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Threat Detection and Response

How to Find and Remove Spyware on Android Phones

By February 6, 2023September 19th, 2024No Comments

Spyware is hidden on purpose, which makes it hard to detect. You aren’t going to see an icon on your list of apps titled “Spyware.” But there are ways to help you locate spyware on Android devices.

Signs

Signs of a hidden spy app on your phone include:

  • Unexpected phone behaviour, such as the phone turning on or off by itself or strange noises during calls.
  • Unusual text messages or phone calls, such as multiple missed calls from unknown numbers.
  • The appearance of new icons or strange background images on your phone.
  • Suspicious activity on your phone bill, such as calls or text messages to international numbers. It is important to note that some of these symptoms can also be caused by other issues such as software bugs, hardware problems or poor battery health. To confirm if your phone is tapped with a hidden spy app, it is recommended to run a mobile security software scan or seek professional help.

It can be hard to diagnose the precise cause of these issues, because they could be due to another form of Android malware that needs to be removed. 

You also may need to speed up your Android or clean up your Android to improve problems with speed, battery, or overheating.

Once you suspect you have an infection, you should download Android spyware removal right away. You want to remove spyware before it has a chance to expose your personal data to cybercriminals. 

spyware

Options for Removal

There are three options for removing spyware.  Check them out below.

Option 1: Manually remove spyware from Android If you prefer to manually remove spyware from your Android device, you can do so by following these steps:

  1. Go to your phone’s settings and open the apps or application manager.
  2. Look for any suspicious apps that you don’t remember installing or that have permissions that seem too broad.
  3. Uninstall the suspicious app by clicking on it and selecting “uninstall.”
  4. Clear the cache and data for the app.
  5. Restart your phone to complete the removal process.

It is important to note that manually removing spyware may not remove all traces of the malware and it may still be running in the background. Additionally, it is possible to accidentally delete important apps or settings while trying to remove the spyware. Using a reputable mobile security app is generally the best option for removing spyware from an Android device. It is also important to keep your phone updated, install apps only from trusted sources and be wary of suspicious links, messages and pop-ups to prevent future spyware infections.

Option 2: Use a spyware removal tool.  Unless you’re a malware expert, using a spyware removal tool is the best way to root out hidden spies and make sure you remove all traces.

But be careful — you shouldn’t just go to the Google Play Store and download any old antivirus app. There are many fake apps out there that are actually malware in disguise. Make sure you use a legitimate mobile security app from a reputable developer.

Option 3:  Do a factory reset. It is important to note that a factory reset will delete all data and settings on your device, including spyware. However, it is also important to note that not all spyware can be removed by factory resetting, some of them are designed to survive a factory reset. Before performing a factory reset, it is important to check if the spyware can be removed by this method. After performing a factory reset, it is also important to take additional security measures, such as using a strong passcode, avoiding suspicious links, and only downloading apps from trusted sources. Additionally, it is also recommended to install a reputable mobile security app to prevent future malware infections.

Remove Spyware from Other Devices

Removing spyware from a PC or a Mac can be done by using reputable antivirus software and performing a full scan. Make sure to keep your antivirus software updated to ensure that it can detect and remove the latest spyware threats. After running a scan, follow the instructions provided by the software to remove any detected spyware. It is also important to be cautious when browsing the internet and avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading software from untrusted sources.

Removing spyware from an iPhone or iPad can be done by using the built-in security features of the iOS operating system. Go to “Settings” > “General” > “Software Update” to make sure your device is running the latest version of iOS. This will help protect your device from known security vulnerabilities. Next, check your device to see if there are any apps that you do not recognize or that have suspicious permissions. If you find any, delete them. It is also recommended to use a reputable mobile security app from the App Store to detect and remove any spyware on your device. It is important to keep your device updated and be cautious when downloading apps or clicking on links to prevent future infections.

Reis Informatica can help you secure your work devices.  Reis will give you 24/7 protection against spyware infections, viruses, and other forms of malware so you can easily detect infected apps and malicious links before they have a chance to affect your device.
 

If you want to learn more contact us and set up for your complimentary assessment today!

Request Your Complimentary Consultation!

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