Technique

Stalkerware

Also known as: Spouseware, Intimate Partner Surveillance, Domestic Spyware, Monitor Apps, Parental Control Abuse, Creepware

EXPLOITATIONPERSISTENCE

Commercially available spyware installed on victim's phone (usually by intimate partner or family member with physical access) to covertly monitor location, messages, calls, photos, and browsing - often used in domestic abuse situations.

Common attack flows

How it fits in a scam

This technique shows up duringEXPLOITATION

Before

After

Defense

How to defend against this

How to spot it

  • Battery drains faster than normal without increased usage
  • Device runs warm when idle or not charging
  • Unexplained high data usage
  • Phone takes longer than usual to shut down
  • Clicking static or echo during phone calls
  • Unfamiliar apps in settings that you did not install
  • Partner knows details of conversations or locations they should not know
  • Device settings changed like location services enabled or screen lock removed
  • Security software disabled without your action

Tools you can use

Further reading