What is Stalkerware and What Can You Do to Stay Safe?

Stalkerware is a type of surveillance software that lets someone secretly monitor another person’s smartphone or computer activity without their knowledge. It is most often used in cases of intimate partner surveillance, harassment, or abuse.

Unlike other types of malicious software, stalkerware is highly personal. In nearly every case, this highly privacy-invasive app is installed by someone the victim knows, who then exploits its capabilities to cyberstalk and harass, or worse.

According to the Coalition Against Stalkerware, stalkerware is:

“Software, made available directly to individuals, that enables a remote user to monitor the activities on another user’s device without that user’s consent and without explicit, persistent notification to that user in a manner that may facilitate intimate partner surveillance, harassment, abuse, stalking, and/or violence.”

The organization also highlights the importance of a narrow and clear definition, since stalkerware is often mistakenly lumped in with other invasive apps. Standard informal terms also include “spouseware” or “creepware”.

How Does Stalkerware Work?

Stalkerware typically runs in stealth mode, hiding itself from the victim while sending data to the person who installed it. Most stalkerware can monitor nearly every aspect of your phone’s activity. This includes:

• Tracking GPS location in real-time
• Accessing messages, call logs, photos, and emails (even activity of third-party applications)
• Recording the users’ keystrokes
• Remotely activating the camera or microphone to listen in on conversations and capture images
• Viewing internet browsing history
• Intercepting or recording phone calls

These functionalities make this type of tool or software extremely dangerous.

Bitdefender telemetry showed that, in 2021, the United States was by far the most affected by stalkerware detections, significantly outpacing other countries.

Is Stalkerware Legal?

Stalkerware occupies a murky legal space. However, in many countries, the installation and use of stalkerware is illegal, especially if it violates privacy laws or is used for harassment.

Signs You Might Have Stalkerware on Your Device

Please note that detecting stalkerware on your device can be very difficult because the software is designed to stay invisible from the victim. However, there are some signs you can look for on your device, including:

• Rapid battery drain
• Phone running hot or sluggish
• High background data usage
• Unknown apps or services with generic names like “System Service”
• Unexplained access to your location or camera
• The individual, whether a spouse, partner, friend or family member, may tell you details from private conversations or know your whereabouts without any previous communication

What to Do If You Suspect You’re Being Watched

Your safety comes first, always. If you believe stalkerware is on your phone and you are in a potentially dangerous situation:

• Avoid confronting the abuser directly
• Communicate with friends and family and contact local law enforcement
• Use a safe device to seek help (a friend’s phone or a public computer)
• Contact a domestic violence or cyber-abuse support group such as those listed at stopstalkerware.org
• Keep any digital evidence if needed for legal action

How to Protect Yourself Against Stalkerware

1. Use trusted mobile security solutions
Security solutions like Bitdefender Mobile Security for Android can detect stalkerware, even when hidden.

2. Review app permissions regularly
Look for apps with suspicious access to your camera, messages, or GPS.

3. Update your device frequently
OS updates often patch security flaws stalkerware exploits.

4. Avoid rooting or jailbreaking
These practices remove built-in protections and make spyware harder to detect.

5. Perform a factory reset of your phone

If you suspect abuse, you can reset your phone to wipe it of potential stalkerware.