Technology
Is your smartphone spying on you without you even knowing it?
Researchers at MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) recently revealed a startling new privacy threat.
Our smartphones’ ambient light sensors might be turned into makeshift cameras.
A woman on her iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
From brightness adjustment to privacy invasion
Ambient light sensors are commonplace in smartphones, primarily used to adjust screen brightness according to environmental lighting. However, CSAIL researchers have demonstrated that these sensors could potentially be repurposed to capture images of a user’s surroundings.
By employing a computational imaging algorithm, they managed to recover environmental images from the perspective of the phone’s screen, utilizing only the light intensity data from these sensors.
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Two people looking at their iPhones (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
A comprehensive privacy threat
The implications of this discovery are far-reaching.
“Ambient light sensors are tiny devices deployed in almost all portable devices and screens that surround us in our daily lives,” notes Princeton University professor Felix Heide. The study underscores a privacy threat that spans a broad spectrum of devices, previously underestimated in its potential impact.
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A person on a cell phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Gesture interception and interaction capture
Beyond static images, the study suggests that ambient light sensors could intercept user gestures, like swiping and sliding, capturing interactions with phones during activities such as video watching. This capability challenges the belief that ambient light sensors are harmless in terms of private data exposure.
An iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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The call for tighter permissions
Yang Liu, a Ph.D. candidate at MIT EECS and CSAIL, warns that ambient light sensors, in conjunction with display screens, can capture our actions without consent, posing significant privacy risks. The researchers urge operating system developers to tighten permissions for these sensors, reducing their precision and sampling rate.
Person on an iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Looking ahead: Designing for privacy
To mitigate these security concerns, the study proposes granting users control over ambient light sensor permissions akin to camera permissions. Additionally, future device designs might include ambient light sensors positioned away from the user, such as on the side of the device, to prevent unauthorized visual data capture.
While the study’s findings prompt a reevaluation of sensor permissions and design, it’s equally important to recognize the broader context of smartphone security vulnerabilities. Let’s delve into the realm of spyware, another pressing concern where even the most vigilant users can find themselves compromised.
A woman talking on her cell phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Understanding spyware vulnerability on your smartphone
You might not realize it, but your phone could be more exposed to spyware than you think. Just a small slip-up while you’re browsing the web, and you could accidentally invite a cyber-spy into your life. If you’re an Android user, be extra cautious. Your phone is usually more at risk than iPhones.
But here’s the kicker. Even if you’re super careful, you’re not totally out of the woods. If you don’t update your phone’s software regularly or if you’ve jailbroken it, you’re playing with fire. Here are some telltale signs of spyware on your phone.
A woman on her smartphone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson))
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The telltale sign of spyware on your phone
Is your phone acting strange? Here are the telltale signs of spyware on your device.
Unusual noises: Beeping, faint voices or static during calls might not just be network issues. They could signal an eavesdropping attempt.
Performance lags: If your phone suddenly slows down or the battery drains rapidly, spyware might be hogging your resources.
Sensors activate unexpectedly: Modern smartphones signal when cameras and mics are in use. If this happens sans your input, investigate promptly.
Mysterious apps and files: New, unrecognizable apps or files might indicate that your phone’s security has been breached.
Excessive pop-ups and spam: An uptick in ads, error messages or scam texts may be adware, a common companion to spyware.
Overheating issues: Like performance lags, overheating can suggest that spyware is overworking your phone’s internals.
Smartphone on the seat of a vehicle (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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Several steps you can take to protect yourself from spyware on your smartphone
1. Have good antivirus software: Yes, antivirus protection can help detect and disable spyware on your smartphone. The best way to protect yourself from clicking malicious links that install malware that may get access to your private information is to have antivirus protection installed on all your devices. This can also alert you of any phishing emails or ransomware scams. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices.
2. Remove unfamiliar apps and files: If you suspect your phone has been hacked, promptly remove any unfamiliar apps.
3. Restart your device: Rebooting your phone can sometimes stop spyware from running.
4. Update to the latest software: As mentioned before, updates can patch vulnerabilities.
5. Be cautious when browsing: Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading files from untrusted sources.
6. Update your phone regularly: Updates often include security patches that can help protect your device from spyware and other vulnerabilities.
7. Don’t jailbreak your phone: Jailbreaking removes security restrictions that can make your phone more susceptible to spyware.
8. Look for unusual activity: This includes unusual noises during calls, performance lags, unexpected sensor activation, mysterious apps or files, excessive pop-ups and overheating.
9. Delete unwanted or unused apps: Some apps use your device’s camera and microphone and collect your data even while it is not in use. Getting rid of unused apps frees up storage space on your phone and declutters your lock screen. It can also eliminate one more potential app that might be collecting information from you unknowingly.
On an iPhone:
- Hard press the app icon of the app you want to delete
- Select Remove App
- You’ll be prompted to confirm your decision in the next window by tapping Delete App
- Then again by tapping Delete
On an Android:
- Go to the Google Play Store app
- At the top right, tap the Profile icon
- Select Manage apps & devices, click Manage
- Select name of the app you want to delete
- Select Uninstall
Android settings may vary based on the manufacturer’s settings.
While it may seem like an extra effort to review and change your apps’ permission settings, it’ll give you more peace of mind knowing which apps have access to specific device functions and data. Most devices now have a dedicated part of their settings to view which apps are using the different functions of your phone and what data it has access to.
10. Changing camera settings: It may seem simple to just give access to your camera to certain apps. This way, you can easily use the camera function whenever you pull up the app to use. There are, however, apps that do not need access to your camera to function. Does your navigation app need access to your camera even when it is not in use? Take back control of your camera by using the steps below to find out which apps have access to your camera and turn it on or off.
On an iPhone:
- Go to Settings
- Scroll down and select Privacy or Privacy & Security
- Select Camera
- You can see which apps have access to your camera. Of course, you can leave the apps where it makes sense to have access to your camera toggle on. For apps that do not, you can toggle access off (it will be grayed out)
On an Android:
Android settings may vary based on the manufacturer’s settings.
- Open Settings
- Select Apps
- Select the app you want to change (If you can’t find it, select ‘See all apps’)
- Select Permissions to view if you allowed or denied any permissions for the app
- To change a permission setting, select it, then choose Allow only while using the app, Ask everytime or Don’t allow
11. Restrict camera and microphone permissions: Restricting camera and microphone permissions can make it more difficult for spyware to access these features.
On an iPhone:
- Go to Settings
- Scroll down and select Privacy or Privacy & Security
- Select Microphone
- You can see which apps have access to your microphone. Of course, you can leave the apps where it makes sense to have access to your microphone toggle on. For apps that do not, you can toggle access off (it will be grayed out)
On an Android:
Android settings may vary based on the manufacturer’s settings.
- Open Settings
- Select Apps
- Select the app you want to change (If you can’t find it, select ‘See all apps’)
- Select Permissions to view if you allowed or denied any permissions for the app
- To change a permission setting, select it, then choose Allow only while using the app, Ask everytime or Don’t allow
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Kurt’s key takeaways
In a world where our smartphones are virtual extensions of ourselves, the discoveries at MIT’s CSAIL cast a new light on what we often take for granted. As we navigate the delicate balance between convenience and privacy, it’s clear that the devices we depend on daily harbor capabilities far beyond their intended use, prompting a necessary conversation on security, awareness and the evolving landscape of digital privacy.
With the revelation that devices we use daily, like smartphones, can be exploited in ways that compromise our privacy — such as converting ambient light sensors into makeshift cameras — what steps do you believe technology companies and governments should take to protect personal privacy? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact
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Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Microsoft’s Office 2019 apps for Mac will stop working next month, because the company isn’t renewing a certificate that validates Office licenses. Owners of Office 2019 for Mac are being warned they’ll have to purchase Office 2024 or a Microsoft 365 subscription if they want to continue editing documents.
Microsoft previously promised that “all your Office 2019 apps will continue to function,” when it announced end of support in 2023. The company then quietly updated that support note last month to remove the mention of apps continuing to function, replacing it with “Rest assured that all your Office 2019 apps won’t lose any data.”
Starting on July 13th, Office 2019 for Mac and Office 2021 for Mac will both run in “reduced functionality mode,” allowing people to open files but not edit, save, or create new documents. The reduced functionality will impact Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote.
While Microsoft is providing a certificate update for Office 2021 as it’s still supported until October 13th, 2026, the company is leaving Office 2019 for Mac users out in the cold as support for these apps ended a few years ago. “Office 2019 for Mac reached end of support on October 10, 2023, and no longer receives updates,” says Microsoft. “Because Office 2019 cannot be updated to the required version, this issue cannot be resolved by updating or reinstalling Office 2019 for Mac.”
JimmyTech points out that old versions of Microsoft 365 apps on Mac and iOS will also be affected by this certificate issue, but a simple update will fix it for those users.
Microsoft regularly ends support of software and there’s always the risk you could run into issues running older apps or versions of Windows. It’s still surprising to not see Microsoft make an exception here though, particularly because this certificate issue breaks the main functionality of an app you’ve paid a one-time license fee for.
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You know that little moment when your phone rings and the name on the screen makes you drop everything?
Maybe it says your spouse, your daughter, your boss or your best friend. You answer because you trust the name. Then the voice sounds familiar too.
That is exactly what makes the latest phone scams so dangerous.
Android’s fake call detection can warn you when a caller may be pretending to be someone saved in your contacts. (Silas Stein/Picture Alliance)
Scammers no longer have to call from a strange number. They can spoof a trusted contact’s phone number. Then they can use AI voice tools to sound like someone you know. Android is now rolling out a new feature called fake call detection to help warn you when that familiar call may be a fake.
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- Your phone holds your email, passwords, photos, banking apps and personal data. In this free, live online class, Kurt the CyberGuy will walk you step by step through simple phone security fixes you can do in real time. You’ll learn how to improve your privacy settings, spot the latest phone scams, use trusted security tools and walk away with a simple checklist to stay protected. Register here: CyberGuyLive.com
What is Android fake call detection?
Android fake call detection is a new protection built into Phone by Google. It is designed to spot suspected spoofed calls when both people on the call use Phone by Google.
Think of it as your phone quietly asking, “Is this call really coming from that person’s device?” If the answer looks suspicious, your phone can show a warning and advise you to hang up. That small alert could stop a scam before fear, panic or confusion takes over.
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How Android fake call detection works
The feature works automatically in the background. You do not need to answer a quiz, scan a code or press a button during the call. When a trusted contact calls you, their phone sends a silent confirmation signal to your phone. That signal helps prove the call really came from their device.
If a scammer spoofs your contact’s number, that confirmation signal may be missing. Your phone then checks with your contact’s actual device. If the real device says it is not placing a call, your screen can warn you that the call may be fake.
The system uses end-to-end encrypted RCS technology, so the check happens privately. You can also turn the feature off in Phone by Google settings.
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Why fake calls are getting harder to spot
For years, caller ID gave people a sense of control. If the name looked familiar, most of us felt safer picking up. That old habit now works in the scammer’s favor.
Scammers can use internet-based calling tools to spoof numbers. That means your phone may display the name of someone you trust, even though the call comes from somewhere else.
Then comes the AI voice trick. With today’s audio tools, scammers can make a fake voice sound shockingly real. They may pretend to be a family member in trouble, a bank employee warning about fraud or a manager asking for urgent help.
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That combination makes the call feel personal and immediate. It also makes you more likely to act before you think.
Why Android is adding this protection now
Impersonation scams have become a major global problem. INTERPOL’s March 2026 Global Financial Fraud Threat Assessment cited impersonation fraud as one of the leading contributors to more than $400 billion in global losses.
In the U.S., impersonation scams remain one of the top fraud categories reported to the FTC. Losses reached $2.95 billion in 2024.
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Those numbers tell you why this feature deserves attention. Scammers go where the money is. Right now, they know trusted voices and trusted names can open the door.
Which Android phones get fake call detection?
Google says fake call detection is rolling out globally in Phone by Google this month, starting with Pixel devices.
The feature is available on Android 12 and newer devices with Phone by Google, Contacts and Google Messages installed. It also requires RCS capability in Google Messages.
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There is one key limitation. Both you and the person calling you must use Phone by Google for fake call detection to work.
Phone by Google already comes as the default phone app on many Android devices. If your phone uses a different calling app, you can install Phone by Google from the Play Store and set it as your default phone app.
How Android fake call detection protects you
This feature gives you an extra warning at the exact moment you need it most. That timing is important. Scam calls often rely on emotion. The caller may say someone got arrested, a loved one had an accident or a bank account faces an urgent threat.
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When the voice sounds familiar, your guard drops. A warning on your screen can interrupt that emotional rush. It gives you a reason to stop, hang up and verify the story another way.
What Android fake call detection cannot do
This new tool helps, but it cannot protect you from every scam. It may not work if the other person does not use Phone by Google. It also may not cover calls from businesses, unknown numbers or contacts using unsupported devices. So you still need basic scam rules.
If someone asks for money, gift cards, crypto, account codes or remote access to your device, hang up. Then call the person or company back using a number you already trust.
Also, never stay on the line just because the caller tells you to. That is one of the oldest pressure tactics in the scammer playbook.
A spoofed call can look familiar on your screen, even when it is really coming from a scammer. (Kurt CyberGuy Knutsson)
How to protect yourself from AI voice scams
AI voice scams work because they sound personal, urgent and believable, so your best defense is to slow the conversation down before you act.
1) Create a family safe word
Pick a simple word or phrase that only your close family knows. It should be easy to remember but hard for a scammer to guess. Then, if someone calls with an emergency and asks for money, ask for the safe word. If they cannot give it, hang up and verify the story another way.
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2) Pause when the call feels urgent
Scammers want you scared because fear makes people act fast. That is why fake emergency calls often sound intense, emotional and rushed. Take a breath before you do anything. A real loved one, bank or employer will let you verify what is happening.
3) Call back using a trusted number
If a call feels suspicious, hang up. Then call the person back using a number saved in your contacts or one you know is real. Do not use a number, link or instruction the caller gives you. That could send you right back to the scammer.
4) Never send money or codes during the call
Do not send gift cards, crypto, wire transfers or payment app transfers because a caller sounds convincing. Also, never share a one-time passcode, PIN or account login code over the phone. Once scammers get that information, they can move fast.
5) Turn on scam protections on your phone
Use the built-in protections already available on your device. Pixel and Samsung users can enable Scam Detection in the Phone by Google app to help flag suspicious calls. Also, consider using strong antivirus software that includes AI-powered scam protection to help detect scams in texts, online content and deepfake videos. Keep an eye on call warnings too. If your phone tells you something looks risky, treat that alert seriously. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com
6) Keep your phone apps updated
Update Phone by Google, Google Contacts and Google Messages when updates are available. These tools work best when your apps and phone software stay current. Updates often include security improvements, bug fixes and new scam protections.
Here’s how to check for updates on Android:
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- Tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
- Tap Manage apps & device.
- Under Updates available, tap See details.
- Look for Phone by Google, Google Contacts and Google Messages.
- Tap Update next to each app, or tap Update all.
You can also turn on automatic app updates by opening the Google Play Store app, tapping your profile icon, then going to Settings > Network preferences > Auto-update apps. From there, choose whether to update apps over Wi-Fi, over Wi-Fi or mobile data, with limited mobile data or not at all.
Kurt’s key takeaways
If a call feels urgent or suspicious, pause before you respond and verify it another way. (Tristan Spinski/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
Android’s fake call detection is a smart step in the fight against AI-powered phone scams. It recognizes something many people already know: the name on your caller ID no longer proves the person calling you is real. This feature gives Android users another layer of protection when scammers try to hijack trust. Still, the safest move remains simple. Slow down, verify the call and never let panic make the decision for you.
Should the government do more to stop scammers from using AI voices to impersonate the people you trust? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com
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Congress narrowly voted to fund President Donald Trump’s mass deportation agenda, giving the Department of Homeland Security $70 billion over the next three years.
The house voted 214 to 212 in favor of the reconciliation bill Tuesday, following the Senate’s 52-47 vote last Friday morning. The vote fell largely along party lines. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) was the only Senate Republican to vote against it. Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI), initially voted against the bill — meaning it would have failed — but changed his vote after huddling with House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) and Appropriations Chair Tom Cole (R-OK), according to The Hill. No Democrats voted in favor of the funding bill, which was done through a budget reconciliation process to avoid a Democratic filibuster.
In a speech on the House floor ahead of the Tuesday vote, Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA) criticized Republicans for using the budget reconciliation process to avoid negotiating with Democrats, and emphasized ICE’s lack of popularity with the American people.
“At its core, this Republican reconciliation budget bill is a statement about priorities, and the priorities represented in this budget bill could not be more out of step with the needs and values of the American people,” Scanlon said.
Scanlon noted that DHS has yet to spend $100 billion of the nearly $200 billion it received under Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act. She added that Trump has not only expanded ICE’s reach by increasingly going after legal immigrants but also weaponized DHS against its critics. The bill, she said, will “supercharge” Trump’s abuses.
After the House markup last Friday, Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee, noted that the bill not only lacks sufficient reforms but also cuts funding for cybersecurity and TSA, whose workers went weeks without pay during the DHS shutdown.
The funding bill comes at a time of deep unpopularity for ICE. One recent poll found that just 33 percent of voters approve of how the agency is doing its job.
And it comes amid yet another threat from border czar Tom Homan to flood New York City with ICE agents. In an interview with Fox News on Monday, Homan said he would send “more ICE agents than you’ve ever seen” to New York City if the state government passed a bill limiting cooperation with DHS.
“Providing a quarter trillion dollars to an administration promising that the public ‘ain’t seen shit yet’ when it comes to mass deportation is a historic mistake,” Todd Schulte, president of the immigration reform group FWD.us, said in a statement. “Supercharging the funding for these already out of control systems will come with terrible human consequences and continue to be met with increasing opposition from voters.”
Correction, June 9th: A previous version of this story said Rep. Tim Walberg voted against the funding bill. He initially voted against it but then changed his vote to support it.
Update, June 9th: This story has been updated to include comment from FWD.us president Todd Schulte.
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