Question Spyware?

[bmcaps]

Hello all,

I am using a shared android device for work purposes. Without factory resetting, is there any way I can scan for and be assured that there are no secret or hidden apps or settings that are taking screenshots or otherwise recording my keystrokes or anything else I do to the device's internal memory?

What is the quickest/ easiest way to check for this? And are there any spy apps that can evade detection?
Thank you all.

 

[B. Diddy]

You can try something like Malwarebytes, but the sensitivity of Android antimalware apps will vary depending on the company and the particular malware the app is looking for.

I think your best approach would be to remain conscious that you're using a device that someone else may have access to, and therefore limit your activity on that device strictly to work.

 

[SyCoREAPER]

Go on a dirty site. If you still have a job tomorrow your job isn't spying on you.

Or the more sensible approach that @B. Diddy suggested.
The very act of you even checking would be seen as suspicious if said work device is being monitored

 

[Windroid 2483]

If it's a work phone, assume anything you put into it is known to your boss.

 

[bmcaps]

Thank you all for the responses. To be clear, the device is actually mine, and I want to make sure others who use it don't install any Spyware. I don't want to factory reset or anything, I just would like to check for any of this potential Spyware just to be sure.

Also, the others who use my device are not sophisticated or very knowledgeable with android, so any Spyware would be simple settings or over the counter apps.

Would an antimalware app such as malwarebytes detect any such Spyware?

Thanks again

 

[bmcaps]

Just ran Malwarebytes. No threats detected. What about android device policy app? Can it be set up to spy?

 

[SyCoREAPER]

You are too paranoid, either that or you did something you shouldn't have that's prompting you to worry like this.

Provided your phone isn't old and kept up to date, a factory reset without a backup restore is the only** way to be sure it's clean. Safe practices like only installing from the PlayStore, FDroid, ApkMirror; Only visiting reputable sites; Using a mainstream or security enhanced browser are the only sure way to keep your device safe.
Tools like Malwarebytes and any other similar apps are very superficial on Android compared to desktop counterparts.

**Aforementioned statement about your phone not being old. There was malware at one point that embedded itself so deep it couldn't be removed on most devices.

TLDR: Reset your device, don't restore anything from auto restore, manually move files back and reinstall apps.

 

[rvbfan]

You are too paranoid, either that or you did something you shouldn't have that's prompting you to worry like this.

Provided your phone isn't old and kept up to date, a factory reset without a backup restore is the only** way to be sure it's clean. Safe practices like only installing from the PlayStore, FDroid, ApkMirror; Only visiting reputable sites; Using a mainstream or security enhanced browser are the only sure way to keep your device safe.
Tools like Malwarebytes and any other similar apps are very superficial on Android compared to desktop counterparts.

**Aforementioned statement about your phone not being old. There was malware at one point that embedded itself so deep it couldn't be removed on most devices.

TLDR: Reset your device, don't restore anything from auto restore, manually move files back and reinstall apps.

And stop letting others use your phone for Pete's sake!

 

[B. Diddy]

I absolutely agree with rvbfan -- don't let other people use your phone, unless you would absolutely trust them with your life as well. It's just not worth the hassle.

And no, I don't see how anyone could use Android Device Policy to "hack" a phone.

 

[mustang7757]

Hello all,

I am using a shared android device for work purposes. Without factory resetting, is there any way I can scan for and be assured that there are no secret or hidden apps or settings that are taking screenshots or otherwise recording my keystrokes or anything else I do to the device's internal memory?

What is the quickest/ easiest way to check for this? And are there any spy apps that can evade detection?
Thank you all.

If you're sharing a device with another person for work , then private stuff shouldn't be on it besides work related things .