People are now spying on their own through the stalkerware app, 4,627 mobile users have fallen victim to this in India

Some people try to digitally control their partner’s life. A report by cyberspace firm Kaspersky revealed that about 4,627 mobile users in India have suffered from stalkerware. Stalkerware is a secret surveillance software used in the field of domestic violence. The report claimed that if there had not been an epidemic and lockdown, the figure could have been higher.

Stalkerware apps are hidden in the phone under the name of fake apps. These suspicious apps usually have access to user messages, call logs and personal activity. Explaining the example, Kaspersky stated that an app named Wi-Fi, which has access to the user’s geolocation, is a suspicious app.

A total of 53,870 users were affected by stalkerware in 2020.

Stalkerware is a form of cyber violence and a global phenomenon that affects countries regardless of size, society, or culture. In 2020, a total of 53,870 mobile users were affected by Stalkerware worldwide. In 2019, Kaspersky found 67,500 affected mobile users. The report said that it is surprising that the number of users affected by stalkerware worldwide declined from March to June 2020. It was also the beginning of the worldwide lockdown.

You can find out if there is stalkerware in the phone

Mobile users can find out if there is a stalkerware installed in their phone. First, remove apps that are not in use. If the app has not been opened in a month or more, it is correct to assume that it is not needed, and if you need it in the future, it can be reinstalled.

Check Android device users ‘unknown sources’ settings. If ‘unknown sources’ is enabled on your device, it may be an indication that any unwanted software is installed in the phone from a third-party source.

To download the stalkerware, the abuse user will have to visit some web pages about which the affected user is not aware. If abuser wiped it out, history would not be found either.

If you find out that the device contains stalkerware, do not rush to remove it. This can increase the security risk and at times the abuser may also increase its suspicious activities.

You can also protect with a TinyCheck tool

In 2019, Kaspersky together with 9 other organizations established ‘Coalition Against Stalkerware, which now has 30 members from five continents. In November last year, the company released a free anti- stalkerware tool, called ‘TinyCheck’, to help nonprofit organizations assist victims of domestic violence and protect their privacy.