As you go about your daily digital life, you may not realize the threats lurking on your devices.
Stalkerware is spying software that can be secretly installed on phones and computers to monitor activity and steal personal information.
You don't have to be a celebrity or public figure to become a target of this insidious technology.
Stalkerware is often used by intimate partners to monitor and control their victims in abusive relationships.
However, its capabilities mean that anyone with access to your devices could be watching you without consent.
What Is Stalkerware?
Stalkerware, also known as spouseware, is a type of surveillance software that allows a person to secretly monitor another individual's activities on their devices like mobile phones, tablets, and computers.
Typically, stalkerware is installed without the victim's knowledge or consent.
Once installed, stalkerware can track and gather a victim's personal information including:
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Text messages, phone call history, and voicemails
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Emails
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Browsing history and bookmarks
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Location and GPS data
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Photos, videos, and other media
Stalkerware is often marketed as a legitimate tool for monitoring employees or keeping tabs on children's screen time and online behavior.
However, in reality, it is frequently used for illegal and unethical purposes like stalking, harassment and domestic abuse.
If you suspect you may be a victim of stalking or harassment via mobile stalkerware, there are a few steps you can take:
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Carefully check your device for any unknown or suspicious apps and delete them immediately.
Some stalkerware is designed to be difficult to detect, so this may require doing a factory reset of your device.
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Enable two-factor authentication on your accounts whenever possible.
This adds an extra layer of security for your emails, social media, and other sensitive accounts.
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Be cautious of public Wi-Fi networks.
Public networks are breeding grounds for hacking and surveillance.
If possible, avoid conducting sensitive activities on public Wi-Fi.
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Report stalking or harassment to the local authorities.
Providing details about the specific stalkerware used against you can help aid in legal investigations and potentially prevent future abuse.
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Consider using an anti-stalkerware app.
Some security apps are designed to detect and remove common types of stalkerware.
Running one of these scans may help uncover stalkerware that would otherwise go unnoticed.
How Stalkerware Works to Spy on You
Stalkerware applications allow someone to secretly monitor your phone activity.
They work by accessing data on your device and sending it to another phone or computer.
Once installed, stalkerware operates in the background to track your calls, texts, social media messages, photos, videos, location, and more.
To install stalkerware, physical access to your phone is typically required.
The stalkerware is then downloaded onto your phone, often disguised as a legitimate app to avoid detection.
After installation, the stalkerware hides its icon and runs in the background.
It then secretly collects personal data and sends it to the stalker's device where they can view your private information.
Some signs stalkerware may be on your phone include:
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Unexplained battery drain, data usage, or phone storage being taken up.
Stalkerware constantly runs and transfers data in the background.
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Pop-up alerts about apps accessing data like contacts, location or texts that you don't recognize.
Stalkerware accesses various data and sensors on your phone.
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Random texts, calls or messages that were not initiated by you.
Stalkerware can trigger communication from your phone.
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Your phone feeling warm even when idle.
Stalkerware uses phone resources to operate, which can cause overheating.
The only way to remove stalkerware is through a factory reset of your phone to wipe it completely clean.
You should then change all account passwords, enable two-factor authentication when available, and be cautious of phone access going forward.
Stalkerware is a serious invasion of privacy, so take action right away if you suspect you are being monitored.
Warning Signs Your Device May Have Stalkerware
If you suspect stalkerware may be installed on your device, there are some warning signs to look out for:
Unexplained Battery Drain
Stalkerware runs in the background of your device constantly monitoring your activity and sending data to the stalker.
This can cause noticeable battery drain as the app is always running and transmitting data.
If your battery life seems to have decreased significantly without any major changes to your normal usage, this could indicate stalkerware is installed.
Unfamiliar Apps
Carefully check your list of installed apps for anything unfamiliar or with a vague name.
Stalkerware is often designed to blend in and not be easily detected.
Look for apps that run in the background, have access to messages, photos, location and more.
If anything seems out of the ordinary, do some research to determine what it is.
Strange Texts or Calls
You may receive unexplained texts, calls or messages that appear to come from your own number.
Stalkerware can allow the stalker to spoof your number to contact you or see your reaction.
Be very wary of any unsolicited contact that appears to come from your own phone number.
Location Monitoring
If location sharing is turned on for your device, the stalker may be able to monitor your location and see where you go.
Turn off location access for all apps on your phone and be on alert for any location requests that seem suspicious.
Consider turning off location services altogether whenever possible.
Unauthorized Access
There are signs the stalker may have gained access to your accounts, messages, photos and more.
Be on the lookout for messages you did not send, suspicious account logins, missing photos or files and anything else that makes you feel your privacy has been compromised.
Change all account passwords immediately.
Stalkerware is a serious invasion of privacy and should not be taken lightly.
If you suspect your device has been compromised, take action right away to remove any unknown apps, change account access and consider doing a factory reset of your phone to remove the stalkerware completely.
You may also want to contact local authorities, a domestic abuse help line or cybersecurity experts for additional help and next steps.
Dangers and Risks of Stalkerware
Stalkerware poses many dangers and risks that users should be aware of.
This malicious software is designed to covertly monitor a person's activities and steal their private data.
Privacy and Security Concerns
Once installed, stalkerware can track a victim's location, read their messages, view browsing history, access photos and files, and more.
This complete lack of privacy exposes victims to potential blackmail, identity theft, and financial fraud.
Stalkerware also often contains security vulnerabilities that can be exploited by other malicious actors to gain access to a device.
Psychological Harm
Being monitored without consent can cause severe anxiety, distress, and trauma in victims.
The constant surveillance and lack of privacy create a climate of fear and helplessness.
Victims may alter their behavior and daily activities to avoid angering or worrying the stalker.
This psychological manipulation and control are abusive and damaging.
Physical Danger
In some cases, stalkerware is used by intimate partners or family members to physically stalk, harass or harm victims.
The location tracking and messaging interception features can be used to monitor a victim's whereabouts and communications in real time.
This can enable the stalker to show up unannounced, threaten, intimidate or physically assault the victim.
Legal Implications
The use of stalkerware to monitor a device without the owner's permission is illegal.
However, stalkerware makers often wrongly claim their products are intended for legitimate uses like monitoring employees or children.
In reality, there are few legal uses of secret surveillance software.
If caught using stalkerware, the stalker may face criminal charges and legal consequences.
Victims can also pursue civil lawsuits against their stalkers.
Stalkerware should be taken very seriously due to the multitude of risks and harms it introduces.
Users must exercise caution and vigilance to detect potential stalkerware infection, and take appropriate actions to remove the software, secure accounts and seek legal intervention if needed.
With awareness and education, people can better protect themselves from such predatory behavior.
How to Check for and Remove Stalkerware From Your Devices
Stalkerware, also known as spouseware or creepware, refers to apps used to secretly monitor a person's activities and communications on their devices.
As technology has advanced, so too have the capabilities of stalkerware.
Many of these apps now offer sophisticated monitoring features like recording phone calls, tracking location, reading messages, and accessing photos.
How to Detect Stalkerware
There are a few signs that may indicate stalkerware is installed on your device:
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Noticeable decrease in battery life or performance.
Stalkerware runs in the background, draining resources.
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Unfamiliar apps you did not install.
Some stalkerware is designed to be hidden, but you may spot an unknown app.
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Overheating phone.
Stalkerware strains the device, potentially causing it to overheat.
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Strange text messages or calls.
Stalkerware may send information about your activity or location via SMS or calls.
If you suspect stalkerware, immediately power down your device to avoid tipping off the stalker.
Then, perform a factory reset to remove any software.
Be very careful, as the stalker may have access to your accounts and personal information at this point.
How to Protect Yourself
To safeguard against stalkerware, take the following precautions:
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Enable lock screen notifications to avoid displaying alerts on the lock screen.
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Use strong, unique passwords for your accounts and device.
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Enable two-factor authentication on accounts whenever possible.
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Be cautious of unsolicited links and downloads.
Never install any software from an untrusted source.
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Consider using an anti-malware app to regularly scan for stalkerware and other threats.
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Stay alert for the signs of stalkerware mentioned above and take action quickly if detected.
Stalkerware is a disturbing form of harassment and abuse.
By learning how to spot the signs and taking proactive measures to strengthen your digital security, you can help prevent stalkers from invading your privacy.
Stay safe!
Conclusion
To summarize, stalkerware is a threat to your privacy and security that you must take seriously.
Monitor your devices and accounts regularly for unauthorized access and be cautious of any unsolicited messages or requests, even from trusted contacts.
Enable all security features on your devices and change default passwords to complex, unique ones.
Staying vigilant and taking proactive steps to safeguard your data will reduce the risks of becoming a victim of stalkerware or related cybercrimes.
Your personal information and relationships are worth protecting, so make digital security a priority in your life.
Knowledge and preparation are your best defenses.
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