Spyware doesn't just impact today's PCs, it can end up on your mobile devices, too. Spyware designed for smartphones can disguise itself as a fake mobile application or transform a once-trustworthy app into a data stealer or Trojan. Similarly, a remote monitoring app promoted for parental use or work purposes could be abused to become a privacy invader rather than a legitimate service.

Whatever the form, mobile spyware may steal your information, track your location, record your conversations, and more. Our guide will run through different forms of malicious software that could end up on your iOS or Android handset, the warning signs of infection, and how to remove such pestilence from your smartphone whenever it is possible to do so. We will also discuss stalkerware and other ways threats closer to home may spy on you -- and what you can do about it.

What is spyware? Spyware comes in many forms, and it's useful to know the basic differences before you tackle the problem. is often bundled with legitimate apps. It interrupts your web browsing with pop-ups, changes your homepage or search engine settings, and may also gather your browsing data to sell it to advertising agencies and networks.

Although considered , nuisanceware is generally not dangerous or a threat to your core security. Instead, these malware packages are focused on illicit revenue generation by infecting machines and creating forced ad views or clicks. There's also standard mobile .

These generic forms of malw.