Protect Your Phone from Spying 2026

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No smartphone is completely immune to a spyware. In 2023, nearly 31,000 users have been affected by mobile stalkerware.

Good news: just six simple habits are enough to significantly reduce the risk and keep your personal data Safe and sound. We'll tell you everything!

1. Only download apps from official app stores

Preventing spyware from getting onto your device is your first line of defense. The rule is simple: use only the’AppStore Apple's or the Google Play on Android. These stores filter out a large portion of the malware before they reach your smartphone.

A file downloaded from outside these platforms remains the most common way for a hacker to gain access to your data. Stick to only the apps you really need, and follow these two best practices every time you install an app:

Before installation: check on Google if the app is reliable. Check out the developer Find out who published it and read the user reviews. A low rating or alarming comments are a clear warning sign.
During installation: systematically checks the permits requested. A navigation app that asks for the GPS, that makes sense. A flashlight that wants to read your SMS, that's suspicious. Deny any suspicious access.

2. Avoid public Wi-Fi networks

Networks Public Wi-Fi remain one of the main entry points for hacking a phone. On an open network, your data travels unprotected, which makes it easier to install a spyware.

At airports, train stations, or cafes, it's best to keep your mobile data enabled. If you absolutely must connect to a public Wi-Fi network, never payments nor seizure of passwords on this network.

Also be wary of links and attachments unknown sources. A suspicious text message or email may be an attempt to phishing : If you click on it, you risk installing malware without realizing it. If in doubt, don't click on anything and delete the message.

By the way, detects fake text messages with our best techniques!

3. Always lock your smartphone screen

A screen lock It remains the simplest defense against physical espionage. Without a passcode, anyone can access your device in a matter of seconds, copy your data, or install spyware without your knowledge.

Enables a automatic locking after a few seconds of inactivity. Choose a strong code, a fingerprint or facial recognition rather than a pattern that's easy to guess.

Avoid obvious passwords like your date of birth. On Android as on iPhone, this reflex limits physical access to your sensitive information.

4. Use a VPN to secure your connection

A vpn (virtual private network) encrypts the data that travels between your device and the internet, and hides your IP address. The result: no one can spy on your online activities when you connect to a public network.

This is especially useful if you travel often or if you use Wi-Fi at an airport, library, or restaurant.

Note: A VPN is a tool for privacy, not an antivirus program. It does not detect or remove spyware that is already installed on your phone. It complements other security measures; it does not replace them.

For a smartphone Android Where iPhone, NordVPN remains a safe bet.

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Here's what a VPN actually does to protect your phone online:

vpn	Usefulness
Encrypted connection	The VPN creates a secure tunnel between your phone and the internet. It prevents spies from accessing your data. Not even your internet service provider or a public Wi-Fi network can see anything.
Masked IP address	A VPN hides your real IP address. Websites and apps can no longer track your location.
Protection on public networks	Even when traveling or using public Wi-Fi, the pirates do not have access to your data.

5. Update your phone regularly

The updates are not just for comfort: above all, they correct the security holes on your device. With each new version, Google and Apple block the entry points used by spyware. An up-to-date system leaves hackers with far fewer opportunities to exploit.

Enables the automatic updates In your smartphone's settings, go to android as on iOS. Also make sure your apps are up to date: an outdated app is still a vulnerability that can be exploited.

6. Install antivirus software on your phone

A antivirus is the only real protection against spyware that's already installed on your device. It monitors your apps, downloads, and the websites you visit in real time, and detects malware who are trying to access your sensitive data.

Malwarebytes Mobile offers free on-demand analyses on android and iOS (Real-time protection requires a subscription.) For more comprehensive protection, Surfshark combines a VPN and antivirus software into a single app.

Discover Surfshark VPN 🗝️

FAQs

Can I prevent my phone from being spied on?

Yes. By following these six tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of your smartphone being spied on. No single method offers complete protection against 100%, but you're really making things difficult for hackers.

How do I know if spyware is installed on my phone or PC?

A sudden deceleration, a battery that melts, overheating, or unusual data usage may be signs of a problem. For more information, check out our article on how to find out if my phone is being spied on.

If you want to as well identify signs on a computer, a dedicated article explains everything in detail.

How do I know if my phone is being spied on?

Are you wondering if your calls or your SMS are being redirected without your knowledge? Here are two codes USSD Type this directly into your phone's keyboard:

*#21# : displays the call and message forwarding active on your device, to another number.
*#62# : shows the number your calls are forwarded to when your smartphone is turned off, offline, or unreachable.

A number that appears on your screen doesn't necessarily mean you're being spied on. It's often a legitimate redirect to the voicemail from your carrier. If you're not sure, turn off call forwarding and contact your carrier to check.