That uneasy feeling — “does someone know more than they should?” — is often the starting point. Work calmly through these four steps. You can check most items yourself. Found something that doesn't add up? Don't act in haste: if you genuinely suspect surveillance, preserving evidence matters more than deleting quickly.
1 Router & home network
Your router is the front door of your digital home. Start here.
- Default router password changed (not the code on the sticker).
- Router firmware up to date (check the admin page or your provider's app).
- Reviewed the list of connected devices — do you recognise them all?
- WPA2 or WPA3 encryption enabled (no open or WEP network).
- Unknown port forwarding or “remote management” disabled.
- Guest network kept separate from your main network.
2 Phone & tablet
Spyware hides itself; watch behaviour, not a single app.
- Reviewed your list of installed apps — anything you didn't install yourself?
- Checked app permissions: which apps may use the microphone, camera and location?
- Operating system (iOS / Android) fully updated.
- Watch for signs: fast battery drain, overheating, high data usage when idle.
- No unknown profiles / MDM management (iPhone: Settings › General › VPN & Device Management).
- No jailbreak / rooting or unknown sideloaded apps.
- iPhone: ran Safety Check (Settings › Privacy & Security › Safety Check).
- Checked whether an AirTag or tracker is travelling with you (phone alerts or the official locator).
3 Online accounts & email
Often it isn't your phone someone reads — it's your account.
- Two-factor authentication (2FA) on email, social media and banking.
- Passwords unique per account (use a password manager).
- Reviewed active sessions / signed-in devices and signed out unknown ones.
- No unknown forwarding rules or “auto-forward” in your email.
- No unknown recovery email or recovery phone number set.
- Location sharing (e.g. in messaging apps) reviewed — are you sharing your location unknowingly?
- Cloud backup (iCloud / Google) not linked to someone else's account.
4 Am I being watched or listened to? — self-check
For your physical surroundings: home, car, office or hotel room. This is the domain of TSCM (Technical Surveillance Counter-Measures).
- Does the other person repeatedly know things discussed only at home or in the car?
- Unexplained new objects (smoke detector, USB charger, clock, power strip) you didn't place yourself?
- Tiny lenses or pinholes in unusual spots, aimed at a bed, desk or seating area?
- Devices that are warm or on for no reason, or faint hiss/beeps?
- In a divorce, conflict or stalking situation: has the other person had access to your space or vehicle?
- Car: an unexplained box or unit in a wheel arch, under the bumper or inside (possible GPS tracker)?
i Trusted resources & help
- Veilig internetten — secure your smartphone Dutch government initiative with practical steps to secure your phone.
- Veilig internetten — “I've been hacked, now what?” Step-by-step guidance when you suspect hacking or spyware.
- Dutch Data Protection Authority Privacy regulator: your rights regarding camera surveillance and personal data.
- Police — stalking: what the police can do Official guidance, plus how to file a report.
- Victim Support Netherlands Free support for stalking, threats and privacy violations.
- Offlimits Help and advice on online abuse and boundary-crossing behaviour.
- Veilig Thuis — 0800-2000 Free, day and night, for domestic abuse and stalking by people you know.
A suspicion, but no certainty?
A suspicion is not yet proof — and gathering proof is precise work. SAJ Recherche carries out professional spyware scans and TSCM sweeps (hidden cameras, listening devices, GPS trackers), legally sound and fully confidential.
SAJ Recherche B.V. · Amstelveenseweg 186, 1075 XR Amsterdam
Phone: +31 20 782 3222 · [email protected]
sajrecherche.com · Licence POB 8779 (Ministry of Justice)