Trust is a crucial element in any relationship, and with Valentine’s Day fast approaching, many couples will be reflecting on the state of their romance—questioning whether it’s thriving or if doubt and mistrust have crept in.
A technology specialist has highlighted the growing issue of stalking software, which can meticulously follow someone’s digital footprints. As a result, some couples may find themselves exchanging not only gifts and affection this February 14 but also potentially harmful software.
Emily Stallings, who serves as a phone analyst for Casely, discusses the concept of ‘Digital Coercive Control.’ She explains: “Unlike traditional spying where your partner’s peeking at your notifications, modern spying means sophisticated software that silently turns your most personal device into a 24/7 tracking system.”
Alarmingly, this type of ‘stalkerware’ can covertly allow an individual to keep tabs on your messages, phone calls, and even your physical location. Although difficult to detect, Stallings identifies five warning signs that suggest your phone may be compromised.
While it’s common for phones to heat up when overworked, a phone that feels warm even when idle might indicate that something is amiss.
“If your phone feels hot to the touch while it’s been idle, that’s a major red flag,” Stallings states. “Legitimate apps go into sleep mode when you’re not using them. Spy software never sleeps. It’s constantly working in the background, recording your activity and sending it elsewhere.”
If a phone’s battery life suddenly deteriorates without heavy use, it may be another indication of spyware presence.
“Healthy batteries don’t suddenly develop a draining problem overnight,” Stallings explains. “If you’re experiencing significant battery depletion without heavy usage, a hidden app is likely staying awake to record calls, track your location, or capture screenshots.”
Odd noises during phone calls, such as unexpected clicks or a persistent echo, can also suggest that calls are being monitored or recorded.
Stallings advises: “High-end spy software can record or even listen to your calls in real-time. These programs create audio anomalies that sound like a bad connection, but they persist across different locations and signal strengths.”
If you notice your phone lights up without any notifications, it might be another red flag.
“These phantom wake-ups are often remote ‘pings’ from whoever’s monitoring your device,” Stallings explains. “It’s the spyware performing a handshake with its server or the person checking in to see if the software is still active.”
Stallings also points out that certain apps with inconspicuous names could be harboring spyware.
“Spyware disguises itself with generic names that sound official,” Stallings warns. “If you see an app you don’t remember downloading with extensive permissions, that’s your smoking gun.”
For those who suspect their phones have been compromised, Stallings recommends a cautious approach.
She suggests: “If you suspect spyware, don’t immediately start deleting apps, as that can alert the person monitoring you.
“Instead, try the ‘Airplane Mode Audit’. Turn on Airplane Mode and monitor your phone for 30 minutes. If it continues draining battery or heating up without any connectivity, you likely have a local hardware issue.
“But if the symptoms stop? That’s a clear sign that data was trying to leak out to a remote server.”