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For many DIYers, Harbor Freight has become the retail outlet of choice when they find themselves in need of a high quality tool at a wallet-friendly price. The hardware chain is, of course, all the more appealing to budget minded shoppers, as Harbor Freight now counts a few very notable brands as in-house exclusives, with that list seeming to grow larger every year.
The retail chain is sure to remain one of the go-to option for many smart-money shoppers for the foreseeable future. There are, however, plenty of other budget options available on the consumer tool market these days, with several big boxers out there introducing their own lines of low-priced hand tools and power tools. That list indeed includes one of the biggest of the big boxers, as Walmart’s Hyper Tough brand has become a legitimate rival for many of those more revered Harbor Freight options.
In fact, there are some Walmart shoppers who have come to prefer Hyper Tough tools to some of the available in-house options at Harbor Freight. While that is not likely to be true across all Harbor Freight brands, there are a few Hyper Tough fans who would swear up and down that some of its tools provide far more bang for your buck. These include pry bars, and even a few 12V power tools that currently bear the HT logo.
What users are saying about Hyper Tough’s pry bar
These claims were made during a recent Reddit thread that was specifically dedicated to discussing Hyper Tough tools that users believe outperform the various options available at Harbor Freight. The original poster on that thread notes specifically that they felt Hyper Tough’s Pry Bars are one such option, noting the likelihood that the handheld tools are manufactured by Wilde Tool Company as part of its private labeling operation. One Redditor quickly chimed in to confirm that the brand’s pry bars are pretty unbeatable, particularly in the context of their price point.
Moreover, they point out that Hyper Tough’s Pry Bars are made in America, which can be a big deal for some shoppers. Several other commenters agreed the pry bars are more than solid, with Redditors in other threads not only agreeing on their quality, but claiming they are equal to or better than those from Harbor Freight. One even claimed theirs, “Changed my whole attitude about Walmart tools.”
The comments are even more positive in the user review section of Hyper Tough’s 36-inch Pry Bar, which holds a 4.8-star rating. While few of those reviews call out HF specifically, they almost universally rave about the durability and heavy duty build of the Hyper Tough pry bars, with one user claiming theirs is, “one of the best made [sic] pry bars I’ve seen in my 41 years as a mechanic.” As noted, price is also a big selling point for the 36-inch model, which Walmart is selling for $22.88, making pry bars one area you can skimp on if you’re assembling a mechanic’s tool kit.
Hyper Tough’s 12V tools got high praise, too
As you might expect, those made-in-the-U.S. pry bars are not the only Hyper Tough tools praised for their quality in that Reddit thread. Indeed, several of those HT loving Redditors were quick to point out that some tools in the brand’s 12V Lithium-Ion powered lineup may be every bit as worth a look.
Hyper Tough’s 12V offerings get a mention pretty early on in the proceedings, though one user in particular put the HF comparison into perspective with the comment, “I would say the 12v brushless line they got is better than the Hercules 12v line.” As a reminder, Hercules is also one of Harbor Freight’s in-house brands. Meanwhile, a later post took Harbor Freight’s Bauer brand to task, stating, “I’ve got the high torque impact and it’s a beast compared to the Bauer.” A couple of Redditors even point out that a study conducted by the Torque Test Channel proved the HT Impact Wrench is as impressive as any on the market.
In terms of quality hand tools, some in the Reddit thread also note that Hyper Tough’s wrenches, ratchets, sockets and mechanic’s tools are hard to beat at the price point. One poster specifically claims that HT’s gear is “the best option” they’d found while pointing out that the brand’s sizing options make them far more desireable than the more limited options they’d found from HF’s Pittsburgh brand. It is worth noting, however, that many commenters still agree that Harbor Freight gear outdoes Hyper Tough in terms of warranty coverage, so that may be worth considering if you’re on the fence.
Spyware can track you, record calls, and steal phone data.
Watch for odd behavior, data spikes, unknown apps, and battery drain.
Use antivirus software, update regularly, and avoid untrusted app sources.
Spyware is one of the biggest threats to your mobile security and can severely impact your phone’s performance if you are unlucky enough to become infected. It is a type of malware that typically lands on your iPhone or Android phone through malicious mobile apps or through phishing links, emails, and messages.
While appearing to be a legitimate software package or useful utility, spyware will operate quietly in the background to monitor your movements, spy on your activities, and may also record your conversations, whether they are phone calls or social media threads. You may find your actions screenshotted, your call records logged, and even your physical location tracked via GPS.
This information is then sent to a remote server and into the hands of someone else without your permission.
Similarly, a remote monitoring app promoted for parental use or work purposes could be abused and become a privacy invader rather than a legitimate service.
Let’s explore the different types of spyware you might encounter, the warning signs of infection, and how to quickly remove it from your smartphone.
Spyware explained
It’s helpful to know the basic differences among types of spyware before you tackle infections on your handset.
Nuisanceware is bundled with mobile apps. It interrupts your web browsing with pop-ups, changes your homepage or search engine settings, may try to force you to watch videos, and may collect your browsing data to sell to ad agencies and networks. Although considered malvertising, it is generally not dangerous, as it focuses on generating illicit revenue by forcing ad views or clicks.
There’s also generic mobile spyware. It steals operating system data, clipboard data, and anything of value, such as cryptocurrency wallet data or account credentials. Spyware isn’t always targeted and may be used in spray-and-pray phishing attacks.
Spyware may land on your device through phishing, malicious email attachments, social media links, fraudulent SMS messages, or physical device tampering.
Advanced spyware, sometimes also classified as stalkerware, is a step up from basic spyware. This malware is unethical and dangerous. It is sometimes found on desktop systems but is now more commonly installed on handsets. Stalkerware is typically used to spy on an individual and monitor what they do, say, and where they go, and is often linked to cases of domestic abuse.
Spyware and stalkerware may be used to:
Monitor emails, SMS, MMS messages, and other forms of communication sent and received, including Facebook and WhatsApp.
Intercept live cellular calls or Voice over IP (VoIP) applications.
Hijack camera functions to take photos and videos.
Screenshot mobile device screens and send them to a controller.
Track victims via GPS.
Conduct keylogging, account compromise, and data theft.
Finally, there’s government-grade commercial spyware, with Pegasus among the best-known variants. Unless you’re part of a group of specific interest to ethically challenged governments, it’s unlikely that it will impact you due to the expense of targeting victims.
Spyware warning signs
There aren’t always indicators of an infection attempt in real time, but the following scenarios could be warning signs that you are being targeted:
Strange permission, download, or software installation requests appear on your handset.
If your phone goes missing or is out of your possession for a period of time and then reappears with settings or changes you do not recognize, this may indicate that your device has been tampered with.
When it comes to stalkerware, initial infection messages may be more personal and tailored to the victim. Physical access to a handset may be necessary.
There are also signs you can watch for that may indicate your phone has been compromised. The most common are:
Power: You may experience unexpected handset battery drain, overheating, or sluggish performance.
Behavior: Strange behavior, such as GPS or camera functions turning themselves on and off without your input, or random reboots and unexplained crashes.
Pop-ups: If you are being bombarded with pop-ups, it’s likely that some form of adware is hidden on your handset. You may also find that your preferred search engine has been changed.
Increased cellular data usage: Information exfiltrated from your smartphone or hidden, active remote connections will use data.
Distortion: You may hear unusual noises or distortion during phone calls. Although this could simply be due to poor reception, it may also be a sign of interception.
On and off: You may also have trouble completely turning off your device, as more advanced spyware might prevent you from doing so.
Financial transactions: If spyware has obtained sufficient permissions, it may have signed you up for services or premium SMS plans you didn’t ask for.
Android
One telltale sign on an Android device is a setting that allows apps to be downloaded and installed outside of the official Google Play Store. If this setting is enabled, it may indicate tampering or jailbreaking without your consent. Not every form of spyware and stalkerware requires a jailbroken device, however.
This setting is found in most modern Android builds in Settings > Security > Allow unknown sources. (This varies depending on the device and vendor.) You can also check Apps > Menu > Special Access > Install unknown apps to see if anything is unfamiliar.
Some forms of spyware also use generic names and icons to avoid detection. For example, they may appear to be useful utility apps such as calendars, calculators, utilities, or currency converters.
iOS
iOS devices that aren’t jailbroken are generally harder to infect with malware than Android handsets, unless a spyware developer is exploiting an unpatched vulnerability.
However, the same principles apply. With the right tool, exploit, or software, your device could be compromised either with physical access or remotely. You may be more susceptible to infection if you have not updated your iPhone’s firmware to the latest version and you do not run frequent antivirus scans.
How to remove spyware from your smartphone
Spyware is often hard to detect and can be difficult to remove. It is not impossible in most cases, but it may take some drastic steps on your part.
When spyware, especially stalkerware, is removed, operators may receive an alert indicating that the victim’s device has been cleaned. Should the flow of your information suddenly stop, this would be another clear sign to the attacker that the malicious software has been removed. Do not tamper with your device if doing so would risk your physical safety.
Instead, reach out to law enforcement and supporting agencies. Otherwise, here are some removal options:
Run a malware scan: There are mobile antivirus solutions available that can detect and remove spyware. This is the easiest solution available, but it may not be effective in every case. Cybersecurity vendors, including Malwarebytes.
Use a dedicated spyware removal tool: You can also use software specifically designed to detect and remove spyware. However, be careful to download tools only from reputable firms and official sources, as one of the most common ways to distribute malware is to disguise it as antivirus software. Check out the spyware removal apps offered by Bitdefender, Avast, and Malwarebytes.
Delete suspicious apps: Examine the list of installed apps on your handset and remove any you don’t recognize.
Check device administration controls: In advanced security settings, you can see if any suspicious apps have admin permissions. If so, you can try removing them, although this may require restoring your handset to factory settings.
Reboot in Safe mode: Restarting your smartphone in Safe mode prevents third-party software from running. On Android handsets, you can usually do this by long-pressing the power-off button and selecting Safe mode. This can allow you to safely uninstall apps — but it is not a failsafe solution against advanced spyware variants.
Update your operating system: It may seem obvious, but when an operating system releases a new version, which often includes security patches and upgrades, it can — if you’re lucky — cause conflicts and problems with spyware. Keep it updated.
If you have found suspicious software on your handset, consider changing your passwords and enabling biometrics.
If you suspect account compromise, change the passwords for every important account you have. Many of us have one or two central “hub” accounts, such as an email address linked to all of our other services. Remove access to any such hub services you use from a compromised device.
For added security, consider changing your account passwords on a PC, forcing a logout on other devices, and enabling biometric authentication to prevent physical handset tampering.
An important point to mention is that sometimes spyware or other forms of malicious software might end up on your device via an initially benign app. There have been cases of developers releasing a genuine, useful app in official repositories, such as a currency converter or weather app, and then, after a large user base has been gathered, the developers twist the app’s functions into a Trojan through a software update.
If you recently downloaded a mobile app and now your phone is displaying odd behavior, consider removing it and running a malware scan.
Keeping spyware and stalkerware off your device
Unfortunately, no mobile device is completely protected against the scourge of spyware. However, we have provided some tips below to mitigate the risk of future infections:
Protect your device physically: Your first line of defense is to maintain adequate physical controls. Modern smartphones let you set PIN codes and patterns or use biometrics such as fingerprints or retina scans to prevent your handset from being physically tampered with.
Update your operating system: Install OS updates as soon as they are available. They contain security fixes and patches and are one of the most important lines of defense against malware.
Use antivirus software: Mobile antivirus solutions can detect and remove spyware. Running frequent scans will help protect your handset.
Only download apps from official sources: Most spyware and malware are found outside Google Play and the App Store, so be cautious about installing apps from third-party websites. Sometimes, malicious apps still slip through the net, so check reviews and app descriptions before installing anything new.
Enable app security: Enable built-in scanners that check any new app installs. On Android, you can find this setting in Security and privacy > App security.
Check permissions: You should monitor what permissions have been issued to which apps and when. If you haven’t used an app with extensive permissions for a while, consider deleting it. If any apps appear more intrusive than necessary, remove them and refuse to provide permissions on install.
Watch out for malicious links: Mobile malware is often spread through phishing and malicious links. These links may urge you to download apps from outside Google Play or the App Store and may be disguised as everything from antivirus software to streaming services.
Do not jailbreak your device: Jailbreaking not only voids your warranty but can also allow malicious apps and software to gain a deep foothold in your operating system, making removal extremely difficult.
Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA): When account activity and logins require further consent from a mobile device, this can also help protect individual accounts. (However, spyware may intercept the codes sent during 2FA protocols.)
If all else fails: Factory reset
Performing a factory reset and clean install on the device you believe is compromised may help eradicate some forms of persistent spyware. Make sure to back up important content first, as this process can’t be reversed.
On Android platforms, the reset option is usually found under Settings > General Management > Reset > Factory Data Reset.
On iOS, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset Phone.
Google’s guide to factory resetting your device can be found here, and Apple has also provided instructions on its support website.
Unfortunately, some malware may survive factory resets. Failing that, consider restoring to factory settings and then disposing of your device.
Parental control or employee monitoring apps: spyware?
There are cyberthreats around every corner, and while children often want a smartphone and to be on social media at a young age, parents want to monitor what they are viewing and who they are interacting with online in order to protect them.
This is a responsible position to take, but at their core, parental control apps are designed for surveillance — as are many “employee productivity” apps.
The main issue is the potential for abuse, turning what may have been a product developed with good intentions into invasive software used for purposes beyond protecting a minor or ensuring employee time is used wisely.
A balance between a right to privacy and protection has to be maintained. With this in mind, both Apple and Google have introduced parental controls for their devices. These features focus on restricting screen time, locking and unlocking devices, managing permissions lists, restricting web content and app downloads, and approving purchases.
Regarding employee monitoring apps, don’t install them on your personal handset. If your employer insists on using them, then it should issue you a work laptop and phone.
Most common consumer monitoring apps
As we mentioned earlier, many apps may be advertised as parental control monitors or simple trackers, but their use can be unethical. Other app developers freely market their products for full device control and surveillance.
Apps often use the phrases ‘spy,’ ‘monitor,’ or ‘parental control,’ but they may also disguise themselves on a device as a utility, a game, or otherwise as an innocent piece of software.
Are Google and Apple protecting devices from spyware?
Google and Apple are generally quick to remove malicious apps that manage to evade the privacy and security protections in their respective official app stores. When individuals are considered particularly at risk, you can enroll in Google’s Advanced Protection Program, which provides additional security for your Android device.
Google has also banned spyware and stalkerware ads, and the firm’s Threat Analysis Group is constantly publishing research on new commercial spyware strains and their potential targets.
Apple has cracked down on parental control apps, citing privacy-invading functions as the reason for removal. The company offers its own parental device control service called Screen Time for parents who want to limit their child’s device usage.
Furthermore, the company does not allow sideloading — that is, installing third-party apps from sources other than Apple’s App Store — and is quick to remove any iOS apps that exhibit privacy-eroding functionality.
Apple also provides Lockdown Mode, an optional setting you can enable on your iOS device for extreme security. However, unless you don’t mind a heavily restricted smartphone, you should only consider this option if you are worried about commercial-grade spyware.
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