Spyware: How to protect your phone

Table of Contents

Simple habits can help keep hidden phone threats at bay

A clear and present danger for most people is losing their phones or having them stolen. However, few worry about someone secretly watching through these devices, particularly through spyware.

One of the most invasive forms of malicious software once installed on a device, active spyware can be used for a multitude of things and none of which are legal.

Depending on their programming, spyware can monitor incoming and outgoing messages, calls, emails, photos, location data and browsing activity, with the owner completely oblivious to any of it.

In certain cases, spyware can also be used to remotely activate a phone’s microphone or camera.

Into the phones they go

One of the more notorious spyware is Pegasus, unsurprisingly developed by the Israelis, which has made headlines for being deployed against journalists, human rights activists, lawyers and even politicians worldwide.

Though these are targeted uses of military-grade spyware, regular users are also at risk from less advanced forms of surveillance software. The silver lining here is most of these spyware infections can be avoided with a few simple precautions.

Contrary to the Hollywood narrative of a hacker breaking into someone’s phone, the most common entry point is when users accidentally let spyware into their device through a variety of harmless activities.

The biggest being suspicious links which could be delivered through a text message claiming to be from a bank, courier company or government agency that try to redirect the recipient to a fake website designed to install malicious software or steal login information.

A major and pervasive threat in 2026, everyone, from banks to telecommunication providers and security experts, recommends avoiding links from unknown senders and verifying requests through official channels.

Download with caution

Also concerning are spyware that are hidden in apps and spread through their download.

The best prevention is simply common sense: Only download software through official stores such as the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. While harmful apps occasionally slip through these two platform’s stringent screening processes, third-party or outright unofficial app stores and direct downloads carry significantly higher risks.

Additionally, keeping existing – safely downloaded – software updated is equally important as phone manufacturers often release security patches that fix newly discovered vulnerabilities.

Delaying updates gives attackers more time to exploit known weaknesses and there are always users that ignore update notifications for weeks or months. Cybersecurity professionals recommend installing critical updates as soon as possible.

Every lock in place

Although spyware often end up on phones accidentally, others having physical access to someone’s phone can still be a point of entry.
If someone can unlock your phone, they can directly install monitoring software.

This goes back to basic security precautions, such as using a strong PIN code, and enabling fingerprint authentication or facial recognition to secure the device.

Similarly, avoid sharing passwords with others and be cautious about leaving your phone unattended.

Spotting the warning signs

All said and done, none of the aforementioned would matter if the device is already infected by spyware. In this situation, preemptive caution has to change towards symptomatic awareness of what to watch out for.

These include signs such as odd battery drain, inexplicable data usage, random overheating or unexplained performance issues. While these symptoms can have innocent causes, a sudden combination of them may warrant closer inspection.

Users should also watch for unfamiliar apps or permissions. Let us be real: A flashlight app requesting access to your contacts or location data may be asking for far more than a flashlight needs.

In situations of suspected spyware activity, start by removing suspicious apps and running a trusted mobile security scan. Backing up essential files and performing a factory reset may also be necessary.

Containing financial information, personal conversations, photos, work documents and location history, the smartphone is very much the centre of modern everyday life and that makes these devices attractive targets.

Protecting phones from spyware does not require advanced technical knowledge. It comes down to a handful of habits: Install updates, download apps carefully, be wary of suspicious links and keep your device secure.

READ MORE: