How to Detect Spyware on Android Phones
If you’re an Android user who doesn’t have the first idea of how to detect spyware on an Android phone, you;re leaving yourself vulnerable to having your data stolen. After a significant drop from 2020 to the start of 2023, monthly mobile cyberattacks are on the rise again – in December 2023 there were an estimated 5.4 million mobile cyberattacks worldwide, which is a staggering 147% increase from the same month the previous year.
Our phones, be they Android or otherwise, are often our central hubs for personal communication, financial management and entertainment. It’s no wonder that they’re a valuable target for cybercriminals, and spyware in particular. Spyware can track your activities and steal your data, all without making any dramatic changes to your day-to-day phone use. Unfortunately, considering its history of being particularly susceptible to malware, learning how to detect spyware on Android devices is particularly important. In this guide we will explain how to identify and remove spyware from Android smartphones, as well as other essential Android security tips.
Understanding spyware on Android devices
Here are the facts you need to know about spyware.
What is spyware?
Spyware is a type of malware that infects devices with the goal of monitoring user activity and collecting sensitive information. On Android devices, spyware can track your calls, texts, browsing history, app usage, and GPS location. Cybercriminals can use this information for identity theft, fraud, or to sell on to third parties.
How does spyware infect Android phones?
There are several different ways for users to come into contact with spyware through their phones. Like many forms of malware, malicious apps and phishing scams are particularly popular methods of infection – both of these methods trick the user into downloading the spyware onto their phone themselves, by appearing to be legitimate downloads. Public Wi-Fi is also a way that many devices expose themselves to cyber threats – joining any Wi-Fi network that isn’t secured is a risk, as hackers can intercept your data as it travels between your device and the network.
Sometimes hackers can exploit vulnerabilities within your phone’s operating system. This is especially true for phones that are outdated to the point that they no longer receive security patches and software updates. These updates are issues with the purpose of fixing bugs and securing any vulnerabilities found by the developers.
Why spyware poses a threat to Android phones
Android’s open-source nature is often considered one of its strengths, allowing for lots of flexibility and customization. However, it also introduces security challenges. Android allows users to install apps from third-party sources, which can increase the chances of downloading a malicious app. Their updates are also managed differently across manufacturers and carriers, meaning that not all devices receive security patches at the same time – as previously mentioned, this is particularly true for older, cheaper devices, as many budget models run stripped-down versions of Android, which lack robust security features.
Signs that your Android phone might be infected with spyware
Here’s how to detect spyware on an Android phone.
Unusual battery drain
Spyware’s goal is to run unnoticed in the background – but it still consumes resources and battery power. If you find your battery is depleting faster than usual, it could indicate an infection. You can check battery usage in your settings and see if any app in particular is using an abnormal amount of power.
Increased data usage
Spyware steals your data and sends it back to the cybercriminals behind the infection. This might result in spikes in your data usage, so it’s important to monitor your data usage through your settings to check if this is happening.
Slow performance and overheating
Spyware can burden your device’s CPU and memory, causing lagging apps, slow response times and overheating. If your phone slows down or heats up during even light use, it might be time to investigate further.
Strange behavior
Spyware can cause odd behavior, and spotting this early is one of the main ways in which people detect spyware on Android devices. Spyware can allow cybercriminals to access your phone remotely, which can result in apps opening on their own, settings changing without your input, and unfamiliar notifications appearing. Unusual pop-ups, frequent app crashes or strange messages can also be signs that something untoward might be lurking on your phone.
How to check your Android phone for spyware
Here are some of the best general Android security tips that will also help you to identify any spyware present on your device.
Review apps
Spyware often poses as legitimate-looking apps or uses generic names to avoid detection. Make sure you regularly review all of the apps you have installed on your device. Any apps with unfamiliar purposes or vague names could be spyware in disguise. You should also review your app permissions, using the Permission Manager section of your privacy settings, to identify any apps accessing unnecessary data.
Use safe mode
Safe Mode disables all third-party apps, which can be helpful in isolating any issues. Press and hold the power button until a menu appears, and select the option to reboot in Safe Mode. If, when in Safe Mode, any potential spyware symptoms seem to go away, you’ll know a third-party app is likely to be the culprit.
Install security software
There are plenty of reputable security software options that can scan your Android phone for spyware and remove any threats it finds. Only use trusted apps from the Google Play Store for this.
Steps to remove spyware from Android phones
If you’ve found spyware, the next step is removing it.
Uninstall suspicious apps
Removing the spyware-carrying app will often resolve the issue. You can do this by:
- Entering “Settings” and selecting “Apps & Notifications”
- Tapping the suspicious app and selecting “Uninstall”
Sometimes spyware will give itself administrator privileges, making the uninstall option unavailable. If this is the case, you will need to manually disable the app’s privileges before being able to uninstall it.
Perform a factory reset
For persistent infections, a factory reset is the most effective solution. This process erases all apps, settings, and data from your phone, removing the spyware in the process. Move any important files you need to retain to a secure location beforehand, such as an external hard drive.
Run a scan
After uninstalling apps or performing a reset, use security software to run a full device scan. This will ensure that no traces of spyware – or any other malware – remain.
Hang up on spyware
No one likes the idea of being spied on. Now that you know how to detect spyware on an Android phone, you can protect your privacy and stay ahead of potential threats. For more help on maintaining good digital hygiene, checkout SUPERAntiSpyware’s full list of resources.