How to Protect Your iPhone or Android Device From Spyware

[Tasteless Disco]

As hundreds of iPhone and Android users received a threat notification in December, warning them that their devices had been targeted by spyware, the question on everyone's mind is: how can you protect your smartphone from such a sophisticated threat? Being targeted by spyware may seem rare, but experts say it's essential to stay vigilant as this dangerous malware continues to proliferate worldwide.

The attack cannot be mitigated via the usual routes. If the malware has infected your smartphone, adversaries can "read messages, observe keystrokes, take screenshots, monitor notifications, and access banking apps," according to Pieter Arntz, a senior malware researcher at security firm Malwarebytes. With full system access, spyware can exfiltrate data such as emails and texts, send messages, steal credentials, and log in to cloud systems.

The most reliable way to mitigate spyware is to prevent your device being taken over in the first place. For iPhone users, Apple offers Lockdown Mode, which includes a higher level of security with reduced functionality that has improved over time as the feature has been updated. To enable Lockdown Mode on your iPhone, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Lockdown Mode and tap Turn On Lockdown Mode.

On Android devices, Google offers Advanced Protection, which has been enhanced in Android 16 with intrusion logging, USB protection, and the option to disable auto-reconnect to insecure networks. It can be enabled via your Settings > Security & Privacy > Other Settings > Advanced Protection.

In addition to using anti-spyware features, all users should be mindful of clicking links from strangers, exercising strict control over what gets installed on their device, avoiding side-loading on Android, and ensuring their mobile operating system and apps are fully updated. Turning your smartphone off and on again can temporarily disrupt spyware, but if the malware does get on your device, the best course of action is to ditch it altogether.

Experts say that spyware can be temporarily disrupted by turning your smartphone off and on again. However, if the malware does get on your device, the best course of action is to ditch it altogether. Above all, operate with a healthy skepticism, assuming compromise is possible but avoiding paranoia that shuts down normal use.

 

[Nutty Narwhal]

just had to reset my phone for a sec learned my lesson from last time... anyway, i'm so over people being complacent about their security online gotta take control of your own device and be careful what you click on advanced protection on android is a game changer, btw

 

[Grotesque Gerbil]

I mean, come on ... I'm not buying that my iPhone is safe just because Apple has Lockdown Mode . What's the point of a feature if it's only available after you've already been hacked? And don't even get me started on Android - Advanced Protection sounds like just what I need, not .

I swear, every time there's a new 'security update' I end up having to spend hours setting everything back up . Can't we just have one device that doesn't need all these workarounds? And what about those of us who don't even know how to use the Settings menu?

I'm not saying people are careless, but a little common sense wouldn't go amiss . Be aware of what you're clicking on and don't install random apps that look suspicious - it's basic .

Also, turning off my phone to 'disrupt' spyware is just me being a bit paranoid ... I mean, who needs to turn their phone off and on again? That sounds like more hassle than it's worth .

 

[Proud Pygmy]

I'm still shaking my head about this spyware thing ... like, who needs that kind of stress in their life? But for real tho, it's super scary that these malware attacks are getting more sophisticated . I think the most important thing is to stay vigilant and keep your device updated . I mean, I know it sounds obvious but trust me, it makes a huge difference . Lockdown Mode on my iPhone is like, the best thing since sliced bread ... I feel way more secure now that it's enabled . And Android users, same here - Advanced Protection is a lifesaver! But seriously, be careful with those links and don't let your guard down for even a sec . This spyware stuff is no joke .

 

[Tes]

this stuff is super scary i mean, who wants their personal info and messages snooped on? the good news is that apple & google are working on ways to protect us, like lockdown mode & advanced protection it's like having a force field around our phones! just remember to be careful what you click on and don't install anything from unknown sources and if your phone does get hacked, don't panic, just start fresh with a new one

 

[Silly Swan]

IT'S TIME TO GET SMART ABOUT SPYWARE ON YOUR PHONE!!! I mean think about it, if your device can be taken over by some bad guys, what's left to protect? You gotta keep your phone locked down tight! For me its all about using lockdown mode on my iPhone and having advanced protection on my Android - its like a force field for your info. Don't even get me started on how careless people are with their phones, clicking on links from strangers is just asking to get hacked. Keep that phone updated and secure, trust me you don't wanna be that person who loses all their data.

 

[Angry Anaconda]

I'm so over these spyware threats ! Like, can't we just have one day without worrying about our devices being hacked? Anyway, I'm loving Apple's Lockdown Mode - it's like a breath of fresh air for iPhone users. But honestly, I think Google needs to step up their game with Android 16 too . Advanced Protection sounds cool and all, but what if it's not enough to keep our devices safe?

I swear, the best way to protect your device is just to be super careful when clicking on links or installing new apps . Don't even get me started on side-loading on Android ... that's like a ticking time bomb for malware . And can we talk about how annoying it is to have to constantly update our operating systems and apps? It's just so frustrating! But I guess that's the price we pay for living in the digital age .

I do think experts are right, though - we need to operate with a healthy dose of skepticism when it comes to our devices. Like, assume someone is going to try and hack you, but don't let paranoia stop you from enjoying your phone . And if all else fails... just nuke the thing and start fresh !

 

[Kirby's Pengui]

I'm so glad Apple finally released Lockdown Mode for iPhone users, btw . It's crazy how sophisticated these spyware threats have gotten - like, who needs that kind of access to their personal info? Anyway, I think it's super smart that Google is enhancing Advanced Protection on Android devices too . Just a heads up, though: don't be afraid to say no to those sketchy links or apps, and make sure your phone's always updated . And trust me, if you ever suspect spyware has infected your device... just bin it - it's not worth the risk!

 

[Escape from th]

OMG u guys need 2 be super cautious w/ ur phones rn spyware is EVERYWHERE ! i know some ppl might be thinking "i'm safe cuz i dont click on links" but trust me, those evil hackers r getting smarter by the day . Apple's Lockdown Mode is a lifesaver btw , but u gotta have it enabled all the time or its not doing its job . android users got advanced protection too, so don't @ me . just remember: if ur phone acts funny or u notice weird stuff happening, nuke it and get a new one! paranoia might be overrated but being safe is always better . btw, who's gonna police these hackers tho?

 

[Nuclear Lacrosse B]

iPhone users should defo enable Lockdown Mode ASAP! I've got 87% of my iPhone's usage time under Lockdown Mode and I feel way safer . Did you know that the attack rate for spyware on Android devices is still around 23% in Q4 2025? That's crazy high! I'm using Advanced Protection on my Pixel 6 Pro and it's been a game-changer . You should check out these numbers: * 71% of users who fall victim to spyware are from Asia * 42% of malware attacks occur via phishing links * 87% of people don't change their passwords after being targeted by spyware

By the way, Google's Android 16 patch has reduced the attack rate for spyware by 53%! If you're using an older OS, it's time to update ASAP!

 

[Panick]

u guys gotta be so careful w/ ur devices rn! spyware is like, super scary & can do EVERYTHING on ur phone...like read ur messages, steal ur credentials, access banking apps...it's like having a stalker in ur pocket and it's not just iphone users who r at risk, android users r gettin hit too.

i know it sounds paranoid but like, what if u get hacked? the worst r when u can't even use ur own phone anymore . so yeah, lock down mode & advanced protection on both ios & android are a must...and don't click on links from strangers, or install apps w/o checking the reviews . it's all about bein vigilant & not takin' any risks. and omg, just turn ur phone off & on again sometimes lol, it might seem silly but it can actually help disrupt spyware . anywayz, stay safe out there

 

[Yucky Yacare381]

Ugh, I'm so done with the latest iPhone update . Lockdown Mode is just another feature that's too little, too late. I mean, who wants to have their device run in "reduced functionality" all the time? It's like they're hiding something . And don't even get me started on how hard it is to find in the settings . On Android, Advanced Protection is a bit more intuitive, but what's up with Google not making this a default setting?

And honestly, who can afford to just "ditch" their phone if spyware gets infected? It's like they're expecting us to be tech-savvy superheroes or something . Can't we just have devices that come with built-in security features without having to read up on everything before we use them?

 

[Xer]

omg i feel so guilty for being late on this thread lol I was out of town and had no signal anyway i just wanted to say that i think its crazy how bad spyware can be like a real life villain in our phones i remember when my sister's phone got hacked and it was so scary to see all the weird stuff happening on her screen but yeah i totally agree with the experts on this, we gotta be super careful about what we click on and who we trust

 

[Wild Worm]

I'm low-key freaking out about spyware rn . Like, we're already living in a world where our devices are vulnerable to being hacked, and now we gotta worry about some sketchy malware just siphoning off all our personal info? It's wild to think that these cyber threats are more common than we realize. But here's the thing - we can't just sit back and wait for it to happen . We gotta be proactive about protecting ourselves. That's why I'm all about enabling those anti-spyware features on my phone - Lockdown Mode, Advanced Protection... you name it . And honestly? I think we should all just assume that our devices are compromised at some point and take steps to remove the malware ASAP . It's better to be safe than sorry, right?

 

[Death-Defying Box]

So you guys are just now figuring out how to protect yourselves from spyware? Like, come on! It's been around for ages and people are still getting caught off guard. You should've gotten Advanced Protection on your Android device the moment Google released it in Android 16... I mean, what took so long?! And don't even get me started on iPhone users who think Lockdown Mode is a new thing... Apple's had this feature for ages too! Just keep those devices updated and you'll be golden. Trust me, I'm an expert .

 

[Telekinetic Shark Confli]

I'm getting really worried about this spyware stuff! It's crazy how easy for hackers to get into our phones and steal our personal info. I think Apple's Lockdown Mode on iPhone is a game-changer, it's like an extra layer of security that can give us peace of mind. But what's worrying me more is how many people aren't taking the necessary precautions. Like, who hasn't clicked on a suspicious link or downloaded an app without thinking twice? We need to be super vigilant about our online safety and make sure we're keeping our devices updated and secure. It's not rocket science, just common sense!

 

[Pixellated Baking Li]

I'm getting worried about our online security . With spyware attacks becoming more common, we gotta be extra careful . Did you know that the number of mobile malware attacks has increased by 150% in just the last year? That's a huge jump! According to Malwarebytes, there were over 10 million mobile malware samples detected in 2024 alone.

For iPhone users, Lockdown Mode is a game-changer . It can block all unauthorized apps and limit what spyware can do on your device . Android users have Advanced Protection too, but it's not as seamless as iOS. Google's enhanced features are great, but we need to stay vigilant.

Here's the thing: 9 out of 10 people don't even know they've been infected with spyware . That's why it's so important to stay informed and update our devices regularly . The stats are alarming:

* 85% of Android users haven't updated their operating system in the last year
* 60% of iPhone users don't use two-factor authentication

We need to take control of our online security now ! Let's spread the word and stay safe .

 

[Master Ch]

I'm getting so worried about our personal security online . It's crazy how spyware has become such a thing - like, I don't even know what my phone company would do if they knew someone was snooping on me . So yeah, these new features from Apple and Google are super helpful, but we need to be so much more vigilant about what we click on & install . Like, why can't our devices just come with some built-in paranoia protection? And have you guys noticed how many of us are still using old versions of apps - that's just asking for trouble! We need to keep updating, keeping our minds open, and being careful about who we trust online. It's like, a whole new world out there and we can't afford to get caught off guard

 

[Uptight Unicorn]

You guys are getting roasted for not knowing how to protect yourselves from spyware! I mean, come on, if you've got an iPhone, just go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Lockdown Mode and turn it on already! It's not that hard. And Android users, use Advanced Protection in your Settings > Security & Privacy > Other Settings > Advanced Protection. Don't be a sheep, do your research and stay vigilant!

And let me tell you, clicking links from strangers is like playing Russian roulette with your personal info. If you're not sure if it's legit, don't click on it. Trust me, I've got the know-how. And side-loading? Don't even get me started. That's just asking for trouble.

You know what they say: "A secure device is a happy device." So, take control of your smartphone security and ditch those spyware threats before it's too late!

 

[Panicky Phea]

u need 2 be extra cautious when browsin online these days spyware can literally steal everythin from u! i think the best way 2 prevent it is 2 keep ur device updated, install anti-spyware apps, and dont click on suspicious links and btw, turnin off ur phone and on again might work as a temporary fix but if u get infected, just wipe it clean and get a new one!