THERE are five red flags that indicate you’re being tracked through your iPhone – here’s how you can stop it.
Almost all devices and software have monitoring and tracking components built in them.
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On the positive side this can help the user get the most out of the app and its features.
However, this can also mean that someone can monitor your phone and keep tabs on all your activities.
This ranges from phone calls, text messages, browser activity, pictures, videos and apps.
In most cases this is done in the form of spyware, a type of malware used for monitoring a device’s activity remotely.
Just what a cybercriminal maybe able to glean from monitoring your phone will vary depending on the type of surveillance software being used.
An attacker, for example, may be able to see what you browse online or who you connect with, but they may not be able to see your messages.
Some surveillance of apps may even be wanted, such as the installation of parental controls for safety, which could include features such as location sharing or remote control, etc.
But what happens if a malicious attacker is tracking your phone?
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An unauthorised user cannot track your phone without physically accessing your device, unless you did any of the following:
- Unknowingly installed a malicious app from a third-party app store.
- Shared your credentials through a phishing scam campaign.
- Used outdated device software for an extended time (like a year or more).
How to tell if someone is tracking your phone
There are five indications you need to be aware of, according to the experts at the website Makeuseof.com.
Unknown Apps
Be on the look out for applications you don’t remember downloading.
Malicious software usually downloads more tools to help monitor the device and extract further information.
So if you spot an unknown app on your phone, take it as a red flag.
Try to do some research on the app to see if it has been reported as being dangerous.
If you feel unsafe, delete it immediately.
Excessive background data usage
It helps to regularly monitor the background data usage of your phone.
If it significantly higher than your normal usage it is a good idea to check what is using most of it.
Also check you do not have an active hotspot enabled. If you do, verify if you have any unauthorised devices connected.
Browser history mismatch
Users also need to regularly check their browser history for entries you don’t recognise, as this could indicate you’ve been infected with spyware.
Cybercriminals may try to load up phishing sites or other invasive portals remotely so spyware can be installed or conduct other illicit acts via your phone.
Battery drain
A sudden battery drain on your phone could indicated spyware has been installed on your phone as they often drain the battery as it runs in the background.
It is best to verify the background apps and downloads to check everything is fine.
Abnormal reboot
An abnormal reboot could just mean there is a hardware issue but it is best to get it checked out by an expert to discover why it is happening.
If you don’t have any hardware issues, malicious software could be acting up on your device.
How to stop phone tracking
Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do if you think you are being monitored. These include:
- Uninstall unknown applications.
- Enforce application blacklisting.
- Install applications from official app stores (or safe APK download sites like F-Droid).
- Factory reset your smartphone.
- Ask if your parents have a parental control app or feature enabled.
Invariably, the best course of action to stop phone tracking is to perform a factory reset.
This will ensure you get rid of any malicious app, service or file from your device without having to spend ages verifying stuff on your device.
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