Spyware, Not ‘Spouseware’: The Sinister Reality of Digital Stalking

• by Anthony Orjally
• Advent IM Blog

Recent revelations have uncovered that spyware applications, such as Spyzie, have compromised the personal data of hundreds of thousands of Android users and thousands of iPhone users. These applications, often termed ‘spouseware’, have been found leaking email addresses, text messages, call logs, photographs, and other sensitive data without the knowledge or consent of the individuals being monitored. ​

The Insidious Nature of Spyware

Spyware operates covertly, collecting data from a device and forwarding it to a third party without the user’s consent. This malicious software can track activities, access personal information, and even control device functionalities like the microphone and camera. The clandestine nature of spyware makes it a formidable tool for surveillance, control, and oppression, posing significant threats to privacy and human rights. ​

The Misnomer of ‘Spouseware’

Referring to spyware as ‘spouseware’ is both disturbing and inappropriate. This term trivialises the severity of installing surveillance software on a partner’s device without consent, framing it as a benign activity. In reality, such actions constitute a grave invasion of privacy and can be a form of domestic abuse, enabling perpetrators to exert control and instil fear in their victims. ​

Broader Implications of Surveillance Technologies

The misuse of surveillance technologies extends beyond personal relationships. Governments and organisations have employed spyware to monitor journalists, activists, and dissidents, leading to violations of privacy and suppression of civil liberties. For instance, reports have highlighted the use of advanced mobile forensics and spyware by authorities to illegally surveil activists, demonstrating the potential for abuse when such tools are unchecked. ​

Protecting Your Privacy

To safeguard against spyware and other forms of unwarranted surveillance:

Be Cautious with App Installations: Only download applications from official app stores and reputable sources. Avoid apps that request excessive permissions or originate from unknown developers.​

Regularly Update Devices: Keep your device’s operating system and applications up to date to ensure security vulnerabilities are patched promptly.​

Utilise Security Software: Install reputable security applications that can detect and remove spyware. Regular scans can help identify potential threats.​

Review App Permissions: Periodically check the permissions granted to your applications and revoke any that are unnecessary or seem intrusive.​

By staying vigilant and informed, individuals can better protect themselves from the pervasive threats posed by spyware and other surveillance technologies.

Written by Advent IM Director – Ellie Hurst ASyI