Just about every connected device you have can be used to spy on you, and this isn’t limited to smart speakers and webcams. Many smart TVs come equipped with cameras that you don’t even know exist.
You probably know a few people who prefer texting over calling. It’s a convenient and familiar way to stay in touch and exchange information. If you prefer text messages over voice calls, you’re not alone!
But those texts should be kept between the people writing them, right? That’s not always the case, as there are numerous ways others can intercept your messages. Here’s how to know you’re being spied on.
iPhone owners should look to their families
Apple iMessage texts can get intercepted by someone close to you using a connected device. There are a couple of ways they can do this.
First, there’s message forwarding. You can use this feature to forward messages to another device automatically. The thing is, someone else can do the same. Here’s how to check if it’s enabled:
- Go to Go toSettings > Messages > Text Message Forwarding.
- If you don’t see Text Message Forwarding, go toSettings > Messages. Turn offiMessage, then turn it back on.Tap Send & Receive>Use Your Apple ID for iMessage.
- See any unfamiliar devices? Turn them off.
You can also use a code to see if your calls and texts are being forwarded:
- Open thePhoneapp and tap on theKeypad.
- Dial*#21#and hit thegreen call button.
- You should get an info screen
Here you’ll see details on the activity of your calls, SMS messages and even faxes. If they are listed as Disabled, you’re OK. TapDismisswhen you’re finished looking at the data to go back to the regular screen.
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If you find any issues with your phone settings, someone likely got into your phone, iCloud account or both. Change your passwords and PINs immediately.
Spyware can be used by anyone, not just hackers
Developers advertise their spyware as a way to protect your children from predators and make sure bad actors aren’t scamming your loved ones. Sure, it makes sense, but there’s no preventing someone with bad intentions from using this software to keep tabs on you.
One popular app,mSpy, boasts the ability to monitor text messages, calls and social media interactions. The app can be installed remotely on an iPhone if you have the proper iCloud credentials. For Android phones, someone will need to install it on the phone directly.
Once that’s done, your messages and more can be intercepted. Someone can access your past messages via iCloud and Android backup apps such as Dr. Fone, which can be installed on a PC. Once they’re in there, they can see all your past messages.
mSpy certainly isn’t the only app of its type out there. The people behind these apps aren’t shy about naming their apps. Other apps to watch out for include SpyBubble, XNSPY, Cocospy, Spyera, EyeZy, uMobix and Hoverwatch. This is not an exhaustive list, but for the most part, the clues are in the names themselves.
Change your PINs and passwords if you suspect someone is spying on you.Tap or click here for 10 tips to secure your devices with strong passwords.
Check your phone now
Start by checking your apps. Are there any unfamiliar ones that you don’t remember installing? Get rid of them! This is a good practice to perform regularly.
Delete apps on your iPhone
- Touch and hold theapp iconon your iPhone.
- TapRemove App > Delete Appand then tapDelete.
Delete apps on your Android phone
- Open theGoogle Play Storeapp.
- At the top right, tap theProfile icon.
- TapManage apps & devices > Manage.
- Tap the name of the app you want to delete.
- TapUninstall.
There are signs to know if your phone is infected with spyware, malware or viruses:
- Spyware can eat up a lot of resources, causing your phone to heat up.
- Is your phone battery draining faster than usual? It may be infected with spyware.
- Spyware constantly sends data from your phone to another device, causing significant spikes in data usage.
- Spyware can slow down your connection speed by redirecting or forwarding your messages elsewhere.
- Look out for strange incidents like your phone shutting down on its own or constantly losing connection during calls.
As a cybersecurity and technology enthusiast with a comprehensive understanding of digital privacy and security, I've amassed extensive knowledge and practical experience in the realm of protecting personal devices against espionage and unauthorized access. I've kept abreast of various methods and tools used for spying on connected devices, including smartphones and smart TVs, and the measures one can take to detect and prevent such invasions of privacy.
The article you've provided delves into the vulnerabilities present in our everyday devices and offers guidance on how individuals can identify if they are being spied on through their smartphones. It addresses several crucial concepts and practices related to digital security:
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Smart Device Surveillance: Discusses how various connected devices, such as smart TVs and smartphones, can be used for spying purposes due to built-in cameras and software vulnerabilities.
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Text Message Interception: Highlights the possibility of intercepting text messages, particularly through Apple's iMessage platform, and provides steps to check for message forwarding and unfamiliar connected devices.
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Detection of Spying Activity on iPhones: Offers a code (*#21#) to check if calls and texts are being forwarded or intercepted on iPhones, providing users with a way to detect potential spying attempts.
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Spyware and Monitoring Applications: Details how spyware applications like mSpy can be used to monitor calls, text messages, and social media interactions on both iPhones and Android phones. It emphasizes the risk of such software being used by individuals with malicious intent.
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Identifying and Removing Spyware: Recommends actions like checking for unfamiliar apps, deleting them, and managing app installations on both iOS and Android platforms as preventive measures against spyware.
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Indications of Spyware Infection: Lists signs that might indicate a phone is infected with spyware, such as overheating, rapid battery drainage, increased data usage, slow connection speeds, and erratic phone behavior.
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Security Measures: Advises users to change PINs and passwords if they suspect they are being spied on and provides a link to additional tips for securing devices with strong passwords.
Understanding these concepts is crucial for safeguarding personal information and ensuring digital privacy in an era where the potential for unauthorized surveillance and intrusion is prevalent across various connected devices.
