Stalkware are certain software programs, often installed by someone trusted by the device owner. They can discreetly collect information about the user’s activities without their permission. This can include tracking their whereabouts, communication history, digital footprint, and even accessing the device’s audio and video features without their knowledge or permission.

Google Play Protect setting

Google Play Protect is one of the safest options to consider when checking your smartphone for stalkware. It checks the apps downloaded from Google’s app store and looks for external signs of potentially malicious activity. The protection setting will stop working if your Play Protect is turned off. Make sure your Play Protect is turned on

You can check if Play Protect is enabled in the Play Store app settings. You can also scan for malicious apps there if you haven’t already.

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Pay attention to unusual behavior

If your smartphone battery is draining quickly and data usage is increasing, it means that your smartphone is under attack by stalkware. In addition, you can also look for unexpected shutdowns or other anomalies in the phone’s behavior.

Trusted security app

You can download and install a trusted mobile security app from the Google Play Store. You can open a security app and run a scan of your device to identify malicious apps.

Perform a factory reset on Android

You can go to the device Settings app and then scroll down to System or General Management, where you will see a Reset option which will further take you to Factory data reset or Erase all data.

For security reasons, you will be asked to enter your device’s PIN or password. Then tap “Reset” or “Erase everything” to confirm the factory reset. Now your device will be reset to factory settings and all your data and apps will be removed.

Checking notification access

You must disable notification access for any apps you don’t recognize. Android allows third-party apps to access and read your notifications. If you accidentally grant notification access to a stalkware app, it will start monitoring your notifications, including messages and other alerts.

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