5 Best Apps For Detecting Spyware

In today's digitally connected world, our devices have become an integral part of our lives. Unfortunately, this also makes them a target for various malicious software or spyware. Spyware can steal your personal information, monitor your activities, and even control your device without your consent. In this article, we will look at five apps for detecting spyware that help you keep your devices safe and secure. We've also included a comprehensive FAQ section and additional relevant information to assist you in making an informed decision.

1. Malwarebytes

Malwarebytes is one of the best apps for detecting and removing various types of malware, including spyware. It is available for Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS devices.

Features and benefits of Malwarebytes

• Real-time protection: Malwarebytes offers real-time scanning for continuous protection against spyware.
• Scan scheduling: You can schedule a regular check to ensure that your device remains free from any potential threats.
• Detection of PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs): Apart from detecting traditional spyware, Malwarebytes can also identify potentially unwanted programs that might compromise your privacy or security.
• User-friendly interface: The app features a clean and easy-to-navigate interface that makes it simple to use even for non-tech-savvy users.
• Regular updates: Malwarebytes receives frequent updates to its database to ensure it can detect the latest spy apps.

In my experience using Malwarebytes, I have found it to be an effective solution for detecting and removing spying apps. Live scanning is particularly useful, as it provides continuous monitoring and prevents new threats from infiltrating your device.

2. Avast Mobile Security

Avast Mobile Security is one of the most popular anti-spyware apps available for Android. It offers various features to protect your phone from different types of malware, including spyware.

Features and benefits

• Antivirus: Avast scans for malware and takes care of the removal of any threats it detects.
• Real-time scanner: Like Malwarebytes, Avast also scans your phone in the background.
• Wi-Fi scanner: The app checks the authentication methods of the Wi-Fi network you're connected to and alerts you if there are any vulnerabilities or potential risks.
• App Insights: This feature provides details about the app's behavior, such as their data usage and permissions, making it easier to identify any suspicious apps that might be collecting sensitive information without your knowledge.
• Data Breach Alerts: If your email address has been compromised in a known data breach, Avast will notify you so that you can take appropriate action to protect your account.

I have used Avast Mobile Security on my Android phone for several years now and find it very effective at detecting spyware. The Wi-Fi security feature has been especially helpful in ensuring that I connect only to secure networks, minimizing the risk of being exposed to malware threats.

3. Norton Mobile Security

Norton Mobile Security is a comprehensive spyware detector that is available for Android and iOS devices. It offers a range of features against various types of spy software.

Features

• Advanced engine: Norton will check your phone and removes any detected problems.
• Real-time: The app provides live monitoring for new spy apps through its active scanning feature.
• Wi-Fi Scanner: Norton scans Wi-Fi networks for potential risks and vulnerabilities to help you stay safe while connected to public networks.
• Web Block: This feature blocks malicious websites to prevent phishing attacks or the installation of spyware.
• Device Security: Norton monitors your phone for any suspicious activities or settings that might indicate the presence of unauthorized software.

While Norton has advanced antivirus engine to consistently detect and remove various types of threats, I found it to be somewhat bloated and it introduced a decrease in performance. However, the Web Protection feature is particularly useful in preventing phishing attacks, which are a common method used by cybercriminals to distribute spyware, so it's worth weighing if this extra protection is worth the performance cost.

4. AVG AntiVirus

AVG is a well-known security app available for iPhone and Android as well as Windows and macOS. It provides a range of features specifically designed to safeguard your phone against various malware.

Features of AVG AntiVirus

• Antivirus engine: AVG scans your device and removes spyware on your phone.
• Ongoing protection: The app's scanning capability provides ongoing monitoring to detect and remove new spy apps installed on your device.
• Performance optimization: AVG includes features to optimize performance by cleaning junk files, managing storage, and conserving battery life.
• Privacy: Checks permissions to ensure nothing is collecting sensitive data.
• Anti-Theft: AVG can help you locate and secure your device in case it is lost or stolen, such as remote lock and wipe capabilities.

I have much less experience with AVG but I am listing it here due to its good reputation.

5. Kaspersky Internet Security

Kaspersky Internet Security is a powerful spyware scanner for Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS. This application is designed specifically to shield your device from different varieties of malware.

Features and benefits

• Advanced engine: Kaspersky's antivirus engine will check your device and remove detected spy apps.
• Real-time analysis: The app provides continuous monitoring by using a scanner that will run in the background.
• URL filter: Kaspersky blocks malicious websites and links to phishing attempts.
• Privacy: The app verifies the permissions of installed applications and notifies you if they are collecting your data.
• Anti-Theft: To locate your phone if it is lost or stolen.

Kaspersky uses an antivirus engine that efficiently detects and removes various kinds of spyware apps, while the URL filter helps prevent phishing attacks that could lead to the installation of spyware. While I am less comfortable with this solution when handling sensitive data, it remains quite effective for most people.

FAQ

What is spyware and why is it dangerous?

Spyware is a type of malicious software designed to secretly monitor your phone. It can track your online activities on social media sites like Facebook, record keystrokes, access sensitive data (such as passwords or financial info), and activate location tracking. Spyware poses a significant risk to your privacy, data, and overall device performance.

How do spyware detection apps work?

They generally use sophisticated algorithms to scan for known signatures or behaviors. Once detected, they can quarantine or remove the threat quickly.

Are free spyware detection apps reliable?

While some free spyware detection apps may provide basic protection from known spyware, they are generally not as comprehensive as paid alternatives. It is essential to research the app's reputation, reviews, and feature set before deciding on a free or paid solution.

How often should you scan your phone?

It is recommended to perform regular scans, especially if you frequently download from the Google Play Store or visit unfamiliar websites. If your chosen detection app offers a scanner that runs in the background, it will continuously monitor your device and remove any spyware from your phone quickly, reducing the need for a manual check.

What are some common signs that your device may be infected?

Some common signs your smartphone may be infected include:

• Decreased phone performance or frequent crashes
• Unexplained battery drain
• Increased data usage
• Unfamiliar icons appearing without your knowledge
• Strange behavior or activity, such as unauthorized access to your accounts or messages being sent without your approval

If you notice any of these signs, it is crucial to scan your phone and remove any detected spy viruses immediately.

Prevention tips to avoid spyware infection

To lower the risk of getting infected, follow these prevention tips:

• Install a reputable app with advanced capabilities.
• Regularly update your device's operating system and all installed applications to ensure the latest patches are applied.
• Avoid downloading anything from unknown sources. Stick to official app stores whenever possible.
• Be cautious when granting permissions, always evaluate if an app truly needs access to sensitive information.
• Avoid clicking on suspicious links or visiting untrusted websites that might host malicious content.

Comparison of free vs. paid spyware detection apps

The choice between free and paid detection apps depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here is a comparison of the two options:

Free apps:

• Usually provide basic defenses against known viruses.
• Limited functionality compared to paid alternatives.
• Might show ads or upsell premium features.
• May have a slower response to spy apps due to limited resources.

Paid apps:

• Offer sophisticated features, such as continuous monitoring.
• Typically receive regular updates and faster response to threats.
• Provide better customer support options.
• No ads or upselling within the app.

In general, paid spyware detection will offer a more comprehensive and reliable solution for protecting your device. However, if you want to get rid of spyware on your device and budget constraints are a concern, free alternatives can still provide basic protection if chosen carefully based on reputation and reviews.

Conclusion

Someone trying to spy on you poses a significant threat to your privacy, security, and smartphone performance. By installing one of the recommended apps mentioned in this article, you can minimize the risk of infection and ensure a safer digital experience. Remember always to follow prevention tips and stay cautious when interacting with unfamiliar content online. Your digital safety is in your hands, so make informed decisions to protect yourself and your devices.

About The Author

Katya Seryabkina

Ukrainian born, and a self-taught computer security expert. I started hacking when I was 14 and can write code in 5 languages, but have no formal technical education. The edge of technology is what keeps me interested. I cover cell phone tracking, spy apps, cybersecurity, the dark web, and certain gadgets for The High Tech Society.