Mobile phone users have been warned they could be being spied on without knowing.
'Ghost' apps now commonly available on the App Store can be downloaded onto a phone and secretly track its location, view private text messages, access personal information such as bank details, as well as steal photos and videos.
Falling victim to a scam is easily avoidable though, if people know how to spot the key warning signs that their phone is being watched.
Irregular phone behaviour like the home screen lighting up when in standby mode and notification sounds going off when users have not received any new messages can be an indication that the phone is being accessed by a third party.
Mobile phone users have been warned they could be being spied on
PA
Perhaps the most obvious sign is rogue apps appearing on a phone that were not downloaded intentionally.
By accessing the phone’s storage, accessible through the settings page, users can check to see the list of apps that are on their phone.
If a handset needs charging more often than it usually does it could be another warning sign that there are applications on it that are draining the battery.
Mobile phone warning: Users should check their recently downloaded applications.
PA
Again, users should check their recently downloaded applications to see if any recently downloaded apps are to blame.
Some batteries become less effective with time so this should also be taken into account as it could be just that it is an old phone.
If it is not possible to turn a phone off, or it takes longer than usual, this could be a result of spyware being installed on the device.
Some spyware apps impact the autocorrect function of a phone, making it lag or not work at all, if a user is unable to text or properly use the functions of a messaging app, it could be being accessed by someone else.
Vodafone recommended phone users to “exercise caution”
PA
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Vodafone recommended phone users to “exercise caution”.
It continued: “We advise to not use ‘jailbroken’ devices as this removes all restrictions on the device imposed by the manufacturer and allows unapproved software to be installed.
“Additionally, we recommend customers to use the Apple or Google App Stores to obtain and install applications and regularly check their device permissions to applications.
“Installing Mobile device Anti-malware software or subscribing to a service like Vodafone’s Secure Net can also provide real-time threat protection with 24/7 ID monitoring from malicious websites and phishing attacks.”
Users can clear their phone by following these steps:
- Install anti-virus software
- Backup phone storage and factory reset
- Uninstall unrecognisable apps
- Update phone system
- Remove unrecognisable subscriptions
- Don't allow apps to track location or phone use
