Is Your Phone Spying on You?

Have you ever had that nagging feeling that your phone might be doing more than just calls and social media? What could have happened? Your phone might be infected with malware, and you’re not alone. In Nigeria, mobile malware attacks surged by 63% in 2023. Let’s break down how to spot and stop these digital spies.

Here are Some Red Flags to Look Out For

1. Your battery is draining faster than usual
   Malware constantly works in the background, draining your battery. If your phone feels hotter than Yola heat or dies by noon, be worried.

2. Mysterious data usage spikes
   Did your 5GB data vanish in 2 days? It might not be MTN moving mad again. Malware often uses your data to send stolen information to criminals.

3. Pop-Ups that just won’t quit
   Constant ads for “SEX ENLARGEMENT” pills or “Claim Your Dangote Prize!”? These are not just annoying – they are malware traps.

4. Your phone is very slow or freezing

   Are apps crashing frequently or taking a long time to open? Malware can use up your phone's resources, causing it to lag and freeze.

5. Apps you don’t remember downloading
   Found “Flashlight 2024” or “Ramadan Bonus” apps you didn’t install? DELETE THEM NOW.

Okay, my phone might be a little shady. What do I do?

• Restart your phone properly: Sometimes, simply turning your phone off and on again can resolve temporary glitches or minor malware issues. It is always worth trying as the first step.

• Check your installed apps: Go through your app list and uninstall any app(s) that look suspicious or that you don't remember installing.

• Update your Operating System regularly: Phone updates often include security patches that can close gaps that malware might exploit. Ensure your phone's operating system (whether Android or iOS) is up to date.

• Install a good mobile security app: These apps can scan your phone for malware and help you remove it. There are several trusted options available, one of which is Malwarebytes. You can download it on App Store here, and the Android version here.

• Be careful about what links you click on: Be wary of clicking on suspicious links in emails, messages, or on websites. These can often lead to malware downloads.

• Avoid downloading apps from unofficial sources: Stick to the official app stores (Google Play Store for Android, App Store for iOS). They have security measures in place to try and prevent malicious apps from being listed.

• Be careful with public Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi networks make it very easy for criminals to intercept your data and/or distribute malware. If you are going to use public Wi-Fi, then consider using a VPN alongside.

• Consider a Factory Reset (but only as a last resort): If you have tried everything else and you are still concerned, a factory reset will erase all data on your phone and return it to its original state. Make sure to back up all important data before doing this.

Las las, always pay attention to the signs of malware and take proactive steps to protect your device. 

Have you ever dealt with a virus-infected phone? Share your story in the comments!

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