How to Remove Spyware and Stalkerware Safely

Spyware and stalkerware are malicious software designed to secretly monitor your online activities and personal information. This guide will help you identify and safely remove these threats from your devices.

Recognising the Signs of Spyware or Stalkerware

It can be unsettling to suspect someone is monitoring your device. Learning to recognise the signs can help you confirm your suspicions and take action.

Keep an eye out for unusual activity and how your device is performing. These subtle changes could be indicators that something is wrong.

• Your device battery drains much faster than usual, even with light use.
• Your device runs slower, freezes, or crashes more often without a clear reason.
• New, unfamiliar apps appear on your device that you don't remember installing.
• Your data usage unexpectedly increases.
• Your device makes strange noises or lights up when not in use.
• Your privacy settings have been changed without your knowledge.

Disconnect from the Internet

The first critical step in dealing with spyware or stalkerware is to cut off its ability to communicate. Most spyware needs an internet connection to send information back to the person spying on you.

By disconnecting, you can prevent further data from being sent and buy yourself time to remove the threat.

• Turn off your Wi-Fi.
• Turn off your mobile data.
• Consider turning off your device completely if you can't disconnect otherwise, or if you feel unsafe.

Scan and Remove with Reputable Anti-Malware Software

Once disconnected, you'll need to use trusted software to find and remove the spyware.

Even if you're offline, many anti-malware programs can still scan your device for known threats using their existing definitions. Make sure to choose a well-known and respected brand.

• Download a reputable anti-malware app from a trusted source (e.g., Google Play Store or Apple App Store for mobile, or the developer's official website for computers).
• Install the software and run a full scan of your device.
• Follow the instructions to quarantine or remove any detected threats.
• Restart your device after the removal process is complete.

Change All Your Passwords Immediately

Assume that if your device had spyware, all the passwords you've used on that device might have been compromised. This is a crucial step to protect your online accounts.

Use a strong, unique password for each account. A password manager can be a great help with this.

• On a *different*, secure device (not the one you just cleaned), change the passwords for your email accounts, banking, social media, and any other important services.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible for an extra layer of security.

Review App Permissions and Device Settings

Spyware often relies on having extensive permissions to access your data and device features. After cleaning your device, it's wise to review what your apps are allowed to do.

This can help you spot any lingering issues or prevent future installations of similar programs.

• Go to your device's Settings > Apps or Applications.
• Review the permissions for each app, especially those you don't recognise or rarely use.
• Pay attention to permissions like location, microphone, camera, and access to messages.
• Remove or disable any suspicious apps or revoke unnecessary permissions.
• Check your device's administrator settings, as some spyware tries to gain administrative privileges.

Key takeaway

Removing spyware and stalkerware is a serious process that requires careful steps. By staying calm, disconnecting your device, using reputable tools, and securing your accounts, you can regain control of your digital life and protect your privacy. Remember, awareness and proactive security measures are your best defence.