Like other iPhone users, surely you've also wondered at some point, "Is there anything to worry about having hidden spy apps on my iPhone?" Luckily, the possibility of having a spy app on your phone is low. However, if you suspect your iPhone has spyware or want to protect your phone from it, you've come to the right place!
How Does Spyware Work?
Spyware is a class of malware that is purposefully designed to infiltrate devices like smartphones, tablets, personal computers, or any sort of end device with internet connectivity. The name spyware is self-explanatory, i.e., monitoring tools that spy on you by remaining hidden for prolonged periods of time and collecting data such as contacts, location, emails, texts, passwords, and similar sensitive information.
Spyware can enter into an end device that has an active internet connection through malicious websites, phishing sites, spy apps installed, etc. Hidden spy apps are designed to take a passive role while inside. They eat up RAM and processing power by running in the background, which effectively slows down any smartphone. In the worst cases, phones become unusable, given the amount of memory they may consume whilst be hidden.
Moreover, it is extremely difficult to find hidden spy apps because they are purposefully built to stay hidden as long as possible.
Different Types Of Spyware Threats To Be Aware
There are several types of hidden spy apps that you should be mindful of. Each type has its own set of objectives and functionalities. Let’s get to know some of them:
1. Zero-Click Spy App: For instance, Israeli Company NSO developed deadly zero-click spyware named Pegasus, which was used to spy on civil and human rights activists, journalists, and political opponents.
2. Trojan Spyware: Specifically, Gh0st RAT, famous trojan spyware, was used to gain sensitive information by tricking users into downloading it.
3. Keylogger: For example, uMobix, a popular keylogger that spies on your online and offline activities and logs all keystrokes, supervising your passwords, secret and deleted messages, etc.
Some Popular iPhone Spy Apps You Should Know
Some cell phone spy apps are specially designed to target iOS devices. Such as:
• uMobix: This app is designed for parents who like to be informed about their kids' daily activities. uMobix offers advanced tracking features like tracking a person’s call history, text messages, social media activities, current GPS location, etc. It comes with a $1 trial.
• XNSPY: This cell phone spy app has been voted as the best spyware for iPhones. It can spy on 12 different social media apps and is also capable of screen recording. Other features include remote control, keylogger, location tracking, email, and text monitoring, etc.
• iKeyMonitor: Much like uMobix, iKeyMonitor is also developed for parents to spy on their kids or spouses to keep an eye on their partner’s activities but offers a free basic package.
Spyware Prevention Is Better Than Cure
As the saying goes, ‘prevention is better than cure. One of many ways of preventing your iPhone from getting spyware infected is to:
• Avoid opening links from unknown sources
• Apply strong passwords and update them regularly
• Spyware requires physical access to be installed, so keep your phone with you at all times and do not disclose your password for the lock screen or iCloud credentials.
• Check your phone for apps that you didn’t install
• Find spy apps on your iPhone by checking whether your device is jailbroken. You can install Cydia for iOS and confirm or dispel your suspicions
• Your phone heats up, and the battery drains fast
Regularly keeping your iOS updated, getting a premium antivirus subscription, and not clicking unusual links are good measures to prevent your iPhone from getting infected with malicious software.
Look Out For Any Unusual Activity
It may be challenging to find spy apps on your iPhone, but you should always be mindful of any unusual activities whilst using your device. When it comes to spyware, it is recommended to impose good cybersecurity practices. This will help you steer clear not only from malicious software but also from other online threats.
The most common signs that indicate your iPhone might be compromised are as follows: sluggish performance, battery draining fast, battery draining even when not in use, irregular add pop-ups, and your iPhone heating up. You should also look out for apps you did not previously install by yourself.
How To Find Spy Apps On iPhone?
Finding cell phone spy apps is no easy task, but following some important but easy steps will always help you keep your iPhone free of spyware.
Firstly, installing antivirus software like Avast will certainly help you to find spy apps on your iPhone. It will detect not only spyware but legal spyware, too, and will send you a notification.
Secondly, you may look for certain package managers, namely, Cydia or SBsettings, that are used to install 3rd applications that are not officially available in the Apple app store. 3rd party apps downloaded from unknown sources may be disguised as spy apps on your phone.
Finally, if you notice an app that you do not remember installing, it is likely that it was installed by someone else to spy on you. Then, without any further ado, uninstall it.
How Can I Remove Hidden Spy Apps From My iPhone?
Finding spy apps on your phone can be difficult. However, removing iPhone spyware is super easy and can be done by following some simple steps.
• Update your iOS regularly. Apple regularly provides software updates for your iPhone, and a lot of security updates and bug fixes that are essential in keeping your phone free from spyware come along. For example, the latest release of iOS, i.e., iOS 16, is packed with a bunch of security features and updates, such as a safety check, lockdown mode, emergency reset, and many more.
• If you find apps that seem suspicious to you or you have a hard time remembering if you actually downloaded one or not, then uninstall it without hesitation.
• If the above steps are not going in your favor, then performing a factory reset will certainly eradicate any existing hidden spy apps on your phone.
Conclusion:
Spyware can have detrimental effects on both your personal and professional digital life. Spy apps are purposefully designed to invade and exploit your privacy by various means. This is why it's very crucial to protect your iPhone from spyware by taking the necessary precautions and preventive measures. We have prepared this post to provide you with all the details you need to find spy apps and get rid of the stress of having your gadget compromised. Now you better know how to find hidden spy apps on your iPhone, so say goodbye to spyware and enjoy using your device without any worries.
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