How to detect phone surveillance? Expert Tips

Your smartphone can be compromised by spyware, and it’s important to know how to recognize its presence. Cybersecurity expert Nikita Novikov has outlined several key signs that may indicate your device is being monitored:

• Overheating in standby mode. If your phone heats up even when not in use, it could be due to background processes, including data transmission to third-party servers.
• Rapid battery drain. Unusually high battery consumption, especially with minimal activity, may signal the presence of malicious software.
• Increased internet traffic. A spike in background data usage without apparent reason could indicate spyware sending information to external servers.

How to Check Your Phone?

To ensure your smartphone hasn’t been compromised, follow these steps:

• Check call forwarding. Dial *#21# in your phone app to see if call or message forwarding is enabled.
• Monitor activity. Review your call and data usage details through your mobile operator’s account. Unusual connections, especially at night or when the screen is locked, can be suspicious.
• Look for suspicious apps. Watch for apps without icons, those not downloaded from official stores (Google Play or App Store), or those with access to your microphone, camera, location, or system data.

What to Do if You Suspect Surveillance?

If you notice signs of monitoring, take these actions:

• Use anti-spyware scanners. Specialized apps like Malwarebytes or Kaspersky can help detect malicious software.
• Perform a full device reset. The most reliable way to eliminate spyware is to reset your smartphone to factory settings and change all account passwords afterward. Be sure to back up important data before resetting.

Warnings from Manufacturers

In May 2025, Apple sent notifications to users in over 100 countries, warning about potential spyware infections and recommending updating to the latest iOS version. Regular operating system updates help close vulnerabilities exploited by spyware.

Additional Precautions

To minimize the risk of surveillance:

• Install apps only from official stores.
• Regularly update your operating system and apps.
• Avoid connecting to unsecured Wi-Fi networks.
• Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication for your accounts.