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With smartphones becoming an essential part of daily life, concerns about privacy and security are more relevant than ever. Many users worry that their devices might be monitored without their knowledge, either by malicious actors or even people close to them.
TJ News Nigeria reports that knowing the signs of potential surveillance can help protect your personal information and privacy before it’s too late.
Here are 8 key signs to help you determine if your phone might be under surveillance:
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1. Rapid Battery Drain
One of the earliest signs that your phone may be compromised is unusual battery drain. Monitoring or spyware applications often work silently in the background, consuming significant battery power to transmit data such as your location, calls, and messages to external servers.
If your phone’s battery life has reduced drastically without any clear reason, it’s time to investigate further.
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2. Unexplained Increase in Data Usage
Spyware apps typically send data in the background, leading to an unexpected spike in mobile data consumption. If you notice high data usage even when you’re not actively using your phone, it could be a red flag indicating possible surveillance activity.
3. Strange Sounds or Echoes During Calls
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Hearing strange noises, echoes, or static during phone calls could mean that someone is tapping or recording your conversations. While occasional call interference may occur due to network issues, consistent background noises may point to monitoring software at work.
4. Sluggish Phone Performance
Another warning sign is sudden sluggishness or lag. Spyware programs often demand extensive processing power, causing your device to freeze, overheat, or crash unexpectedly. If your phone, which used to work smoothly, suddenly starts behaving abnormally, take note.
5. Presence of Unknown Apps or Files
Regularly check your installed apps. If you come across apps or files you didn’t install, especially those with unusual or generic names, they might be hidden spyware programs. Monitoring software often tries to disguise itself to avoid detection.
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6. Receiving Suspicious Texts or Links
Receiving strange SMS messages with random numbers, symbols, or unfamiliar links could be an attempt to install malware or maintain remote control of your device. These are sometimes command-and-control messages used by attackers to interact with spyware.
7. Unusual Device Overheating
If your device feels warm or hot to the touch even when idle, it may be struggling under the strain of background processes, including potentially malicious surveillance applications.
8. Frequent Pop-Ups or Ads
An increase in intrusive pop-ups or advertisements might not just be adware—it could be linked to spyware designed to monitor your behavior for advertising purposes or worse, data theft.
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How to Protect Your Phone from Being Monitored
TJ News Nigeria gathered that cybersecurity professionals recommend the following steps to help secure your device:
- Perform Regular Security Scans: Use trusted antivirus apps to scan for threats.
- Review App Permissions: Check app permissions regularly and disable access where unnecessary.
- Factory Reset: As a last resort, back up your data and perform a factory reset to wipe out hidden malware.
- Update Regularly: Keep your operating system and apps updated to patch known vulnerabilities.
- Use Strong Passwords & 2FA: Enable two-factor authentication on your important accounts.
Conclusion
Protecting your phone from unwanted surveillance requires vigilance. If you notice several of these warning signs at once, take immediate action to safeguard your privacy and data.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional cybersecurity advice. For advanced concerns, consult certified security experts.
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