Stalkerware is a growing domestic malware, with dangerous and sinister implications
While spyware and infostealers seek to steal personal data, stalkerware is different: it steals the physical freedom of the victim. Usually installed secretly on mobile phones by ‘friends’, jealous spouses, ex-partners, and sometimes concerned parents, stalkerware tracks the physical location of the victim, monitoring sites visited on the internet, and text messages and phone calls to friends.
But this is not about data theft – this is about control of the person. If it is installed by parents with the knowledge of offspring, there is little harm. All too often, however, it is used to secretly spy on where the target is, and what that person is doing; and often it is merely a sinister process that is part of, or degenerates into, an abusive relationship. That abusive element of stalkerware is so severe that in November 2019, support groups for victims of domestic abuse formed the Coalition Against Stalkerware.
The installation of stalkerware
The problem and danger of stalkerware comes from its position sitting astride the distinction between genuine concern and outright malicious intent. The majority of traditional malware is installed by remote hackers using software vulnerabilities or social engineering. This can be detected and prevented by anti-malware products. But stalkerware can be ‘legitimately’ installed by someone with access to the device. Anti-malware products do not prevent legitimate installations, and stalkerware itself is not illegal. The use and intent may be, but the device knows nothing about intent.
In that context, the installer could be a ..
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