This is Part 3 of our Staying Safe Online Guide. We hope this information is really useful. You can find Part 1 here and Part 2 here. Have a good read and take it bit by bit if it feels overwhelming. It always sinks in more on a second read! Please know that a life without abuse can be your future. Here at Juno, we’ll walk this path to freedom beside you.
Spyware is a type of malicious software and is sometimes called malware for short. It is designed to secretly monitor and collect information about a person’s activities on their device.
Here at Juno, we know that abusers use Spyware so that they can track the survivor online. It can track a wide range of data, including keystrokes, browsing habits, passwords, and even financial information. This makes it a big threat to your privacy and security. But there are actions you can take that will help you overcome this issue. We’ll walk you through it below.
What Does Spyware Do?
Spyware inserts itself into a device and runs quietly in the background to collect sensitive information. Here are some of its main functions:
- Keylogging: Spyware can record every keystroke, capturing passwords, messages, and personal details.
- Tracking Browsing Habits: It monitors websites visited, search queries, and online purchases.
- Capturing Screenshots: Some spyware can take screenshots of activities, such as emails or bank transactions.
- Stealing Personal Information: It can gather usernames, passwords, and credit card details, which can be exploited for financial fraud.
- Tracking Location: Advanced spyware can track a person’s physical location, which can be especially dangerous for survivors of abuse attempting to escape or remain hidden.
How is Spyware Installed?
Spyware can find its way onto devices through various means. It’s used by criminals in scams and they will put it on malicious websites or apps. However, abusers will intentionally install spyware on devices shared with or belonging to you. So, how can you know if he or she has done this?
Signs That Your Device May Be Infected
While spyware is designed to be hidden, there are often tell-tale signs of its presence.
On a technical level these could be:
- Your device slows down unexpectedly.
- You notice a rapid drain in battery life.
- Pop-ups or strange ads appear, even when you’re not browsing.
- You find apps or software you didn’t install.
- Your data usage spikes without explanation.
- Certain settings, like privacy or security settings, have been changed without your input.
On an everyday level these could be:
- The abuser seems to know where you are or where you have been, ever though you haven’t told them.
- The abuser turns up at a location where you are and pretends this is just a coincidence.
- Friends or family of the abuser seem to be following your movements.
- The abuser just ‘knows’ things that you are sure you never mentioned.
- The abuser tries to gaslight you into thinking you have told him information that you didn’t think you had.
Spyware and Domestic Abuse
If you believe someone has installed spyware on your device:
- Use a secure device to seek help or research. This could be a trusted friend’s phone, a library computer, or a computer at a women’s centre.
- Keep notes of anything suspicious you have seen or that your abuser has said to you. Write down the date, time, and location of where you were and what was said as clearly as you remember it. Keep these notes in a safe place. That could be hidden somewhere the abuser doesn’t generally look or store them with a friend.
- Avoid confronting the abuser directly, as it might escalate the situation.
- Contact domestic abuse support services for advice and assistance. Wherever you are, there are friendly women who want to help you, either at Juno or elsewhere in the country. See below for more details.
How to Protect Yourself Against Spyware
Preventing and removing spyware requires a proactive approach. Here are practical steps to secure your devices:
- Update Your Software Regularly
Ensure your operating system, browsers, and apps are up to date. Developers frequently release security patches to protect against vulnerabilities. This may highlight that you have spyware on your device.
- Use Strong Passwords
Create unique, complex passwords for all your accounts and devices. Don’t use anything connected to you in real life, such as your pet’s name or favourite singer. Consider using a password manager to keep track of them. This may help, but by itself it is not enough. Abusers are cunning, so make sure you do everything else suggested too.
- Install Reputable Antivirus Software
High-quality antivirus programs can detect and block spyware before it installs on your device. Many also offer real-time protection against other types of malware.
- Check App Permissions
Review the permissions granted to your apps. If an app requests access to features it doesn’t need (e.g., a flashlight app asking for location data), it could be suspicious.
- Reset Your Device
If you suspect spyware, consider performing a factory reset. This removes all apps and data, including malicious software. Back up essential files or your photos before starting this. For information on how to do it for your particular device, do a Google search, ask a friend or Juno to help.
- Seek Help
If you’re unsure or unable to remove spyware, consult a tech-savvy friend or reach out to us here at Juno.
Where to Find Help – Local and National
If you are in the Nottingham City or Nottinghamshire County area, then Juno can help you. Call our free 24/7 helpline on: 0808 8000 340. It’s totally free, is not listed on itemised bills, and we are open every single day of the year.
If you are elsewhere, there will be organisations closer to home that can help you. Do a Google search for your town name + womens aid.
For example, type in: Stoke womens aid. The first result will be Staffordshire Women’s Aid, so you’ve found the right women to help you.
You can also call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline (0808 2000 247) who provide confidential advice. They can guide you on digital safety and support you in escaping abusive relationships.
Spyware is a serious threat, but you can protect your digital privacy. If it feels overwhelming, don’t worry, that’s totally normal. And you can still move forward just one step at a time towards a life free from violence.
We are here to help you. Our helpline is run by a compassionate and non-judgemental team of women who will be glad you’ve rang them. We can assure you that nothing you say will shock or disgust them. They will help you by listening and – if you wish them to – advising you on how you can break free from abuse.
Calls to the helpline are free from landlines and mobile phones within the UK and do not appear on itemised bills.
Helpline: 0808 800 0340
Sometimes our helpline is busy and you might not get through the first time, so please try again. We will always call you back if you leave a message stating it is safe to do so and if you leave us a safe contact number in your message.
If you are hearing impaired, text “Relay/NGT” to 18001 0808 800 0340. This option is available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year.
You can also email us on [email protected] 9 am – 9 pm.
Please note, we may not be able to respond to emails straight away, but will try to reply within 24 hours.
The deaf health charity Signhealth also runs a domestic abuse support service, DeafHope, using British Sign Language (BSL).