Introduction:
Consumer-grade spyware apps have become a concerning issue for Android users. These apps, often disguised as child monitoring or family-tracking software, are known as “stalkerware” or “spouseware” due to their ability to track and monitor individuals without their consent. In this guide, we will help you identify and remove common surveillance apps from your Android phone.
Identifying Spyware Apps:
Stalkerware apps are typically downloaded from sources outside of Google Play’s app store, making them harder to detect. They often disappear from the home screen to avoid suspicion. However, there are signs that your phone may be compromised. Look out for unusual phone behavior such as increased temperature, slower performance, or high network data usage even when you’re not using your phone.
Ensuring Safety:
Before taking any action, it’s important to have a safety plan in place and seek support if needed. Removing spyware from your phone may alert the person who planted it, potentially creating an unsafe situation. The Coalition Against Stalkerware offers advice and guidance for victims and survivors of stalkerware.
Checking Google Play Protect Settings:
Google Play Protect is a security feature in Android phones that screens apps for malicious activity. Make sure it is enabled to provide the best protection against spyware. You can check if Play Protect is enabled in the Play Store app settings and run a scan for harmful apps if necessary.
Checking Accessibility Services:
Stalkerware apps rely on deep access to your device to gather data. They often abuse Android’s accessibility mode, which is designed for screen readers and other accessibility features. If you don’t use accessibility apps or features, you shouldn’t see any apps in your Android settings. If you notice a downloaded service in the Accessibility options that you don’t recognize, disable it and remove the app.
Checking Notification Access:
Android allows third-party apps to access and read your incoming notifications. Granting notification access to a stalkerware app allows for continuous surveillance of your messages and alerts. Check your notification access settings under Special app access and revoke access for any unfamiliar apps.
Checking Device Admin Apps:
Stalkerware also abuses Android’s device admin options, which provide broader access to devices and user data. Look for unrecognized items in your device admin app settings, as they may indicate a compromised phone. Most people won’t have a device admin app on their personal phone, so be cautious if you see an unfamiliar app with an obscure name.
Identifying Spyware Apps to Uninstall:
Although stalkerware apps may not have a home screen icon, they will still appear in your Android device’s app list. Check your installed apps in Android’s settings and look for unfamiliar apps or icons. These apps may have broad access to your calendar, call logs, camera, contacts, and location data. Uninstall any suspicious apps, but be aware that doing so may alert the person who planted the spyware.
Securing Your Device:
If your phone has been compromised, it’s likely that it was unlocked or had a weak screen lock password. Improve your phone’s security by setting a stronger lock screen password. Additionally, enable two-factor authentication for your email and other online accounts whenever possible to provide extra protection against intruders.
Conclusion:
Spyware apps pose a significant threat to Android users’ privacy and security. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can identify and remove common surveillance apps from your Android phone. Remember to prioritize your safety and seek support if needed. Strengthening your device’s security measures can help prevent future intrusions.
