How She Was Stalked Through Her Mobile Phone
Mobile devices have become an integral part of our daily lives, connecting us with the world around us and providing us with easy access to information and communication.
However, with the increase in technology comes the risk of being stalked through our mobile devices. Stalking is a serious issue that can lead to psychological trauma and physical harm, and it is important to take proactive steps to prevent it.
By being aware of the signs of stalking through mobile devices and taking measures to protect ourselves, we can reduce the risk of being targeted and maintain our privacy and safety.
In this regard, it is essential to understand the steps one can take to prevent being stalked through their mobile device.
Take the story of Sarah for instance…
Before the pandemic, Sarah met her new boyfriend Dave through an online dating app on her phone.
When they first met, Dave told Sarah that he wanted to stop using the dating website, so the two began chatting on the phone.
Soon after, the relationship progressed at a fast pace and they started a more serious relationship.
But this is when Sarah noticed some strange things happening. Including her phone.
Dave would somehow know details about her private conversations and phone calls with family and friends.
These conversations took place on phone apps and text messages, so there was no way Dave should have known.
This is when Sarah realized that Dave had installed some sort of stalkerware on her phone.
Stalkerware is an app or software that someone can install on a smartphone or tablet.
The app can operate without the smartphone owner’s knowledge.
The software can appear to look like something such as a calculator app that most people ignore or similar popular apps. These apps can also appear as social media or financial apps.
And even if a stalkerware app is deleted, the software could still be running in the background.
Signs You’re Being Stalked Through Your Phone
There are several signs that someone may be being stalked through their mobile phone.
Firstly, if they notice an unusual number of missed calls or messages from unknown numbers, this may be a sign that someone is trying to contact them without revealing their identity.
They may also receive threatening or harassing messages, emails, or social media posts, which can be a sign that someone is trying to intimidate or control them.
Another sign could be changes in their mobile phone’s settings, such as the appearance of new apps or changes to the phone’s security settings without the user’s knowledge or consent.
If the user notices that their phone battery is draining faster than usual or if the phone is heating up excessively, this could be a sign that a malicious app or program is running in the background.
Finally, if the user notices that their phone’s location services are activated without their consent, this could be a sign that someone is tracking their movements.
If someone experiences any of these signs, it is important that they take action to protect themselves and seek help from a trusted source.
Popular Mobile Phone Monitoring Spy Apps
Some mobile phone apps include parental controls. A few of the best phone tracking apps are mSpy, EyeZy, Hoverwatch, FlexiSpy and others.
You can learn more about them here.
These apps record data such as the phone’s location, calls, texts, photos and e-mails.
Spy Apps Can Be Used to Catch Cheaters.
Sarah doesn’t know when Dave installed the stalkerware on her phone, but she says it was (clearly) the ultimate betrayal.
Unfortunately, this story is all too common…
One in five women, and one in ten men, will be victims of stalking.
And a shocking one in ten people admit to using stalkerware to track a partner.
As proof, from January to May 2020, the cybersecurity company Malwarebytes said stalkerware detections spiked by 190%.
In Sarah’s case, Dave accessed her social media and deleted her male friends.
Sarah admits that she didn’t take the matter seriously enough and made excuses for Dave.
But as time went on, Dave became controlling, abusive, and violent.
Sarah recalled that after having surgery she noticed her pain medication disappearing.
On another occasion, Dave threatened to shoot himself in front of Sarah.
This is when she stopped making excuses for the behavior and ended the relationship.
The fact is, while stalkerware can be difficult to detect if you think you might be a victim of it, here are signs to look for on your device.
Changed Settings:
If someone downloads stalkerware to your device they might make changes to the settings.
For example, they may change the permissions or access certain aspects of the device.
If you notice a new browser, app, or icon, this could be a sign that someone added something to your device.
It’s good to review the apps on your device to make sure there is nothing new that you didn’t allow.
Device Performance:
If you have a smartphone that is a few years old then you know how the battery life decreases.
But, if you have a newer phone, or your battery starts draining at an unusual rate, there could be more to it.
When stalkerware is on a device it runs in the background.
And while it operates without you knowing, it still uses up your device’s battery.
So, your phone may be working a lot harder to run everything, which can drain the battery faster.
Receiving Strange Messages:
When your device has stalkerware, it’s not uncommon to get a lot of strange messages.
For example, you may start to see more pop-up ads on your phone.
Also, you might receive unusual messages from an app you already have installed.
Plus, apps may constantly have glitches or crashes.
If you get a strange message, check to see if you use the app the message originated from.
If not, this could be stalkerware operating.
On a technical note, some stalkerware apps alert operators when they’re deleted.
So, if you find a stalkerware app and you are afraid of a stalker, you should make sure you are in a safe location.
If you suspect that someone might be spying on you through your smartphone use these tips to find out.
Protecting your mobile phone is crucial to prevent being stalked through your device. Firstly, you should ensure that your phone is password protected and that the password is not easily guessed.
Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts, as this increases the risk of your personal information being accessed.
Be cautious when downloading apps and only download them from reputable sources. Some apps may track your location, so ensure that location services are turned off unless you absolutely need to use them.
Be wary of suspicious messages or emails and avoid clicking on links from unknown sources.
Finally, regularly update your phone’s software and security features to ensure that you have the latest protections against potential threats.
By taking these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of being stalked through your mobile phone.
The post How Dave easily stalked Sarah through her phone appeared first on Spy Escape and Evasion.
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