Consumer-grade spyware apps that secretly monitor your private messages, photos, phone calls, and real-time location pose a growing threat to Android users.
This comprehensive guide will assist you in identifying and eliminating common surveillance apps from your Android device, including TheTruthSpy, KidsGuard, and other similar apps.
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Despite being marketed as child monitoring or family-tracking tools, these spyware apps are commonly referred to as “stalkerware” and “spouseware” due to their ability to clandestinely track and monitor partners or spouses without their consent. They are usually downloaded from sources other than Google Play Store, surreptitiously installed on a device, and often hide from plain view on the home screen.
Stalkerware apps exploit inherent Android features typically utilized by companies for remote management of employee devices or to intrude on someone’s privacy using Android’s accessibility mode.
If you notice unusual behavior on your phone such as overheating, sluggish performance, or excessive data usage even when idle, your device may be compromised.
Quickly and easily check if your Android device has been compromised using the following steps.
Before you begin
It is crucial to have a safety plan in place and access to trusted support in case of need. Note that removing spyware from your phone may alert the perpetrator, potentially leading to unsafe situations. The Coalition Against Stalkerware offers guidance and support for victims and survivors.
Keep in mind that this guide focuses on identifying and removing spyware apps and does not delete any data already collected and uploaded to remote servers. Additionally, menu options may vary slightly on different versions of Android. Proceed with caution and at your own risk.
Check your Google Play Protect settings
Make sure Google Play Protect, a security feature in Android phones, is enabled. Image Credits: TechCrunch
Google Play Protect is a key defense against malicious Android apps as it scans apps from both Google’s store and third-party sources for potential threats. To ensure optimal protection, ensure Play Protect is turned on and actively scanning for harmful apps.
You can verify and enable Play Protect in the Play Store app settings and initiate a scan for harmful apps if necessary.
