Security Companies Record Increasing Stalkerware Detections in Recent Years
Key Takeaways
- Stalkerware tracks everything you do on your gadget including extracting your location and accessing your pictures and videos.
- It is different from other hackers and is installed on your device by someone close to you.
- There are several ways by which you can check if you have stalkerware such as looking for any unusual behavior, updating your software, and many more.
- You can also use multifactor authentication through mail or SMS.
In the age of texting, Tinder, and instant gratification, obsessive partners can turn into stalkers. Installing stalkerware on your phone only requires one ad that claims to expose a cheating spouse.
Stalkerware tracks everything you type, records your location, and even has access to your pictures and videos. In the last few years, there has been an increase in the detection of such types of spyware by security companies. And there’s no sign of this behavior slowing down.
Usually, it is camouflaged as parental software to safeguard kids from online hazards. But couples use it to keep track of their other half which can sometimes lead to harassment, abuse, or even violence.
What is Stalkerware?
Usually, cybersecurity threats include hackers. Cybercriminals target you through phishing attacks, viruses, or downright scams to steal your money or personal information.
Stalkerware is different. It is installed on your gadget by someone who is close to you and also has physical access to your device. Your partner can peek at your password and unlock your phone. You do need to have any technical skills for the same and installing is quite inexpensive.
The app is completely hidden from sight because it disguises itself as some other application such as a calculator, calendar, or flashlight. In the meantime, it monitors your activity. Anything from phone conversations to the photos you take and files you send or receive unless you use secure file sharing.
The horrifying part is that people who have it might not even know that this spyware is on their devices.
If you are not aware of the threat, how can you defend yourself?
That leads us to the point of whether it’s legal. There are no regulations that target stalkerware specifically. Although it is a form of software that is legal to use, but staking other people with it is against the law. The marketing for these programs doesn’t line up with the terms and conditions, which specifically forbid illegal use of the software.
Ads often promote that you can track your long-lost ex, find out if your partner is cheating, and check up on kids and employees. Mostly it is the women who are the victims of stalkerware. Your boss might ask for your phone to help you set up a new app.
While you are in the bathroom or asleep, your companion can install spyware and snoop on your password. This road mostly ends at exploitation.
How to Check If You Have Stalkerware?
You must have a strategy in place if you are concerned that your partner may have installed stalkerware on your phone. Often deleting the app might make things worse and encourage misuse.
Here are some suggestions on what you can do even though this type of spyware is difficult to detect.
Scan your Phone
Security apps can detect stalkerware. But most people don’t use them. To check if you’ve got spyware, open your settings and check every installed app. Look closely and see if there are any suspicious or unfamiliar entries.
If there are two calculators, calendars, or flashlight apps, one could monitor you. But don’t delete the stalkerware immediately. Instead, make a note of it and keep a copy of it on your smartphone in case you need to report it to the police.
Look for Unusual Behavior
If your battery starts draining fast out of nowhere, and you notice your phone heating up, something could be up. Such signs are a signal that someone has messed up with your phone.
Stalkerware apps running in the background use more CPU power. Scan your apps, if find something unusual.
Check Your Online Accounts
You can check the devices you use to log in to every social media app. Go to the settings menu, and check who can access your account. Even dates of when a device logged in are included in some apps. If there’s anything that looks shady, log out immediately.
Update Your Software
System updates might be annoying, but they occasionally contain pertinent security updates. There have been numerous accusations against Google and Apple for allowing stalkerware in their app stores.
Verify that your operating system and app are running the most recent version.
Do You Know?
More than 8,000 spyware applications were removed with the new update.
Seek Help
Stalking and exploitation are serious crimes. The installation of stalkerware on your device violates your privacy and frequently results in domestic violence. Confront or report them to law enforcement, but be certain you have evidence beforehand.
Get a New Phone
The best way to get rid of the spyware is to format your phone or purchase a new one. Every phone has a factory reset feature that lets you return it to its pre-purchase state. Blank and safe.
Change your Passwords
Stalkerware records your keystrokes. This means that anyone who has been spying on you knows your passwords. After you are done eradicating the malware, create a new password for every account. Don’t reuse the same password across multiple sites.
Password managers will keep all of your logins in one location without remembering them. Remember that your password needs to be complex, long, and difficult to guess.
Use Multi-factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication verifies that you are the one attempting to log in. Either an authentication app or an SMS is used to accomplish this. The latter is safer.
A new panel will show up when you log in to your Instagram account where you are required to insert a temporary code. This will prevent anyone from logging in without your phone, even if they know your credentials.
