Has Your Phone Been Hacked? Is an Ex Spying on You?

Has Your Phone Been Hacked? Is an Ex Spying on You?

Has Your Phone Been Hacked?  Is an Ex Spying on You?

If you think an your crazy ex boyfriend, ex-spouse, jealsous boyfriend or partner is spying on you by monitoring your texts and conversations on your cell phone; you may not be crazy!  They could be using stalking apps, which are a form of spyware that can secretly track your connected devices.

What are cellphone stalking apps?

Stalking applications are apps or software that someone can be downloaded onto your phone to track your whereabouts (using the GPS in the phone)  or monitor you. The hacker can see your phone conversations, text messages and emails; even photos on the phone and account passwords. All of this can be done without your knowledge. There are even stalking apps (sadly, apparently also used by the government, like the NSA) that they can turn on your phone's microphone and camera remotely so that the monitoring person can see and hear what's happening around the phone, even when it's not being used.

How can you tell if a stalking app is installed on your phone?

If someone has installed a stalking app on your phone, you probably won't notice anything different. Most anti-virus software won't detect it and it won't show up as an icon, app or process.

Look for these signs that a stalking app could have been installed:

• If someone who would do this has had physical access to your phone;
• If the stalker knows a lot of very specific information about you, including your exact locations, the content of conversations you've had, what you've texted and to whom, and what you've searched for online;
• The phone's battery drains faster, without any difference in your phone usage; (sometimes this happens just due to time and routine apps, though, too)
• There are unexplained data usage charges on your bill; or
• You have trouble turning off the phone.

What to do if you think a stalking app is installed on your phone

If You think there could be a stalking app on your phone, here's what to do:

1. Get help. Law enforcement and domestic violence advocates can help you if you believe a stalking app has been installed on your phone.
2. Check to see if your phone has been "rooted" or "jailbroken." Stalking apps aren't sold through typical app stores. In addition, they usually can be installed only on a phone that has been "rooted" or "jailbroken," which allows a person full control over the phone's operating system. If your phone is rooted or jailbroken and you didn't do it, a stalking app could be installed. "Root checker" apps can quickly tell you whether a phone has been rooted or jailbroken.
3. Back up your phone. Before making any changes to your phone, consider backing it up, which could help to save any potential evidence of abusive behavior. Local law enforcement may be able to help you to preserve evidence. However, do not sync your backup to a new phone, to prevent the spyware from reinstalling.
4. Reset your phone. The only way to effectively remove a stalking app from a phone is to reset it and re-install the manufacturer's operating system.

Remember that taking any of these steps could tip-off your abuser - especially if you use your phone to research your options, make a call, or have a conversation near your phone. If you are concerned your phone might be monitored, consider leaving it behind when you are seeking help. Do what is best in your particular situation.

The ONLYH way to ensure that a stalker cannot be using the microphone, camera or have access to your phone is to power it off, then REMOVE the battery.

Want to learn more? Check out the FTC's technology tips for domestic violence and stalking victims and the National Network to End Domestic Violence's technology safety tips. Additional help is available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Of course, if you think you might be in phyisical danger right now, call 911.