Is My Father Inadvertently Hacking My Phone? Seeking Help

In today’s digital age, privacy concerns are more pressing than ever, and I’m grappling with some unsettling feelings regarding my phone security. I’m reaching out for advice, especially since technology isn’t my strong suit.

I live approximately 40 minutes away from my parents, and recently, my mother has expressed concerns that my father seems overly invested in monitoring her life. During my visit today, an unusual USB device caught our attention. It had a button and a switch on one side. Out of curiosity, I connected it to my laptop and was shocked to discover audio recordings of her conversations—not just those but also my discussions with my mother and sister earlier that day, as well as a private call with my boyfriend.

I’ve never granted my father access to my phone, and neither has my mother. I use a Galaxy Note 9 while she owns a newer iPhone. The notion that my phone could be compromised is incredibly disconcerting, and given my lack of tech knowledge, I’m unsure about how this could be happening or if it poses a continual threat, especially when I’m alone at home.

I want to address this issue, but confronting my father feels complex since it’s a matter that involves both him and my mother. Meanwhile, if my phone is indeed at risk, I would greatly appreciate guidance on how to protect my privacy.

Update: I am overwhelmed by the response this post has received. Thank you all for your insights, suggestions, and encouragement. I will take the time to sort through the advice and implement protective measures. Your support means a lot!