Mobile Phone Spyware Detection

Is someone reading your messages?

If someone seems to know what you’ve said in private messages, where you’ve been, or who you’ve been talking to, your phone may be the leak. Spyware runs silently on a phone and can pass your location, messages, photos and call history to someone else. It is usually installed by someone who has had the phone in their hands, such as a current or former partner, or reached through a shared Apple or Google account.

It is also easy to get hold of. In 2023 alone, security firm Kaspersky detected 195 different commercial spyware apps built for spying on partners and family, many sold openly online on subscription, and Australia ranked fourth in the Asia-Pacific for people affected. Spyware is built to stay hidden, and ordinary antivirus apps often miss it.

Warning signs

• Someone knows things you have only said in messages or calls.
• The battery drains faster than usual, or the phone runs warm when you’re not using it.
• Data use is higher than you can explain.
• Apps, settings or accounts you don’t recognise, or security settings that have been switched off.
• Someone else has had your phone, knows your passcode, or set the phone up for you.

None of these proves spyware on its own, which is why a professional check matters.

Our phone spyware detection

Our phone spyware detection covers both Android and iOS (iPhone) devices, checking for spyware and other signs that the phone or its accounts have been compromised. The check is carried out at your location, often alongside a home or vehicle sweep. It takes from 30 minutes to a couple of hours, depending on how much data is on the device. When the check is part of a home or vehicle sweep, the results are included in your written sweep report.

If we find spyware

We explain what was found and what it means, and advise you on the next steps before anything is removed. Removing spyware can alert the person who installed it, so where a partner or former partner may be involved, we recommend speaking with police or 1800RESPECT first and planning for your safety.

Phones for business

An executive’s phone carries the same conversations as the boardroom. We check company and personal phones for directors and key staff, on their own or as part of a corporate TSCM survey.

Your car can be tracked too

A phone isn’t the only way to follow someone. If you’re worried about your vehicle, see our GPS tracker detection service.

If you think your phone is being monitored, don’t discuss it on or near that phone. Call 0410 092 207 from a phone you trust. If you feel unsafe, contact police on 000, or 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.