Why You Should Avoid Stalkerware: The Hidden Dangers of Spy Apps

In today’s digital age, privacy is one of the most valuable aspects of our lives. But some individuals and organizations choose to infringe on that privacy using dangerous and often illegal software—commonly referred to as “stalkerware.” These apps allow a person to secretly monitor someone else’s private information, including messages, location, photos, and more. While some stalkerware apps are marketed as tools for parental monitoring, they are frequently misused in cases of domestic abuse or to spy on unsuspecting individuals.

In this article, we will explore the hidden dangers of stalkerware, why it’s so harmful, and what can happen when these poorly coded apps get exposed. A recent investigation revealed just how vulnerable stalkerware can be—not only to its victims but also to the people using it. Here’s a look at the risks involved with stalkerware and why you should steer clear of it.

Stalkerware: A Breach of Privacy for Both Victims and Perpetrators

Stalkerware apps have become notorious for their shoddy coding, making them vulnerable to security breaches. A recent investigation uncovered multiple flaws in stalkerware applications like Spyzie, Cocospy, and Spyic. These apps are designed to spy on victims, collecting sensitive data such as messages, photos, and location information. However, researchers discovered that these apps were leaking data from both the victims’ devices and the perpetrators’ information, including email addresses.

The investigation revealed that the bug in these apps exposed not only personal data but also large amounts of sensitive information about the users of these stalkerware tools. For example, the bug leaked over 500,000 email addresses from Spyzie users, 1.8 million from Cocospy users, and 880,000 from Spyic users. The vulnerability was so simple to exploit that it was deemed unsafe to disclose the details publicly.

Stalkerware apps are marketed to unsuspecting individuals as parental control tools, but they are often misused for illegal surveillance. These apps can even end up in the hands of abusive individuals, leading to serious emotional and psychological harm for the victims. Whether it’s an ex-partner, a jealous spouse, or a controlling parent, the implications of having your private information exposed are devastating.

Why You Should Never Use Stalkerware

Illegal in Most Countries: Using stalkerware is illegal in nearly every jurisdiction unless it’s for government-approved surveillance or used to monitor children, though even then, the legal framework can be murky.
Worsens Problems: Resorting to stalkerware typically makes personal issues more complicated. Instead of solving the underlying problem, it often exacerbates the situation, leading to even more invasive and harmful behavior.

3. Exposure Risks: If

The Role of Malwarebytes: Companies like Malwarebytes, a founding member of the Coalition Against Stalkerware, are working hard to detect and remove these invasive apps from devices. However, removing the app may tip off the person spying on you. If you’re experiencing domestic abuse, it’s advised to create a safety plan with trusted organizations before taking action.

What Undercode Says:

The rise of stalkerware is a concerning trend in both the tech and personal security realms. Its potential for abuse—whether for malicious spying, harassment, or domestic violence—is significant. What’s particularly alarming is how often these apps are exposed for security flaws. It’s not just the victims who are at risk; the perpetrators who use stalkerware also face the consequences of their actions.

One important aspect that often gets overlooked in conversations about stalkerware is the role of poor security practices by the app developers. The apps are notoriously vulnerable, and hackers or independent researchers can easily gain access to sensitive data. This is a significant problem, as it not only exposes the victims but also the individuals using the apps. The very tools used for surveillance can themselves be compromised, leading to widespread breaches of privacy for both parties.

The fundamental issue with stalkerware is that it operates in a gray legal area. While it is frequently promoted as a solution for “keeping an eye on” loved ones or monitoring children, the reality is that its misuse is widespread. For example, controlling partners or abusive ex-spouses often use stalkerware to monitor their victims. The use of stalkerware in domestic abuse situations is not a rare occurrence. Studies and reports from groups like the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) have highlighted the prevalence of this issue and the dangerous consequences it has on victims.

However, while stalkerware presents a clear threat to personal privacy, its use can often backfire on perpetrators as well. Due to the frequent security flaws within these apps, it’s possible for anyone to access private data, including the identities of the stalkers themselves. This opens up a new area of concern where perpetrators of cyberstalking may face exposure themselves. Once again, the inherent flaws in these poorly designed apps are a major point of failure—not just for the victims, but for the users who may be unaware of the security risks they face by relying on such apps.

Fact Checker Results:

Security Flaws: The exposed data from stalkerware apps like Spyzie, Cocospy, and Spyic confirm the widespread vulnerability of these platforms. The leaks of personal data, including email addresses, highlight the poor security measures employed by stalkerware apps.
Legality: Stalkerware is illegal in many countries unless explicitly permitted under specific conditions. However, the usage laws can vary and are often confusing, especially in cases involving domestic surveillance.
Exposing Perpetrators: The vulnerabilities discovered in stalkerware apps not only jeopardize the privacy of victims but also the perpetrators. This adds a layer of unpredictability to the use of such tools and further underscores their risk.

References:

Reported By: https://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/news/2025/02/millions-of-stalkerware-users-exposed-again
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