How to spot and remove apps installed to spy on you
by Selina Musuta, IT Support Specialist
Stalkerware, a type of spyware, is a type of a remote access software tool that enables one person to monitor the contents of another device, such as a mobile phone, tablet, or laptop. For trans folks of any age, these types of tools can further isolate us.
How does this software access your device?
Most stalkerware has to be manually installed. Once that software is installed, the person that has remote access to the other person’s device can access sensitive, personal information including:
- Location
- Browsing History
- Text messages
- Live feeds from a victim’s camera or microphone
- Live calls by intercepting
How to identify that stalkerware has been installed on your device?
Many stalkerware apps are built to not be easily found. Sometimes the application icon is hidden in some way even though the app is running in the background. Some indicators are:
- Your battery is constantly draining
- Your device is constantly overheating
- Surge in data usage
Read more to learn how to detect stalkerware on an iPhone or Android device.
What to do if you find stalkerware installed on your device
Once the stalkerware is identified, you could delete the software or even do a factory reset of your device, but that may not be the best or safest option depending on your personal risk assessment. Once you take those steps, the person monitoring your device will notice that they no longer have access to your device.
If you’re planning to delete stalkerware, create a safety plan with trusted people in your life. If that’s not an option, call Trans Lifeline to explore possible resources and scenarios to address concerns you have with removal.
The Coalition to Stop Stalkerware offers a list of steps to take if you find stalkerware.
Family Plans
Even if you don’t have stalkerware on your phone, there’s another possibility to consider: If you are on a cell phone Family Plan with others, read our full article to learn about what the primary account holder may be able to access.
Further Resources
Please read our full article to learn more and access more resources for dealing with stalkerware.
