Today’s digital technology has made our lives more convenient, but it also comes with its potential risks – especially when it comes to our privacy. One of the biggest threats? Hidden spy apps. These sneaky little programs can track your every move, gather your personal information, and violate your privacy without you even knowing. That’s why we’ve put together this blog to help you spot and remove these shady applications from your devices. We’ll also provide a list of apps that might spy on you, so stick around and keep reading!
How do you know if an app spies on your Android/iPhone?
First of all, it’s essential to know what the spyware actually is. Spyware functions like a secret agent present in your phone, monitoring your activities without your consent. I’m gonna share with you the symptoms of spy apps on a device, helping you detect something unusual easily.
- Your battery discharges incredibly fast: If your phone dies quicker, then be alert! There is a possibility that a hidden app is working in the background.
- Your data disappears: If you feel that you have not used so much internet data, your data is still reducing. Then it’s also a warning signal!
- Strange noises during phone calls: Let me ask you one question: Are you hearing echoes or clicks while conversing? If so, then there is some hidden spyware app on your phone.
- Random pop-up messages: Furthermore, if unexpected advertisements or messages keep popping up, then be cautious! As a spying application could be at play.
- Your phone is unreasonably hot: If your phone is getting hot when you are not using it, that is also suspicious.
Moreover, I came across an interesting blog about 30+ Malware Statistics you should never ignore.
Don’t let spy apps steal your secrets; learn to find and remove the threats.
What do hidden spy apps look like?
Now, you might be wondering what these spy apps look like and how they hide in sight. Get more forms of pretense and spot suspicious software faster. So, here is a breakdown of different types of apps that might spy on you.
i) Spyware
These are the most direct offenders. Spyware apps are designed specifically to track your activity, gather personal information, and report it back to someone else. They typically run in the background and don’t appear on your phone’s home screen. Often, they’re hidden under misleading names or icon-less apps to avoid detection.
ii) Dating apps
Most people think that dating apps exist solely to get people together. However, these apps collect your personal data which actually isn’t needed. Some shady versions may use your personal data or even monitor your conversations without you knowing.
iii) Flashlight apps
Seemingly innocuous flashlight apps can be a cover for spyware. These apps may request unnecessary permissions (such as access to contacts or location). Double-check its permissions when downloading an app.
iv) Social media apps
Countless people, including you and me, like to stay connected to their friends, fans, and families through social media, but those platforms may spy on you almost in a creepy way, like tracking movements and chats. You might have had conversations about something, and suddenly, ads related to those topics pop up on your phone everywhere. In fact, some apps use the microphone and listen actively to market products that they presume you might show interest.
v) Weather apps
Like the fake flashlights we mentioned above, some dubious weather apps ask for permissions far beyond those needed to predict the weather, such as access to your camera or microphone. These permissions that you ignore may be the very thing that allows a list of fake apps to spy on you by collecting and sharing your data with advertisers.
vi) Ring doorbell app
People are under the impression that your ring doorbell camera merely aids you in tracking who stops on your doorstep. However, they may have faced scrutiny over privacy concerns. Hackers or the company itself may access footage or other private data easily.
vii) Games
Let’s be honest: mobile games, especially free ones, might gather your contacts, track your movements, and watch what other apps you use. In some cases, the game developers can use this data for targeted advertising or even share it with third parties.
What information can spy apps collect on you?
If you are now worrying about that, what type of information these spy apps can collect from you? Don’t panic; I’m going to give you detailed information, so be with us!
- Location data: Some spy apps may collect your GPS info and keep track of locations, whether at school, home, or even your favorite cafe.
- Camera and microphone: Some spying apps are able to turn on the microphone or camera. Thus, they are able to store and broadcast images and voice.
- Call logs and messages: A spy app can access every text message exchanged or call made, either incoming or outgoing. Apart from this, they can also access messages from Instagram, Snapchat, and WhatsApp.
- Keylogger: This software can even record what you type on the keyboard. Thus, your message, password, and notes will be open for someone else to see.
- Photos, videos, and browsing history: Spy apps can access and steal your personal videos and photos, which is quite dangerous. In addition, they have a way to monitor the websites you visit as well as observe what you search.
- Even personal data like passwords or credit card info: Some tracking applications are even more sophisticated. They can take your erased personal details such as passwords, credit cards, and even banking information!
List of apps that may spy on you and your family
As we have discussed earlier some apps can gather your private information without your consent. Well! Let’s try to examine some of these apps and analyze why caution is mandatory.
Best spy apps
These apps, which I’m going to discuss here though, are legal parental control devices. But no doubt some may use them to spy on other people.
FlashGet Kids is a third-party parental control app that acts as a virtual assistant for parents helping them to supervise their children’s online activities. This app can do the following things!
- Screen mirroring: Allows you to see in real-time what others are doing on their devices.
- Location tracking: This enables you to track location in real-time.
- Usage report: This allows you to see a detailed report on how kids have used their mobile phones. For instance, what types of apps and data have your kids explored?
However, If someone installs this app on another device without his/her consent. Then, that person would be at greater risk. As he/she can be tracked while going about their daily routine.
2. mSpy
mSpy is a high-performance mobile monitoring application. It monitors SMS messages and incoming and outgoing calls and even knows where the target is at any given time. However, it could be placed on the phone of someone to steal his/her personal and confidential conversations.
3. FlexiSPY
FlexiSPY is one of the most top-rated spying applications on the market. In addition to tracking messages, it can listen to conversations using the microphone as well as record phone calls. If someone happens to install it on your device, it’s alarming. He/she will be able to listen to your private conversations and take photos through your camera!
3. Cleveland
Cleverland is a specific software specially designed for monitoring enhanced security devices. This software enables recording of what is being typed on a keyboard. A person with bad intentions could gain access to one’s private conversations, stealing passwords and even credit card numbers.
4. EyeZy
EyeZy is an application that is mostly used to track phones over the internet. It can spy on your messages, calls and social media apps. If installed without permission, someone can access the account and read sensitive messages without the user knowing.
List of other apps that could secretly spy on you
Moreover, these apps, which I’m gonna discuss in this section, are not purposed for intrusive spying. But accumulates a significant amount of sensitive user data that could be exploited.
1. CamScanner
Camscanner is an application meant specifically for scanning documents. However, one of its past versions had a virus capable of leaking sensitive information. It can be misused when hackers create a fake version of the app and attempt to breach your files. Right?
2. DoorDash
Doordash is an app that delivers food just like Foodpanda. However, this app tracks your location even when you are not actively using it. In the event that someone hacks the system, it would be possible for them to get the location of your home.
3. Ring Doorbell
A camera is employed as a doorbell, which serves as a protection device. In previous instances, people’s cameras have been hijacked by hackers. Be cautious, as strangers could spy on you through your security camera!
3. Facebook
Facebook is a social media application where you can share your photos, memes, and updates. However, it keeps your information, such as your post, comments, and even likes. But you have to be careful! As advertisers and other suspicious people gaze into your private life by using your data.
4. WhatsApp
WhatsApp is another social media app that lets you stay connected with your family and friends. It allows you to send text messages, photos, videos, and other media. However, it passes on your number alongside some information to Meta. You know, if there is a spy app on a system, that person would have access to the victim’s chats.
5. Look2Me
Look2Me is an application that allows you to find friends. However, it tracks the user’s location, which can lead to privacy concerns. It has the potential to steal your identity and bombard you with advertisements.
6. Tinder
Tinder is a dating application you can use to find your desired partner with one click. But like other apps, it can track the user’s location and save sensitive information. If someone takes control of your account, they can stalk and impersonate you.
7. TeamViewer
TeamViewer is a remote access application. It allows you to control devices remotely. A hacker could convince you to download it, and from there, they would be able to control your personal information.
What to do to protect against spy apps?
Now, you may want to know how to protect yourself against spy apps. Don’t worry. There are ways to stay safe, though this may require a bit of effort on your part. Here’s what you need to consider:
Regularly check app permissions & installed apps
Go into your settings and scrutinize all apps. If something appears unusual or you do not recognize downloading it, get rid of it instantly.
To look at all apps on your Android device, navigate to Settings > Apps > See All Apps and watch for anything strange. For iPhones, it’s simple: Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
Update software
Keep in mind that older versions of software have critical flaws that hackers often use to install spy apps. updates cover security holes and protect you from other ominous dangers.
Avoid downloads from unknown sources
Moreover, I would highly recommend that the apps that do not come from the official App Store or Google Play should not be trusted. A lot of third-party apps contain malware. You know, in 2019, a fake version of WhatsApp called “WhatsApp Gold” became very popular and stole a lot of information.
Limit app permissions (location, camera, microphone access)
Some apps take full advantage of broad permissions to make use of things like camera, microphone, or location one hundred percent of the time. Why would a calculator be required to know your location? Why would a flashlight need access to your microphone?
Steps to take: Go and access Settings > Privacy > App Permissions and uncheck anything that can be classified as unreasonable.
Choose security apps for extra protection
A decent security app will make it easy for you to find out what other apps are spying on you and aid in securing your data. Some even go as far as to let you know if an application starts tracking you. For instance, you can install Norton Mobile Security, Malwarebytes, or Bitdefender, which I encourage you to try.
Educate your family about the risks
Do remember! Your children or even older family members might not understand how invasive spy apps can be. First, make sure that they know the basics of how to be safe while on the internet. Teach them not to give out passwords and personal info online; guide them about checking app permissions. Moreover, you must tell them unknown links and downloads can be harmful.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, I must say that you have to be very cautious while downloading apps and avoid accessing unknown websites. if you find any suspicious activity on your device like the battery is draining fast or noises while phone calls, etc., then be cautious. These are all signs of spyware. Check out the list of apps that may spy on you, and be aware of them on your families’ devices. Welcome to share this article with your friends or family for the sake of awareness.
