Stalkerware is on the rise.

The proliferation of ‘stalkerware’ apps is alarming and on the rise, posing significant risks to personal privacy and safety.

Recently, I encountered a deceptive app named Flash Keylogger, disguised as a harmless calculator tool. However, its true purpose was far more insidious, covertly recording every keystroke on the device it was installed on. This type of data logging could provide a stalker with unrestricted access to sensitive personal information.

Flash Keylogger is just one example of a broader category of apps known as “stalkerware,” which have seen a rapid increase in numbers over the past few years. While these apps were once limited in quantity, they now exist in the thousands, readily available for download on platforms like Google’s Play Store and, to a lesser extent, Apple’s App Store. Despite often having innocent-sounding names such as MobileTool or Agent, these apps are frequently used for digital domestic abuse, prompting Apple and Google to acknowledge the severity of the issue.

According to a study by security firm NortonLifeLock, the prevalence of stalkerware has surged, with a 63% increase in infected devices from September to May. The Federal Trade Commission’s action against SpyFone, developed by Support King, marks a significant step in addressing this issue.

Eva Galperin, a cybersecurity director at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, describes stalkerware as extremely invasive and linked to severe cases of intimate partner abuse.

The challenge with stalkerware lies in its ambiguous nature. While surveillance apps can serve legitimate purposes, such as parental controls, they cross into stalkerware territory when used to spy on individuals without their consent. These apps are more prevalent on Android devices due to the platform’s open nature, but newer versions targeting iPhones have also emerged.

Both Google and Apple have taken steps to address the issue, with Google banning apps that violate its policies, including Flash Keylogger. Apple has published a safety guide in response to the threat posed by stalkerware, emphasizing the importance of device security and user awareness.

Detecting and combatting stalkerware can be challenging. Antivirus software has only recently begun flagging these apps as malicious, and they often operate discreetly in the background.

To protect against stalkerware, users are advised to monitor their devices for unusual behavior, such as rapid battery drainage, and to scan for suspicious apps using tools like Malwarebytes or NortonLifeLock. Seeking assistance from organizations like the National Domestic Violence Hotline can provide crucial support and guidance.

Additionally, users should audit their online accounts, change passwords frequently, and enable two-factor authentication where possible to enhance security. Apple users can take further precautions by checking settings to prevent unauthorized data access.

Ultimately, erasing all data from a device or purchasing a new phone may be necessary to completely remove stalkerware. Regularly updating software is also essential to mitigate security risks.

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