Is Your Phone Being Tapped Or Monitored By Pegasus-Like Spyware? Here Are Some Telltale Signs

Apple has alerted users across 92 nations, including India, about the risk of sneaky spyware attacks on iPhones, notably by the notorious Pegasus malware developed by the Israeli firm, NSO Group. This announcement is part of Apple’s broader initiative to protect its consumers from covert cyber espionage that threatens personal data integrity. Apple has clarified that it does not link these cybersecurity threats to any state actors, reinforcing its neutral stance following dialogues with officials in India.

Now, since we are so deeply dependent on our phones, the threat of phone surveillance is a widespread concern, potentially affecting individuals from various walks of life, including public figures, journalists, and the general populace. The motives behind such espionage can range from prying into personal affairs to extracting confidential information pertinent to one’s profession or legal matters.

Wondering how to figure out if your phone is tapped? Norton, the popular antivirus company, has shared some telltale signs:

How To Know If Your Phone Is Tapped Or Tracked

Unusual Sounds During Calls: Listen for clicking noises, static, or faint voices during conversations, which may indicate phone monitoring.

Delayed Shutdown: Pay attention to extended shutdown times after calls or other activities, indicating data transmission processes.

Decreased Battery Capacity: Notice if your phone’s battery drains faster than usual, as this could be a sign of spy software transmitting data.

Warm Battery Temperature: Feel if your phone’s battery becomes warm without recent usage, possibly due to covert data transmission.

Increased Data Usage: Monitor your data usage for unexpected spikes, as some spy apps consume additional data to transmit collected information.

Phone Activity When Idle: Observe if your phone lights up, makes sounds, or receives notifications when not in use, suggesting remote access by a third party.

Altered Website Display: Check for changes in website appearance, potentially caused by malware installed on your device.

Strange Text Messages: Be wary of receiving odd texts with random characters, which may signify spy software communication.

Random Camera or Microphone Activation: Notice if your phone’s camera or microphone activates without your input, suggesting unauthorised access.

How To Protect Your Phone From Surveillance

Here are some easy precautionary steps you should take: 

Regularly Update Software: Keep your phone’s operating system and applications up to date to patch security vulnerabilities.

Avoid Unsecured Wi-Fi Networks: Refrain from connecting to public Wi-Fi networks without proper security measures to prevent data interception.

Install Security Software: Consider using reputable antivirus or anti-spyware software to detect and remove malicious apps.

Be Cautious of Downloads: Only download apps from official app stores and avoid suspicious links or attachments in emails or messages.

Review App Permissions: Audit the permissions granted to installed apps and revoke access to unnecessary features or data.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Strengthen your account security by enabling two-factor authentication wherever available.

Regularly Check for Signs of Surveillance: Stay vigilant for any unusual behaviour or signs (as mentioned above) indicating potential phone surveillance.

IMPORTANT – Consult with Security Professionals: Seek assistance from cybersecurity experts if you suspect your device is compromised or if you need further guidance on securing your phone.