Spyware is a type of malicious software that allows users to monitor and control a victim’s device without their consent. Spyware can be used for various purposes, such as spying on personal or professional activities, stealing sensitive information, blackmailing, or harassing.
Spyware works by installing an app on the target device, usually under a fake name or icon that disguises its true nature. The app then runs in the background and collects data from the device, such as keystrokes, calls, messages, location, photos, videos, and more. The data is then sent to a remote server, where the spyware user can access it anytime.
How did hackers breach WebDetetive and delete spyware data?
WebDetetive is a spyware firm that sells its software to anyone who wants to spy on someone else. The company advertises its product as a way to track your children, employees, or partners for “less than a cup of coffee” per day.
However, some hackers decided to take action against WebDetetive and its customers. They claim they accessed the company’s server and deleted the device information of more than 76,000 devices that were infected by the spyware. They also freed more than 1.5 gigabytes of data from the server, making it impossible for the spyware users to get any new data from their targets.
The hackers left a note on the server saying “Because #fuckstalkerware” as their motive for the attack. They also shared a cache of data with TechCrunch, a technology news website, to prove their claims.
What are the implications and reactions of the hack?
The hack has several implications and reactions for different parties involved. For the victims of the spyware, the hack means that they are no longer under surveillance by their stalkers. They may also be able to identify who was spying on them by looking at the data shared by the hackers.
For the customers of the spyware, the hack means that they have lost their ability to monitor their targets. They may also face legal consequences if they are exposed as stalkers or abusers by the victims or authorities.
For WebDetetive, the hack means that they have suffered a major breach of their security and reputation. They may also face lawsuits or investigations from regulators or law enforcement agencies for violating privacy laws or facilitating cybercrime.
For the hackers, the hack means that they have achieved their goal of protecting the victims from stalking and harassment. They may also gain recognition or support from other hackers or activists who oppose spyware and stalkerware.
For TechCrunch, the hack means that they have obtained an exclusive story and evidence of a significant cyberattack. They may also face ethical or legal dilemmas about how to report or handle the data shared by the hackers.
What is stalkerware and why is it a problem?
Stalkerware is a term used to describe spyware that is specifically designed or used for stalking purposes. Stalkerware is often used by domestic abusers, jealous partners, or obsessive exes to track and control their victims’ lives.
Stalkerware is a serious problem because it violates the privacy and security of the victims. It can also cause psychological harm, emotional distress, or physical danger to the victims. Stalkerware can also enable other forms of abuse, such as blackmail, manipulation, coercion, or violence.
According to a report by Kaspersky Lab, a cybersecurity company, there were more than 53,000 cases of stalkerware detected on mobile devices in 2020. The report also found that India was among the top 10 countries with the highest number of stalkerware infections.
How can you protect yourself from spyware and stalkerware?
There are some steps you can take to protect yourself from spyware and stalkerware. Some of them are:
- Be careful about what apps you download on your device. Only download apps from trusted sources and check their permissions and reviews before installing them.
- Use antivirus software and update it regularly. Antivirus software can help you detect and remove spyware or stalkerware from your device.
- Lock your device with a strong password or biometric authentication. This can prevent unauthorized access to your device by someone who wants to install spyware or stalkerware on it.
- Check your device settings and apps regularly. Look for any suspicious changes in your device performance, battery usage, data usage, or app behavior. Also look for any unknown apps or icons on your device that could be spyware or stalkerware.
- Seek help if you suspect you are being spied on or stalked. Contact a trusted friend, family member, counselor, lawyer, or police officer if you think you are a victim of spyware or stalkerware. They can help you get out of the situation and take legal action against the perpetrator.
- Benevolent hackers clear stalking spyware from 75,000 phones | Engadget: What is stalkerware? And how to find out if it’s on your phone | Avast : Stalkerware in 2020: Monitoring, tracking and spying on mobile devices | Securelist
