Kaspersky rings the alarm about the romanticization of stalking as depicted in TV series and movies. The cybersecurity company reminds people that stalking, both online and offline, is unacceptable and dangerous.

“Regardless of whether it is happening online or digitally, stalking and stalkerware is a form of violence,” Christina Jankowski, senior external relations manager at Kaspersky, said in a media advisory.

A common form of digital stalking is so-called stalkerware, a commercially available software that can be discreetly installed on smartphone devices. Along with other technologies, stalkerware is often used in abusive relationships, enabling perpetrators to monitor an individual’s private life without their knowledge. Stalkerware has also been connected to other forms of violent behavior. 

Kaspersky unveils hub for stalkerware detection tools
Stalkerware affects 32,000 mobile users in 2021— Kaspersky

According to Kaspersky, more than 29,000 people worldwide were affected by stalkerware in 2022. Cases in all countries show that stalkerware is a global phenomenon that is currently affecting all societies, with the Coalition Against Stalkerware estimating that the use of this form of software worldwide could be close to one million cases annually.

Fight against digital stalking

 “There are real-life stories behind the numbers of those affected which is why it is important to take active action against it,” Jankowski said. “Kaspersky is sharing insights with the global cyber community and aiding organizations in the fight against digital stalking. All relevant data and information on this issue must be shared for the benefit of those affected by cyber violence to further improve the level of detection and protection.”

In 2019, Kaspersky alongside nine other companies and organizations founded the Coalition Against Stalkerware, which today counts more than 40 members worldwide. The Coalition’s mission is to improve the detection of stalkerware, combat domestic violence, promote knowledge sharing among non-profit organizations and companies, and raise public awareness about the problem. 

Kaspersky’s consumer security solutions protect against stalkerware, regularly scanning devices and displaying suitably clear warnings, including recommended actions if detected. 

Kaspersky has developed the free open-source tool, TinyCheck, which enables the detection of stalkerware in a simple, fast, and non-invasive way on an affected device without alerting the perpetrator. TinyCheck is secure in its use by help organizations and it does not read the contents of an individual’s communications (such as SMS or emails). It only interacts with the online servers/IPs connected to the smart device. TinyCheck does not know whom an individual is communicating with or what is being said, and the network record of the analyzed device is not shared with either Kaspersky or third parties who receive this data. All analysis is carried out locally. 

Kaspersky recommendations for those affected by stalkerware

• Reach out to a local support organization to find one close to you, check the Coalition Against Stalkerware website. The website also includes an explanation video, which provides helpful information for victims to better recognize the warning signs of stalkerware and recommends further steps and behaviors to take or avoid.
• Do not try to erase the stalkerware, change any settings or tamper with your phone This may alert your potential perpetrator and lead to an escalation of the situation. You also risk erasing important data or evidence that could be used in a prosecution.
• Keep an eye out for warning signs including fast-draining battery due to unknown or suspicious apps using up their charge and newly-installed applications with suspicious access to use and track your location or with otherwise not logically explicable functions; inexplicable detailed knowledge of third parties.
• Check if your “unknown sources” setting is enabled, as this may be a sign that unwanted software has been installed from a third-party source. It is important to note that the above signs are only symptoms of possible stalkerware installation, not a definitive indication.
• Use a proven cybersecurity solution such as Kaspersky Free on Android. However, if there is a suspicion that a stalkerware is already running on the smartphone, this should only be done after a risk assessment of the person concerned — preferably together with a support organization — otherwise, the perpetrator might notice the newly deployed cybersecurity solution.

Kaspersky recommendations for protection against stalkerware on mobile devices

• Protect your phone with a strong password that you never share with your partner, friends, or colleagues.
• Regularly check the permissions of installed apps: Stalkerware apps can be disguised under a fake app name.
• Delete apps that are rarely or never used.
• Check personal browsing history: In order to download stalkerware, the perpetrator must visit websites that the affected user probably does not know. Alternatively, there could be no history at all if the perpetrator has deleted it.
• Deploy a proven cybersecurity solution that protects against all types of mobile threats and checks the device regularly.