Detection Section (TSCM)
Detecting Spyware on Smartphones
Your smartphone: a prime target
Your smartphone now holds the essentials of your life: messages, photos, travel plans, contacts, accounts—as well as a microphone and camera. That’s precisely what makes it a prime target. Spyware installed without your knowledge can transmit your messages, track your location, and discreetly activate your sensors, turning your own device into a surveillance tool used against you.
This software, sometimes referred to as “stalkerware,” is most often installed by someone who has had physical access to the device, typically in the context of a conflict, a difficult breakup, or jealousy. Once installed, they run in the background without a visible icon and remain undetectable to an unsuspecting user.
When doubts arise—such as a third party who seems to know far too much about your private life, unusual behavior on your device, or a tense situation—examining your smartphone can help you determine whether it has been compromised and regain control of your privacy.
What Our Services Include
The purpose of our investigation is to determine whether your device is being monitored.
- Thorough examination of the smartphone to look for signs of compromise;
- Identification of suspicious applications or configurations;
- Identification of any remote access or data transmission;
- Documented report on the condition of the device;
- Practical recommendations for securing your smartphone.
Each finding is clearly documented. This review complements oursmartphone audit when your suspicions specifically involve surveillance software.
How Does the Exam Work?
It all starts with a confidential discussion to understand the source of your concerns and the context, followed by a clear estimate. Our technicians then examine the device—a smartphone that you own or with the user’s consent. Our detection operations are conducted under the supervision of Igor Defosse, the Aquila Group’s TSCM technical lead. You’ll receive a clear report and tailored recommendations.
Clear Up Any Doubts About Your Device
Uncertainty weighs heavily: as long as doubt lingers, you watch what you say, you distrust your own phone, and you lose your peace of mind. The scan puts an end to this uncertainty. Either it confirms the presence of surveillance software and allows you to take action, or it rules it out and restores your peace of mind.
In either case, you’ll leave with a well-founded answer rather than a vague sense of anxiety. And if a problem is detected, we’ll work with you to fix the system and minimize the risk of such a situation recurring.
Regaining control is often a real relief, especially when the monitoring takes place against the backdrop of a difficult personal situation.
The Limits of Apparent Signs
We often read that certain signs—such as a battery that drains quickly, a device that overheats, or unusual data usage—may indicate the presence of spyware. In reality, these signs are unreliable: they can have countless harmless causes, and the most sophisticated spyware is specifically designed to leave no trace.
Relying on these signs therefore leads either to unnecessary alarm or to a false sense of security. Only a thorough inspection of the equipment, conducted by a professional, provides a truly reliable answer, whereas personal observation quickly reaches its limits.
An examination focused on the system
Our investigation focuses on the smartphone itself: it is the device, in the user’s hand, that is at the center of the examination. This targeted approach allows us to be precise and effective by focusing the analysis on the specific device that is the subject of your concern.
We also provide you, in the spirit of full transparency, with information on what such an examination can establish and what remains uncertain, so that you can interpret our findings accurately.
Legal Framework and Privacy
The inspection may only be conducted on a device that you own, or for which the user has given consent. We verify this beforehand and conduct our work in strict compliance with the law and with respect for individuals’ privacy. This rigor ensures the legitimacy of the process.
When the situation warrants it, the report may be formalized to support a course of action, in accordance with applicable rules.
Why Choose the Aquila Group
The Aquila Group is a firm accredited by the CNAPS, whose technical detection division is supported by a dedicated specialist and professional equipment. Our services are provided by our own technicians throughout France, with high demand in the Paris region, thanks to our network of twenty branches across five regions.
Discretion, attentiveness, and technical precision are the cornerstones of our work. To have your device inspected, please contact our teams : your initial consultation is confidential and non-binding.
In what contexts
Requests for investigations into suspected surveillance most often arise in sensitive personal situations: a contentious separation, a relationship marked by excessive control, or simply a hunch that a loved one knows too much about your life. They may also come from individuals whose privacy is at stake, for whom the confidentiality of their communications is a very real concern.
Whatever the circumstances, we welcome you without judgment and with discretion. Our role is not to pass judgment on a personal situation, but to provide a technical answer to a simple question: Is your device being monitored, yes or no?
This neutrality, combined with a thorough review, is essential for requests that often touch on deeply personal matters. You remain in control of how to proceed, with full knowledge of the facts, and we will support you in this decision if you wish.
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Spyware on Smartphones: Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. A thorough examination of the device, conducted by a professional, can identify signs of compromise, suspicious applications, or remote access—situations where personal observation alone may not be reliable.
No. These signs are not very reliable and may have harmless causes. Only a thorough examination of the system can provide a definitive answer.
Only on a smartphone that you own, or with the user’s permission. We verify this before taking any action.
We document the findings, assist you in securing the device, and, if the situation requires it, prepare a report that can be used in accordance with the legal framework.
Yes, throughout France, thanks to our network of branches.
Check out all our sections on investigations for detecting hidden microphones and cameras
Be sure to check out ourinsurance investigations as well as ourOSINT digital investigations.
Need a private investigator in France? Our investigations are designed to meet the needs of both individuals and businesses.