Taking Surveillance Up A Notch by BigSnoops.Com

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3. Table of Contents Introduction Is Mobile Spying Software Legal? Chapter 1: Mobile Spying How Does a Mobile Spying Software Work? The Pros The Cons Chapter 2: Mobile Spying Do’s and Don’ts What Is Considered Responsible Spying? What Are the Factors in Choosing Spy Apps? Chapter 3: Are You Being Watched? How to Tell if Your Phone Is Tapped? What Are the Dangers of Being Spied On? Conclusion 3 • bigsnoops.com

4. Introduction From just making calls to a whole lot of other features, mobile phones have evolved to smartphones in the last two decades. They now can act as a camera, a recording device, a gaming console and a mini-computer which has Internet access and an operating system that is capable of running software applications. With more and more people switching to smartphones, more and more application developers try to keep up and develop new programs that would cater to the needs of different markets. They have even come up with apps that can be used for snooping, which are popularly known as mobile phone spying software. This type of app can monitor a person’s whereabouts and activities by tracking his or her phone’s location as well as phone calls and SMS. There are plenty of spying apps available for download, and many companies are working doubly hard to add more sophisticated features to their products. However, there is one commonly asked question regarding the use of spying applications: Is it legal? Is Mobile Spying Software Legal? In the United States as well as in many other countries, it is legal to sell mobile spying software given that the developers provide a disclaimer that it is the user’s responsibility to ensure that these spying apps are not used in illegal activities. Yes, using a mobile phone spying app, in many cases, is legal as long as users comply with the existing laws of the country they reside in. Otherwise, consequences await the lawbreaker. In this eBook, we are going to talk more about one of the coolest software applications ever created—the mobile spying software. We are going to discuss how it works, what are its advantages and disadvantages, and how to choose the right app for you. Further, we are also going to enlighten you on the telltale signs of a bugged mobile phone and even show you the possible dangers of being spied on. If these things excite you, then brace yourself for we are going to bring out the spy in you! 4 • bigsnoops.com

5. Chapter 1: Mobile Spying The primary function of a mobile phone spying software is to keep track and record the activities of a particular phone. The purpose is easy to understand, but how it works is more complicated to figure out. How Does a Mobile Spying Software Work? Basically, using this kind of app involves installing the software on the target mobile phone, entering the license key, and monitoring the activity of the said phone. Here’s a detailed discussion of each step. Installation One has to have the actual target phone and install the spying software program. The app will run in the background without the knowledge of the phone user. However, those installing the mobile spy app have to ensure that the software is compatible with the targeted phone. Otherwise, the phone cannot be monitored. You should also be wary of spying apps that claim that they can be remotely installed because one can only do so if he or she has physical access to the device. 5 • bigsnoops.com

6. Compatibility Many spy software programs are compatible with either Android phone or iPhone. Those who are on the lookout for a mobile spy app have to first find out from the software maker if the particular app is compatible with the target phone. The phone has to be on the software maker’s list of supported devices. Moreover, it is easy to install a spy application on an Android phone, but more work is needed to install one on an iPhone. The iPhone has to be jailbroken first before the software can be downloaded and installed. Control Panel It is not enough that one has installed the spying app directly to the targeted mobile. The one “spying” must also have the control panel, a web-based interface that allows for monitoring. Spy software makers provide the control panel, which allows the tracker to see all the recorded activity logs of the targeted phone. These activities include text and instant messages, phone calls, photos, videos, emails, browser history, and contacts. The control panel also lets the tracker see the location of the targeted mobile. The control has a dashboard, which lets a user do a variety of activities such as reviewing and downloading all the activity logs from messages, videos, photos, and recordings. The 6 • bigsnoops.com

7. dashboard can also control the targeted phone remotely. This means the control panel user can lock or unlock the mobile, start audio recordings and delete the spying software. It can also be used to access the account settings of the targeted mobile. The control panel also lets the user set up notifications such as getting an alert when a particular word or name is used or appears in the text message or email of the targeted phone’s user. Moreover, the mobile spy app and the control panel will only work with a reliable Internet connection. Do not expect to see all the activity logs on the control panel without a stable one. Poor Internet connection can also cause issues in the function of the mobile spy app. Like any device or program, mobile spy software has its advantages and disadvantages. Let us take a look at some possible scenarios. The Pros Peace of Mind The future is hard to predict, and some individuals would like mobile spy apps to help them deal with crisis or problems for their peace of mind. One of the reasons many use the mobile spy app is to be able to handle emergency situations. Mobile spy apps give users the exact location of the person being monitored, which makes it a useful tool for emergency situations. For example, when a loved one gets into an accident, the person monitoring can quickly locate him or her. In other cases, person tracking can see whether his or her loved one has arrived safely to a particular location or not. Aside from tracking for emergency purposes, mobile spy apps can also be used for the safety of the person being monitored. For example, parents would know the Internet browsing activities of their kids. They would be able to find out if his or her child is accessing prohibited websites with a mobile phone or if their kids are cyberbullied. Business Efficiency Some owners are worried about the productivity of their employees. Many firms, after all, have mobile workers who are issued with company cars. It is then an efficient and 7 • bigsnoops.com

8. profitable undertaking to monitor the movements of mobile workers, which arguably is quite tricky to do. A mobile spy software program can make monitoring of these employees easy for the managers and owners. Aside from knowing the employees’ exact location, owners and supervisors can also track how much time workers spend on unnecessary activities like social media, Internet browsing or messaging. Plus, a mobile spy software will also let owners or managers track whether employees are sharing company confidential information to outsiders. The Cons The Moral Question Yes, in many countries, selling and using mobile spyware apps is legal. However, just because it’s legal doesn’t mean it’s ethically or morally right to track one’s phone without their knowledge. Some people have valid and justifiable reasons for tracking a person’s phone. But others do it excessively, which can also be viewed as an invasion of privacy. The best practice is to let the person know that they are being tracked with a spy app to lessen the risk of violating the person’s rights. Inefficiency Like any tool or program, do not expect mobile spy program software to be fail-proof. Keep in mind that the app is Internet-based, which means a weak or unreliable Internet connection can cause inefficiencies. There is also the problem of compatibility with the targeted mobile phones. If the spy app does not support the phone, then do not expect to be able to track the person efficiently. Plus, the accuracy of the location can be quite problematic, too. Bear in mind that the Global Position System or GPS, a navigation and positioning tool, is not always precise and at times provides incorrect information. 8 • bigsnoops.com

9. Chapter 2: Mobile Spying Do’s and Don’ts The use of mobile spy software is not illegal. However, installing and using such program may be considered irresponsible. What Is Considered Responsible Spying? As mentioned, many countries allow the sale and use of mobile spy software apps. However, whether the use of this kind of program is legal boils down to one’s intention. While rules and laws vary from one state or country to another, some guidelines will help users avoid any liability of using the mobile spy software program. For one, it is highly advised that the mobile spy app user owns the target phone. Plus, it is recommended that the target phone’s user, who is of legal age, is informed that the program is installed and his or her movements will be tracked using the mobile as well. Here are two cases to illustrate these points: Parent’s Control The parent has to keep the child safe at all times even if it means tracking the phone calls and text messages of the kid with the use of a mobile spy application. 9 • bigsnoops.com

10. Some parents opt to install and use the mobile spy software so that they would know the activities of their child. Also, with the use of the spy app, parents can see what the kid browses on the Internet. This means the parents will know whether their child is accessing age-inappropriate web content or are spending too much time on their phones rather than studying. Tracking the location of the children is also a reason why many parents choose to mobile spy on their kids. Parents can see if their child has arrived safely to a particular location such as school, sporting venue or any other places where they should be. The parents can also quickly act when they see the child is in a dubious location, which can save the kid from potential hazards. Parents installing and using a mobile spy app is a widely accepted practice because it is assumed that they are trying to keep the child safe at all times. Plus, technically speaking, the parents are considered as the owners of the target phone, too. Employer’s Prerogative As discussed above, tracking of employees can also be done with the help of spy software, which is also a widely accepted practice in many countries. Tracking of employees’ movements and activities bodes well for any business. It allows managers and owners to determine the productivity of the workers, which can also help in workforce planning. 10 • bigsnoops.com

11. A business owner can avoid liability with the use of a mobile spy program if the software is installed in a company-issued phone since an owner can put any application on the device. However, the installation and use of such software may be questionable if it was installed on the personal property of the employee without permission. Such actions might be considered an invasion of one’s privacy. Again, the best practice is to seek for the consent of the adult who will be tracked. Inadmissible in Court There are cases when the court refuses evidence from the mobile spy software in case of a lawsuit. For example, a spouse who tracked his or her partner without the latter’s consent may not be able to use the evidence from the mobile spy program in court as it is considered obtained through illegal means. Those who would like to use the software without informing the phone user can do so if they are parents or legal guardians of an underage child. When intending to track an adult, it is best to seek his or her consent to avoid possible legal repercussions. What Are the Factors in Choosing Spy Apps? There are plenty of mobile spy software programs available. However, not all are created equal, and it is best to scout for the one that fit user’s needs and preferences. Although, choosing the best mobile spy app might take some time and research. After all, there are factors to consider when selecting mobile spy apps. Features A mobile spy program should at the very least allow viewing of text messages, access to call logs, has GPS tracking capabilities and monitoring of social media such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Compatibility Aside from having these features, buyers should also consider the compatibility of the software and the intended target phone since some spy apps are incapable of supporting a particular phone. Buyers should take the time to check the list of supported phones of 11 • bigsnoops.com

12. the spy app. This should be on the website of the program maker. Support The software customer support is also essential. One should consider choosing a mobile spy app maker that has a customer service support as well as a technical support team that is easy to contact. There are cases when users will need help with the application and having someone from the software company answer one’s questions would be beneficial. Satisfaction Guarantee Some mobile tracking programs can be quite expensive. If one is looking at software that comes with a hefty price tag, then consider if the company provides a money-back guarantee as one might be stuck paying for expensive software that does not suit his or her needs. Chapter 3: Are You Being Watched? While it pays to know how mobile spying works and what are the factors to consider when procuring one, it would also be beneficial to learn how to tell if your phone is being tapped. After all, not everyone believes in cell phone tracking and others would rather be the one to monitor instead of being the person tracked. 12 • bigsnoops.com

13. How to Tell if Your Phone Is Tapped? Some symptoms will manifest if your cell phone is being monitored. These include: Distracting Noises During Calls Mobile phones that are being tracked would have unusual sounds during phone calls. These sounds would consist of distant voices and static and clicking sounds. Gone are the days when there are distracting noises during phone conversations as we are already using digital networks rather than analog ones. If a person hears such sounds, then it is possible that his or her phone is being tapped. Activities When Not In Use Does the mobile reboot, light up, and make noises when you are not using it? If the mobile is doing several activities when not in use, then it is likely that someone is spying on your device. High Battery and Increased Data Consumption Another symptom of being tracked is unusually high battery consumption. A phone that is being monitored will use up more power and will need constant charging than usual. The best way to check if the battery is draining faster with a particular mobile phone is to use the same battery on another cell phone with the same model. Notice if the battery usage is the same or lower when used in a different mobile phone. A good number of spy software consumes mobile data in sending the information obtained from the targeted phone. Notice if there has been an increase in your data consumption even if there has not been a significant change in your mobile data consumption behavior. Receipt of Strange Text Messages If you are receiving unusual SMS with strange messages, then it is possible that the phone is bugged. Some mobile spy apps send secret coded messages via SMS to your phone especially if the program is not working correctly. 13 • bigsnoops.com

14. What Are the Dangers of Being Spied On? Cell phones, particularly the smartphones these days contain a lot of personal information. This is why it can be quite dangerous if other people are bugging your phone since sensitive information can be stolen. Some users have apps for their personal banking needs, and it could be a disaster if information from banking apps are stolen. Likewise, emails contain details that could be used for identity theft such as personal data, social security numbers, and medical insurance information. Aside from possible stealing of personal data, invasion of privacy is another downside of being monitored. If you suspect that your phone is being tracked with an app without your consent, then it is best to remove the said app immediately. One can go to the phone’s settings or dashboard and find a way to remove the software from the list of programs. The phone’s operating system can also be updated as an additional measure to get rid of the spy app. If you are unsure if the app has been removed, then it is highly recommended to seek help from experts or professionals on cybersecurity. 14 • bigsnoops.com

15. Conclusion Technology has changed the way we use our mobile phones. These days, they also double as our laptop or computer, our camera, our recording device, our TV and our radio, among others. Arguably, we can only see technology going even further to make anything possible at the touch of our fingertips—it has done so with mobile spy apps. The question is, when it comes to technology, how far is too far in terms of tracking and monitoring your loved ones’ mobile phone usage? Yes, the sale and use of mobile spying apps are legal in many countries as long as one does not use the program for illegal activities. There are also significant advantages to using mobile spy software such as being useful for parents who want to ensure the safety of their kids and to business owners who are concerned about the productivity of their employees. However, would you rather spy on someone than build trust with that person? How would you feel if you are on the other side of the equation—the one being spied on instead of the one spying? Keep in mind that just because these apps are within our reach doesn’t mean we go all out on stalking people. Whether it be for the safety of our loved ones or our business, there are factors and limitations to consider when using these apps. If you want to know more about mobile spying software, feel free to visit our website. We always update it with useful techniques, tips, and advice. You can also find comprehensive reviews of the best spy apps available on the market. 15 • bigsnoops.com