The use of apps that let attackers spy on you and steal your personal photos and private messages has increased by 93 per cent since the first lockdown, experts warn.
Software from security firm Avast found over 4,585 users in the UK had apps capable of spying on them and stealing information, known as spyware and stalkerware.
Internationally 165,049 users of Avast security software had these apps installed between January and February this year – a 93 per cent increase on the same time in 2020.
Stalkerware is a type of unethical software that allows people to track someone’s location, without the victim’s knowledge or consent. It is often installed by jealous partners, ex-partners or other people with access to a device.
It gives the perpetrator access to a victim’s personal photos, videos, emails, texts and app communications such as WhatsApp and Facebook, as well as eavesdrop on phone calls and make covert recordings of conversations remotely.
Software from security firm Avast found over 4,585 users in the UK had apps capable of spying on them and stealing information, known as spyware and stalkerware. Stock image
Jaya Baloo, Chief Information Security Officer, Avast, said the growth in these types of apps poses a serious concern as they are a form of ‘tech abuse’ that ‘takes away the physical and online freedom of the victim.’
Stalkerware is often installed secretly on mobile phones by ‘friend, jealous spouses and ex-partners,’ according to Baloo.
This type of software ‘tracks the physical location of the victim, monitors sites visited, phone calls and text messages,’ he explained, adding attackers use it to ‘undermine a person’s online freedom and individual liberty.’
Alarmingly, the growth in stalkerware seems to echo the increase in domestic abuse cases across the UK since lockdown measures came into force, Avast said.
Refuge, a national charity in England providing specialist support for women and children experiencing domestic abuse, reported that calls to its helpline increased by two-thirds in the first three months of lockdown.
Latest figures from the NHS also reveal there has been a 350% increase in the number of people searching online for domestic abuse support during lockdown compared to the previous year.
Jane Keeper, Director of Operations, Refuge, said stalkerware technology gives abusers another way to exert control over their victims whether in lockdown or not.
‘Unfortunately, whilst Avast’s figures are concerning, we fear they are just the tip of the iceberg – many cases will go undetected.
‘This is why Refuge is partnering with Avast, to help tackle this disturbing trend head on,’ Keeper said.
Avast said it was committed to identifying and removing the threat of stalkerware.
Jaya Baloo, Chief Information Security Officer, Avast, said the growth in these types of apps poses a serious concern as they are a form of ‘tech abuse’ that ‘takes away the physical and online freedom of the victim.’ Stock image
In 2019, Avast mobile threat researchers identified and worked to remove eight stalkerware apps from the Google Play Store.
Refuge and Avast are both members of the Coalition Against Stalkerware, a cross-industry organisation committed to fighting domestic abuse, stalking, and harassment by addressing the use of stalkerware and raising public awareness.
Baloo said: ‘We’re proud to be working with members of the Coalition, to raise awareness of tech abuse, educate people on how to address it, and constantly to improve ways to prevent this threat.’
