Are Your Calls Being Monitored? Here's How To Tell

With the invention of new surveillance technology, it is easier than ever for someone to monitor your phone calls. While monitoring tools are sometimes used for parental control or to monitor employees' activities, they can also be used to invade your privacy and access your private data. There are several signs that may indicate that someone is monitoring your phone calls, including increased data usage, unusual permission requests, higher battery consumption, and background noises during calls. If you suspect that your phone is being monitored, it is important to take action to protect your privacy and personal information.

Odd sounds during calls

Odd sounds during your calls can be a sign that someone is monitoring your calls. Background noises such as clicking, buzzing, static, or mumbling, distant, and faint voices could indicate that someone is eavesdropping on your conversation. However, if you hear these sounds occasionally, it could just be due to a poor signal. If you hear them frequently, your phone may have been tapped.

In the days of analog cell phone networks, weird noises and unstable connections were common. However, today's all-digital cell networks usually provide stable and mostly noise-free connections. So, if you hear strange noises or a voice that doesn't belong to the person you called, it's possible that someone is monitoring or recording your call.

If you suspect that your calls are being monitored, you should also look out for other signs, such as increased data usage, decreased battery performance, and unusual phone activity when not in use. You can also use antivirus apps to scan your device for spyware and other malicious software.

Increased data usage

If you suspect your phone is being monitored, you can check your data usage. On an iPhone, go to Settings, then Mobile Data. On an Android, go to Settings, then Network & Internet, then Data Usage.

If you notice a sharp increase in data usage that you can't explain, it could be due to spyware. However, it's important to rule out any legitimate apps by checking their data consumption and behaviour. For example, a new podcast app could be responsible for a spike in data usage if it's downloading lots of episodes.

It's also worth noting that increased data usage could be caused by other forms of malware, such as adware.

Phone activity when not in use

Unusual phone activity when the device is not in use is one of the tell-tale signs that someone is tracking, tapping, or monitoring your phone. Here are some specific things to look out for:

• The phone turning off and on by itself: While automatic updates can cause restarts, unexplained reboots may be a cause for concern. Spyware may be initiating restarts to install new components or hide its activity.
• Apps opening and closing on their own: Unexpected app activity could indicate rogue software. Spyware may launch specific apps to record data (like calls or keystrokes) or activate the camera or microphone without your knowledge.
• Notifications while in silent mode: If you see excessive notifications while your phone isn't in use, it could mean someone has tapped your phone.
• The phone making noises or the screen lighting up when not in use: This could indicate that someone has hacked your phone.

If you are also experiencing unexplained device reboots, it is highly likely that someone has remote access to your phone.

High battery consumption

Spyware apps require a significant amount of power to run constantly in the background, collecting and transmitting data. This can result in increased battery usage and faster drainage. It is important to note that all batteries degrade over time, so a sudden and significant change in battery performance is a cause for suspicion.

To check for high battery consumption, you can review your battery usage data. Both Android and iPhone devices provide information about battery life and usage. By checking which apps are using the most battery power, you can identify any unusual activity. Additionally, comparing your battery usage with similar devices can help determine if your phone is consuming more power than expected.

It is worth noting that other factors can also contribute to high battery consumption, such as streaming media or playing games. However, if your battery drains rapidly while idle, it could indicate the presence of spyware or a defective device.

Permission requests

Unusual and Strange Permission Requests

Be cautious of permission requests that don't make sense for the app's intended function. For example, a reminder app shouldn't need access to your camera or voice recording permission. These unusual permission requests could indicate that the app is attempting to spy on you. With camera access, the app could secretly take photos, and with voice recording permission, it could eavesdrop on your conversations.

Suspicious Permission Requests

If your phone starts asking for random or suspicious permissions, someone may be trying to access more of your data. Never grant permissions unless you understand the reason for the request and can fully trust the app. Always question why an app or service needs to use your camera or access your microphone, for instance.

Review an App's Permissions Before Installing

Before installing an app, review its permissions. You can also see a permission access pop-up when opening a newly installed app. Be strict with the permissions you grant, especially for access to location, photos, or microphone data. Also, limit permissions to apps you don't use often as an extra layer of protection.

Excessive Background Data Usage

Frequently monitor your device's background data usage. If it's higher than expected, investigate which apps are using the most data. Ensure that you don't have an active hotspot enabled, and if you do, verify that there are no unauthorized devices connected.

Uninstall Suspicious Apps

If you spot an unknown app on your device, consider it a red flag. Research the app to see if it has been reported as dangerous, and delete it immediately if you're concerned. Phone manufacturers announce new apps coming to your phone with software updates, so it will become clear if the app is legitimate or not.

Use Antivirus Software

Use a good antivirus program to scan your device for any hidden apps with harmful intent. A good antivirus program will also protect your phone from being infected with spyware in the first place.

Frequently asked questions