all devices with intuitive dashboards. Additional perks are robust antitheft tools, an app lock, and the ability to securely erase data if a phone becomes compromised.
Malwarebytes: While best known for PC protection, Malwarebytes gained a reputation for its spyware removal prowess over the years. Their Android and iOS apps bring that specialty to phones – able to detect even advanced persistent spyware buried deep in cell phone systems.
Installing one of these top phone antiviruses and running routine scans ensures that embedded spyware has no place to hide. The multi-layered security also blocks new spyware and malware attacks trying to breach your phone in real-time.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, cybercriminals have more avenues than ever to tap into phones to compromise valuable personal data. But by understanding modern phone tapping methods and staying vigilant to signs of spyware, you can take action to secure your mobile devices instead of remaining vulnerable. Installing a leading spyware remover antivirus app delivers essential, ongoing protection by both removing existing malicious infections and preventing new attacks from succeeding. With the proper tools, you can find peace of mind knowing your cell phone remains spy-free.
