Is My Father Hacking My Phone? A Disturbing Discovery

Recently, I stumbled upon a concerning situation that has left me questioning my privacy—specifically, whether my father might be monitoring my phone while I’m at home. As someone who isn’t particularly tech-savvy, I’m hoping to share my experience in hopes of finding guidance.

Living about 40 minutes away from my parents, I hadn’t been aware of the extent to which my father seemed to be involved in my mother’s affairs. During a visit to their home, my mother discovered a suspicious USB device that caught our attention. This particular device, which had a peculiar switch and button on one side, prompted me to perform a test. Feeling uneasy but curious, I connected it to my laptop.

To my shock, I heard audio recordings—conversations between my mother and myself, as well as a phone call I’d had with my boyfriend just moments before. I couldn’t believe it; I have never given my father access to my phone, and my mother also confirmed that she had not done so. I own a Galaxy Note 9, while she has a relatively new iPhone, further adding to my confusion.

I’m at a loss here. The technology behind this seems advanced, and I am unsure how it is even possible for him to access my data. I pondered bringing it up with him, but I feel this situation is more between him and my mother. In the meantime, what steps can I take to protect myself if he is indeed able to access my phone remotely?

Update: I am genuinely overwhelmed by the response to my initial post! I appreciate the outpouring of support and advice from the community. I’m taking the time to thoroughly read through your suggestions and implement the necessary steps to safeguard my privacy. Thank you all for your insights and kindness during this unsettling discovery.