Kaspersky warns of an increase in stalkerware cases
The number of people affected by stalkerware worldwide increased by almost six percent in 2023. These are signs of stalkerware on your cell phone.
According to the latest stalkerware report from cybersecurity company Kaspersky, the number of global cases of stalkerware rose by almost six percent to 31,031 in 2023.
Stalkerware includes programs that allow a person to be secretly monitored via their mobile device. These applications allow full access to personal data such as locations, text messages, photos and call logs.
They can often be installed unnoticed and work in the background so that the person concerned is unaware of the monitoring. The use of such software is illegal and is often used by partners in relationships to exert control and surveillance.
Kaspersky advises those affected to contact specialized aid organizations such as the WEISSER RING, which offers professional support. The website of the Coalition Against Stalkerware at www.StopStalkerware.org/de as well as the police provide additional information on how those affected can recognize warning signs and protect themselves.
It is also strongly advised to only remove stalkerware if it is impossible that the perpetrator will react to this change and further threats could follow.
Measures to prevent the installation of stalkerware
To protect yourself from stalkerware on mobile devices, Kaspersky regularly recommends the following steps:
Control app permissions: Stalkerware apps often access private data via permissions and can appear under fake names.
Avoid using unknown sources: Downloading apps from unknown sources should be disabled on Android devices.
Regularly check your browser history: Perpetrators often access devices that users do not know via special websites or delete the history completely
Use cybersecurity solutions: A proven cybersecurity solution can help detect stalkerware.
Source: www.connect.de
