Cell Phone and Smartphone Sweeps

Professional checks for spyware, malware and surveillance software

Smartphones and tablets are one of the main points of access to corporate and personal information. Emails, confidential documents, login credentials, conversations, financial data and intellectual property pass through these devices on a daily basis, making them a prime target for spyware, malware and interception software.

If you suspect your mobile phone is being monitored, it is advisable to request a professional technical scan. A specialist analysis allows you to ascertain whether spyware is present and to take the necessary measures to protect your communications, personal data and information assets.

Argo offers a professional remediation service for mobile phones and devices, designed to verify the integrity of Apple iOS and Android smartphones and tablets, identifying any compromises, indicators of surveillance, anomalous configurations and possible unauthorised access.

The work is carried out by specialists in Digital Forensics, Mobile Security and Incident Response using established methodologies and professional tools employed in corporate, institutional and forensic contexts.

When to request a mobile device security sweep

A security sweep is recommended when there are indications that the device’s security may have been compromised, or when the level of confidentiality of the information requires preventive checks.

In particular, the service is recommended:

• where there is a suspicion of eavesdropping or surveillance;
• when a smartphone exhibits abnormal or unexplained behaviour;
• for executives, business owners, professionals and those in strategic roles;
• for those who handle confidential data, sensitive information or intellectual property;
• in cases of stalking, blackmail, privacy breaches or unauthorised access;
• prior to corporate transactions, negotiations, legal disputes or international travel;
• following the theft, misplacement or temporary loss of control of the mobile device.

What the analysis involves

Smartphone remediation consists of a technical and forensic analysis aimed at detecting indicators of compromise, without accessing the user’s personal data.

The process may include:

• searching for spyware, malware and surveillance software;
• checking for suspicious applications or those with abnormal privileges;
• identification of persistence mechanisms;
• checking the device’s security configurations;
• analysis of any alterations to the operating system;
• checking for jailbreaking or rooting;
• analysis of network connections and data traffic;
• identification of communications to suspicious servers;
• checking Wi-Fi configurations and key security parameters.

The analysis collects only the information necessary for the assessment without capturing the content of calls, messages, photographs, emails or personal documents. Wi-Fi network identifiers are pseudonymised prior to processing, and all documentation produced is accessible only to authorised personnel.

The information processed is managed in accordance with procedures that comply with information security principles, ensuring the utmost confidentiality at every stage of the process.

The service is available for Apple iPhone and iPad (iOS) and for Android smartphones and tablets. The procedures are constantly updated to ensure compatibility with the latest versions of operating systems and with the most advanced hacking techniques.

Confidential technical report

Upon completion of the activities, a technical report is issued containing:

• the outcome of the assessment;
• indicators of compromise detected;
• an assessment of the risk level;
• operational recommendations;
• guidance on remediation activities.

Should the assessment reveal evidence of unlawful conduct, the documentation is prepared in accordance with appropriate methodologies to support any legal proceedings or investigative activities, in compliance with current legislation.

For security reasons, the results of the analysis are not displayed directly on the device being assessed, thereby reducing the risk that any surveillance software might detect the checks carried out.

Legal aspects

A distinction must be made between the sale of monitoring or surveillance software, which is not necessarily unlawful in itself, and the actual use made of it.

Installing spyware on a person’s device without their consent may, in fact, breach data protection legislation and the right to privacy and, where the conditions laid down by law are met, may constitute specific criminal offences.

From a criminal law perspective, the offences referred to in Article 614 of the Criminal Code (unlawful entry), Article 615-bis of the Italian Criminal Code (unlawful interference in private life), Article 617 of the Italian Criminal Code (unlawful interception, interruption or obstruction of telegraphic or telephone communications or conversations) and Article 617-bis of the Italian Criminal Code (installation of equipment designed to intercept or obstruct telegraphic or telephone communications or conversations). Depending on the circumstances, further criminal offences may also apply, such as unauthorised access to a computer or telecommunications system (Article 615-ter of the Italian Criminal Code).

If you suspect that a spy phone has been installed on your mobile phone or smartphone, it is advisable to have the device subjected to a specialist sweep.

An analysis carried out by qualified professionals enables the identification of any surveillance software, its removal and, where possible, the preservation of evidence useful for any subsequent investigations.

Request a confidential assessment

If you suspect that your smartphone or tablet may be under surveillance, or if you wish to carry out a precautionary security check on a device used for professional purposes, Argo’s specialists are available to conduct a confidential analysis.

The team operates in accordance with documented procedures, utilises constantly updated technologies and applies methodologies in line with best practice in digital forensics and cybersecurity, ensuring reliable, repeatable and fully compliant checks.

Prompt action can help identify any compromises, limit their consequences, protect data and communications and, where necessary, preserve technical evidence useful for subsequent investigative or legal proceedings.

To receive further information about the service, including the procedures involved and the cost of mobile phone recovery, you can request a preliminary assessment.

Each assignment is analysed based on the type of device, the operational context and the client’s specific requirements, so that a personalised, transparent quote can be provided that is proportionate to the work required.