Online security experts have revealed the easiest ways for you to spot if your phone's been tapped, potentially by a partner.
According to cybersecurity site VPNOverview, the use of surveillance technology has risen in recent years by 60 percent—many of those affected or using, they say, are people going through a divorce.
There are various popular apps available to phones (though often only ones which have been "jailbroken") that allow another person to see your messages, location and even drop in on phone calls.
Most of the time, the apps are used by parents wanting to keep an eye on their children, but misuse can lead to an invasion of privacy by partners.
David Janssen, the founder of VPNOverview told Newsweek: "Spyware attacks are becoming increasingly prevalent as technology becomes more accessible to the general public.
"Data shows that cases of cyberstalking between strangers and spouses alike will continue to occur in the coming years, underlying the importance of our work. Sharing this research with the public will hopefully raise awareness and prevent further privacy breaches in future. "
It can be tempting to want to dig up dirt on a current or ex partner, but it doesn't feel so good when you're on the other side.
VPNOverview conducted a study on the most common signs that show if your phone has been tapped with a spyware system of some kind.
The Warning Signs You Can Look Out For
According to VPNOverview, its findings show that there are 10 easy things to look out for to see if your privacy has been compromised by a partner.
It's important to note though that all these signs can be indications of something else, and aren't necessarily exclusive to digital spying app.
- Random reboots
- Slow performance
- Strange text messages
- Overheating
- Unusually high data usage
- Unfamiliar apps in your app list
- Battery draining fast
- Taking long to shut down
- Weird sounds during phone calls
- Signs of activity in standby mode.
I Think Someone Is Spying On My Phone ... Now What?
As per VPNOverview's research, it's actually relatively easy to remove spyware from your cell phone.
Some of the most popular spying apps include "mSpy," "Spyera," "Flexispy," "Umobix," "Ikey Monitor" and "Clevguard"—so your best bet is looking out for one of these on your apps list.
To remove it from your device is a case of simply deleting or uninstalling the app as you would any unused app.
For iPhones and most androids, this will see you holding down the icon of the app you would like to uninstall.
If you suspect that there is spyware on your cell, but are unable to find any downloaded apps, VPNOverview recommends using an antivirus software to scan your phone for any spyware so you can then delete it.
"Advancements in surveillance technology are allowing jealous spouses to keep tabs on their partner more than ever before. These apps are easy to find and can be a serious invasion of privacy if gone unnoticed," an expert at VPNOverview warned.
"It is important not to trust anyone with your phone and be wary of real-life dangers. The best way to protect your phone from those who have ill will towards you is to use a passcode, facial or fingerprint recognition. Keep any passcodes or passwords to yourself, and make sure to always keep an eye on your device."
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