How to detect spyware on a smartphone - experts answer
Users of Android smartphones may notice signs of hidden spyware activity: slowdown, overheating, rapid battery drain, increased data usage. Experts from Engadget recommend running Google Play Protect, installing antivirus software (Bitdefender, Malwarebytes), checking app permissions, and performing a factory reset if necessary.
Users of Android smartphones may encounter signs of hidden spyware activity. If the device unexpectedly slows down, overheats, or loses charge faster than usual, this could indicate an infection. Android's open architecture allows installing apps from third-party sources, which attackers exploit by disguising spyware as useful utilities or updates. Experts from Engadget list symptoms: a sharp increase in mobile data usage, lack of storage, intrusive ads, strange SMS messages, browser redirects, suspicious access to the camera or microphone. One symptom does not necessarily indicate infection, but a combination of several requires attention. To remove spyware, it is recommended to run Google Play Protect, install a reliable antivirus (Bitdefender Mobile Security or Malwarebytes), and check permissions of suspicious apps. If an app cannot be uninstalled, restart the smartphone in safe mode. As a last resort, perform a full factory reset after backing up data.