Malware creators are becoming more inventive by the day, and none of your devices—whether they’re Macs, PCs, Androids, or iPhones—are safe. Most of us have dealt with infections at some point, but surprisingly, many go undiagnosed. Here, we’ll outline the warning signs of spyware and how to deal with them.
Spyware: It’s Everywhere
Data breaches are becoming more common, and data security management services. According to the most recent statistics from ITRC (the Identity Theft Resource Center), security breaches were almost 20% more frequent in 2021. As cyber criminals took advantage of pandemic-related increases in online ordering and internet usage, spyware became more pervasive.
Anyone Can Be Hacked
In many cases, compromised devices show apparent symptoms. However, today’s spyware is so invasive and unobtrusive that there’s a good chance of being infected and never knowing it. Spyware works in the background, sending sensitive information and usage statistics to outsiders without affecting a device’s other functions. Below, we’ll explain the most common indications of a spyware infection.
A Device That’s Too Hot to Handle
When users inadvertently download spyware, their devices’ internals may not be able to keep up. These parts will almost immediately heat up as they struggle to support the spyware that’s worked its way into the system. If your phone, laptop, or desktop tower overheats or is too hot to handle, spyware is the most likely culprit.
Something Just Isn’t Right
Just like cold and flu viruses affect our bodies, spyware will change every aspect of a computer, phone, or tablet’s performance. For example, apps will crash, sites may load much slower, and batteries might drain faster. Furthermore, the decrease in performance won’t go away, no matter how many files are deleted or how often the device is restarted. When things seem a bit off, consider doing a spyware scan.
Random App Icons and Pop-Ups
If a device is infected with spyware, a user may notice more pop-up ads than normal. For mobile device users, there may even be new additions to an app library. When devices are plagued with pop-ups and new app icons, spyware is usually to blame.
Contacts Receiving Spam Emails and Text Messages
It’s quite common for spyware creators to use the information they glean in devious ways. These viruses often gain access to users’ email and phone contact lists, using these devices to send messages to family and friends. It often happens by email and social media, but it can also happen through text messages via a phenomenon known as smishing. If your contacts report receiving strange emails from your account, run spyware scans on all your devices and change your social media and email passwords right away.
Unauthorized Credit Card Charges
If there are unknown charges on your bank statement or credit card, it pays to dig a little deeper. In many instances, spyware apps grab users’ information and use it to make fraudulent purchases on their behalf. When there are unexplained charges on your statements, change your card numbers and notify your financial institution.
Protect Yourself From Spyware
If a device has been infected with spyware, there are a few steps to take. First, run a security scan with software that identifies the malware, facilitates its removal, and prevents future infection. Delete unused apps, risky text, browser histories, and cached materials. In the most drastic cases, a factory reset may be necessary. As spyware attacks become more common, we must act to secure our devices and sensitive information. By looking for these signs and following our easy tips, you’ll make online privacy and safety a bigger priority.
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