According to the antivirus company Kaspersky, spyware that collects users' private information without their consent is known as spyware or stalkerware. It is a class of specialized software that monitors all kinds of sensitive information from users' cell phones to store it on a private server that the computer criminal has access to.
From text messages and photos in messaging applications to bank details. These types of tools are capable of causing sometimes irreparable damage to their victims.
How does the spyware either stalkerware work?
According to ATICO34, a company specializing in data protection in computer systems, most of the time infections by this type of spyware begin with an email or text message informing the user that they must urgently install a app.
Once installed, it will open a "back door". That is, a remote connection with the spy, who from a distance will be able to see the information and behavior of the user on his cell phone. In an extreme scenario, you can even control some of these applications by posing as the owner of the computer.
How to detect if they are spying on me through my phone?
According to ATICO34, there are some easy indicators to notice if your phone is being tapped on. The first may be the data consumption of your cell phone: check the data usage compared to previous months, if you notice an unusual increase, even if you have not changed the normal time you use to browse the Internet, it is possible that a spy application is doing it. use of the connection to send sensitive information.
Another important clue is the sudden appearance of advertising in applications or functions that did not have it before. This is a very common tactic through which criminals can generate revenue in addition to spying on you. Also, if pop-up windows open without even opening your internet browser, chances are you have spyware or at least a common virus installed.
Regarding the performance of your phone, you can constantly monitor the battery of your equipment. Spyware performs operations in the background which drains power from your cell phone quickly. In addition, this type of operation without the user's knowledge can also cause the device to overheat. Another indicator are operations that you do not remember having done. For example, text messages you didn't write or unrecognized charges on bank accounts.
And, most importantly, if you opened a link that was sent to you that was not recognized or you have downloaded an app that you do not recognize, it is likely that they are spying on you. So you don't fall into the message of opening links without thinking about it, give yourself time to ask the person who sent you the message what it is about and why they sent it to you.
How to prevent being spied on through my cell phone?
ATICO34's recommendation is mainly to secure your cell phone against any unauthorized physical access, since many times the spies are people close to the victims with the possibility of taking the mobile phone and installing the spyware quickly. The company claims that more than a quarter of users do not have screen lock protection on their computers. Just over half do not use fingerprints or PIN codes to keep their devices private, making them highly vulnerable. Remember that it is best to have everything protected with passwords.
Another option is to have an antivirus, there is a wide offer on the market that has different levels of protection. Although spyware is not exactly a virus, it does fall into the category of malicious programs that some of this software protects against. Also, if you've already been a victim of stalkerware or spyware, antivirus applications can provide the evidence you need to take legal action against the person who is spying on you.
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