A keylogger is malware that records everything you type on your smartphone , such as your passwords, messages, searches or banking details. It can then pass this information to a hacker who can use it to steal your identity, money or personal data.

A keylogger can be installed on your smartphone without your knowledge, for example by downloading an infected application , clicking on a booby-trapped link , or connecting your phone to a compromised computer .

But how do you know if your smartphone is already infected by a keylogger?

There are signs that can alert you to the presence of a keylogger on your smartphone, as well as methods to detect and remove it. In this article, we will explain to you how to detect a keylogger on your Android or iOS , and how to get rid of it.

How to detect a keylogger on your Android smartphone?

Android is the most popular operating system on smartphones, but also the most exposed to keyloggers . They can easily install on your smartphone if you download untrusted apps or give too many permissions to apps.

Symptoms of a keylogger infection

If your Android smartphone is infected with a keylogger , you may notice some symptoms, such as:

• Phone overheating : If your smartphone becomes unusually hot, even when you're not using it, this may indicate that a keylogger is running in the background and consuming CPU resources.
• Battery draining quickly : If your smartphone is losing battery life faster than usual, it could be due to a keylogger using the battery to send recorded data to the hacker.
• Strange messages or missed calls : If you receive messages or calls from unknown numbers, or if you notice missed calls or messages sent without your consent, this may mean that a keylogger has accessed your email or history calls.
• Slow performance or apps that close : If your smartphone becomes slow or unstable, or your apps close unexpectedly, it may be caused by a keylogger that is interfering with the normal functioning of the operating system or apps.

These symptoms are not necessarily related to a keylogger, they can also be due to other factors, such as a hardware, software or network problem. But if you observe them, it is recommended to check if your smartphone is infected with a keylogger.

Methods for detecting a keylogger

To detect a keylogger on your Android smartphone, you can use the following methods:

• Scan apps with Google Play Protect , which will warn you if an app is malicious and allow you to uninstall it.
• Use an antivirus or security application , which will help you identify and remove keyloggers from your smartphone.
• Check app permissions , which can be used by keyloggers to spy on your activity or data. You should uninstall or disable apps that have suspicious permissions.
• Uninstall suspicious or unknown applications , which may contain keyloggers. You should remove applications that you did not install yourself or that you do not recognize.

To remedy personal data leaks : Essential mobile applications to avoid information hacking

How to detect a keylogger on your iOS smartphone?

iOS is the operating system for Apple smartphones, such as the iPhone or iPod Touch. iOS is more secure than Android because it does not allow apps from third-party sources unless the user has done a jailbreak , which modifies the operating system to remove Apple's restrictions .

iOS also controls app permissions, and does not give them access to the keyboard or other apps without the user's consent. But iOS can still be attacked by keyloggers , which use vulnerabilities in the operating system or applications to enter your smartphone.

Symptoms of a keylogger infection

If your iOS smartphone is infected with a keylogger, you may notice some symptoms, such as:

• Abnormal data consumption : the keylogger sends data to the hacker via the network
• The appearance of new icons or applications : the keylogger hides under a false appearance
• The need to factory reset : the keylogger resists other removal methods
• The ability to restore the phone from a backup : the keylogger disappears with the deleted data

How to remove a keylogger from your smartphone?

If you have managed to detect a keylogger on your smartphone, you should remove as quickly as possible to prevent it from continuing to record and send your information to the hacker. To remove a keylogger from your smartphone, you can use the following methods:

Remove keylogger with security app

If you used a security application to detect the keylogger , you can also use it to remove it . The security application will tell you the name and location of the keylogger , and will offer to delete or quarantine . You must follow the instructions of the security application to eliminate the keylogger from your smartphone.

Reset phone to factory settings

If you do not have a security application, or if it cannot delete the keylogger, you can reset your smartphone to factory settings , as explained previously. This operation will erase all data and applications from your smartphone, including the keylogger . So you need to back up your important data before doing it.

The best way to erase all your data on Android: How to wipe data on your Android smartphone?

Change your passwords and personal information

After removing the keylogger from your smartphone, you should change your passwords and personal information , as they may have been compromised by the keylogger . You should change the passwords for any accounts you have used on your smartphone, such as your email , social media , banking , or online shopping .

You must also change your personal information , such as your phone number, address, or security questions. You should choose and unique passwords , which are not easy to guess or crack by hackers.

Report the keylogger to the relevant authorities

Finally, you should report the keylogger to the relevant authorities , such as the police or the CNIL , so that they can investigate the origin and purpose of the keylogger , and possibly identify and prosecute the hacker. You should provide them with as much information as possible about the keylogger , such as its name, location, installation date, or the data it recorded.

You should also tell them how you detected and removed the keylogger , and if you noticed any negative consequences from its infection, such as theft, fraud, or identity theft.

FAQs

What types of keyloggers exist?

There are two main types of keyloggers : hardware keyloggers and software keyloggers.

• Hardware keyloggers are physical devices that plug between the keyboard and the smartphone, or are integrated into the keyboard itself. They record keystrokes on internal memory or transmit them via a wireless signal.
• Software keyloggers are programs that are installed on the smartphone and capture keystrokes through various methods, such as intercepting keyboard signals, analyzing the screen, capturing sounds or monitoring the press. papers.

How do I know if my smartphone is jailbroken or rooted?

Jailbreak and root are operations that unlock restrictions imposed by manufacturers or operators on iOS or Android smartphones . These operations can increase the risk of infection by a keylogger , because they provide access to features and applications normally prohibited.

To find out if your smartphone is jailbroken or rooted , you can use dedicated applications, like Jailbreak Detector or Root Checker , which will tell you the status of your smartphone. You can also check for unusual icons or apps, like Cydia or SuperSU , which are signs of jailbreak or rooting.

How to choose a good security application?

There are many security apps on the market, but they are not all created equal. To choose a good security application, you must take into account several criteria, such as:

• Reputation : You should choose a security application that comes from a recognized and reliable publisher, which has good user reviews and ratings, and which has no history of breaches or scandals.
• Performance : you must choose a security application that offers effective and comprehensive protection against keyloggers and other malware, which does not slow down your smartphone, which does not consume too much battery, and which does not generate false positives.
• Ease of use : You should choose a security application that is easy to install, configure and use, has a clear and intuitive interface, and provides you with understandable reports and alerts.
• Price : You need to choose a security app that fits your budget, offers good value for money, and doesn't charge you with hidden fees or unwanted subscriptions.

What is the difference between a keylogger and spyware?

A keylogger is a type of spyware , that is, spyware that collects and transmits information about your activity. A keylogger focuses on recording keystrokes , while spyware may have other goals, such as taking screenshots , recording audio , GPS tracking , or stealing files .