Is There Spyware on My iPhone? Creepware is Here.

In recent years, the distribution of malicious apps on phones has expanded at an alarming rate. Whether you call it spyware, stalkerware or creepware, if it’s on your phone, someone is spying on you. One of the most nefarious examples of mobile hacking is cyber stalking. If a cybercriminal has managed to hack your calls, texts, emails and photos without your permission, you can be sure that spyware has been installed on your phone.

How Do I Know If There Is Spyware on My iPhone? What Does it Look Like?

Cellphone spyware detection and removal on the user level is possible. Almost all spyware or stalkerware will cause some kind of malfunction on cell phones. Here are some typical symptoms of cell phone cyber stalking:

• The Battery Drains Easily – Spyware, secretly running in the background, can consume a lot of power and drain batteries unusually quickly. If you start the day with a full charge but your phone is dying halfway through the afternoon, you might have a form of creepware working overtime to spy on your mobile activities.
• A Sudden Increase in Data Usage – An unusual increase in data usage is a common sign that your cell phone might be the victim of a stalkerware attack. Examine your phone bill and data usage for indications that you’ve been hacked. In addition to spying on your cell phone activities, the cybercriminal can log on to the internet through your phone and engage in unwanted activities using your data. If you have an unlimited data plan, you will have to examine your cell phone bill to conduct an accurate analysis.
• Your Phone is Malfunctioning – If simple functions start to take too long, it could be a sign that you are the victim of cyber stalking. Strange glitches and unusual slowdowns might also serve as clues that malicious spyware is installed on your phone.
• The Appearance of Apps You Don’t Recognize – If you see an app that didn’t come with your phone and that you don’t remember downloading, it could be the unwanted creepware plaguing your cell phone operations.

Removing Spyware From an iPhone

Considering the current level of cybercrime, small and midsized businesses (SMBs) should enlist professional IT consulting services to ensure cellphone spyware detection and removal so that any previous spyware has not put the rest of your network and business data at risk. Remember, a cell phone can be a cybercriminal’s entry point for your entire network. To help avoid an attack, don’t just wonder, Is there spyware on my iPhone, but follow these tips for identifying and removing it:

• Remove Any Apps You Don’t Recognize – If you don’t remember downloading an app, delete it.
• Check Which Apps Use Location Services – Spyware often taps into “Location Services,” and hackers can use that information to track where you are and what you’re doing. Review the apps that have requested to track your location in “settings” and turn off permission for any that you don’t recognize or don’t want to grant access.
• Install All System Updates – As regular IT maintenance, install recommended updates. Many of Apple's updates are security-related fixes for previous issues. It is a best practice to make sure your system software is up to date at all times.
• Clear Your Browser History – If you’ve been attacked by spyware, your browser history might be visible and therefore useful to a cybercriminal in tracking and abusing your online activity, including attempting to use logins and passwords on those sites.

Q: What should I do if I suspect my phone has spyware?

A: If you suspect spyware:

• Restart your phone in safe mode: This disables third-party apps, helping you identify suspicious behavior
• Check for unfamiliar apps: Go through your app list and uninstall anything you don’t recognize or didn’t install
• Install anti-spyware software: Use trusted apps to scan and remove threats
• Update the OS: The latest operating system can close security loopholes

Effective cyber security involves layers of protection that extend beyond reinforcing your computer from cyberattacks. There are so many moving parts to securing a network and its devices. Unfortunately, most small and midsized businesses have neither the time nor the expertise to handle cyber security on their own. Enlisting professional IT network services will help determine the right level of protection and ongoing security protocols needed to safeguard hard-earned data.

Q: Can spyware be hidden and undetectable by normal methods?

A: Yes, advanced spyware can:

• Operate in stealth mode, without an icon or listing in your app drawer
• Masquerade as system apps or legitimate services
• Evade detection by standard antivirus apps

To detect these, you may need:

• A deeper scan from specialized anti-spyware tools
• Manual checks through developer settings
• A professional forensic analysis in severe cases (e.g., legal or safety concerns)

Mobile Device Management (MDM) is an Integral Part of Network Cyber Security

Every device connected to your network is a vulnerable access point that could allow cybercriminals to breach your network. MDM must be an integral part of network cyber security. Computers and devices should have established security protocols and defenses in place, including updated security software. With the expanded use of remote and work-from-home employees, having a team of IT experts to execute basic computer maintenance and cellphone spyware detection and removal is essential. An IT support team can train staff, update software, install virtual private network (VPN) software, inspect and monitor hardware and provide iron-clad cyber security for all devices and connected to our network.

Ignoring mobile device security can allow malware to enter your network and compromise valuable business data, including client and employee data. Failing to protect this sensitive data can lead to ongoing liability for every record compromised in a data breach. Contact your IT provider to review phone and mobile device security.