Remove Stalkerware from your devices with Kaspersky software

We often design spyware attackers as remote hackers with anonymous identity, penetrating our networks, accounts and even our devices through digital means. However, in recent years, one of the most common uses of spyware is domestic violence. Often abusive partners use "legal" spyware, known as stalkerware, to hunt down victims and use sensitive information on their devices as a means of manipulation.

What is Stalkerware?

Stalkerwares, also known as remote access trojans or creepware / spouseware, often require physical access to a person's device in order to be installed, but once deployed, they allow the attacker to gain access complete remote to the device. Since our devices are portals to almost every aspect of our lives – digital and physical – compromised devices provide hackers with all the information they need to track, harass, blackmail and harm their victims. Worst of all, the most commonly suggested forms of security, such as two-factor authentication and most antivirus software, will not prevent or eliminate remote access.

Similarly, while not malware, the Google Play Store offers a small but alarming number of hidden surveillance applications, ranging from anti-theft tools to free antivirus apps and mobile VPNs. Heck, even some governments have discovered that he was creating application stores with data collection software. This number increases further when you consider the many applications that can be downloaded and downloaded laterally on Android devices.

Despite this very real threat, the stalkerware is unfortunately not treated by the majority of antivirus and anti-malware. In fact, the few applications that identify stalkerware do not even report it as a real threat, and so are rarely removed during routine scans.

Is there a solution?

Things are changing, though. The well-known security company Kaspersky has recently updated its software to more specifically identify and remove device stalkerware, largely thanks to the advocacy of Eva Galperin, white hacker and advocate for victims of domestic violence and violence. 39, stalkerware attacks. Galperin began its fight against malware by personally helping victims get out of abusive situations and by removing monitoring software from their devices. It has recently begun to discuss with leading security companies how to improve their software. You can read more about his campaign in this article at Wired.

If you believe that your device has been compromised or if you wish to take the appropriate preventive measures, we strongly recommend that you install the Kaspersky software on your device (s):

Hopefully more antivirus creators will follow Kaspersky's initiative. In the meantime, here are some other tips for preventing malware and other malware attacks:

As Wired points out, Kaspersky's software has tenuous links with Russian intelligence services. Some assume that their software can serve as a monitoring tool for the Russian government, but this has never been confirmed and Kaspersky outright denies the connection. Unless you work for a US government agency (which has banned the use of Kaspersky software by its employees and agents), the use of Kaspersky is safe.