Stalkerware Apps Exposed: The Hidden Dangers You Must Avoid!

Stalkerware Apps Exposed: The Hidden Dangers You Must Avoid!

In recent years, the rise of stalkerware has raised significant concerns regarding privacy and personal safety. This controversial industry caters to individuals seeking to monitor others, often leading to severe breaches of trust and data security. As technology evolves, so does the vulnerability of these shady applications, with numerous companies experiencing massive data leaks.

The Growing Threat of Stalkerware Data Breaches

According to a report by TechCrunch, at least 23 stalkerware companies have suffered hacks or data leaks since 2017. This alarming trend highlights not only the unethical practices in the industry but also the inadequacies in protecting sensitive user data.

Recent Data Exposures

  • Cocospy and Spyic are the latest offenders in 2025, exposing sensitive information, including messages and call logs, of millions of victims.
  • Data leaks included 1.81 million email addresses from Cocospy and 880,167 from Spyic, totaling 2.65 million compromised email addresses.
  • In 2024, major breaches occurred at mSpy and Spytech, with significant amounts of customer data exposed.

History of Stalkerware Hacks

The issue of stalkerware breaches is not new. The first wave began in 2017 with significant hacks affecting companies like Retina-X and FlexiSpy, which revealed data of over 130,000 customers worldwide. These incidents were driven by hackers aiming to expose the unethical nature of the stalkerware industry.

Notable Hacking Incidents

Some of the most prominent cases include:

  • Retina-X: Hacked twice in 2018, leading to its eventual shutdown.
  • Mobistealth: Experienced a major hack in 2018, compromising gigabytes of sensitive records.
  • SpyFone: Faced a security lapse that prompted the Federal Trade Commission to ban its operations.
READ ALSO  Apple Unveils Innovative Child Safety Initiatives: Age-Checking System for Apps Revolutionizes Digital Protection

Risks Associated with Stalkerware

Using stalkerware poses significant risks not only to victims but also to those who use it. The data security measures in place are often inadequate, putting sensitive information at risk:

  • Many stalkerware applications fail to securely store customer data, leading to frequent breaches.
  • Illegal surveillance practices can have real-world consequences, including legal ramifications for the user.

Alternatives to Stalkerware

For those concerned about monitoring their children or loved ones, there are safer and more ethical alternatives:

  • Utilize built-in parental control features available on Apple devices and Android devices.
  • Consider using reputable family safety apps that prioritize user privacy and consent.

Conclusion: Say No to Stalkerware

Engaging in surveillance through stalkerware is unethical and often illegal. The consistent failure of these companies to protect user data serves as a strong warning against their use. For those seeking help regarding potential abuse or stalking, resources like the National Domestic Violence Hotline are available 24/7. Remember, protecting privacy and ethical behavior should always come first.

Complete List of Stalkerware Breaches Since 2017

  1. Retina-X (2017, 2018)
  2. FlexiSpy (2017)
  3. Mobistealth (2018)
  4. Spy Master Pro (2018)
  5. SpyHuman (2018)
  6. SpyFone (2018)
  7. FamilyOrbit (2018)
  8. mSpy (2018, 2024)
  9. Xnore (2018)
  10. Copy9 (2018)
  11. MobiiSpy (2019)
  12. KidsGuard (2020)
  13. pcTattletale (2021, 2024)
  14. Xnspy (2022)
  15. Spyhide (2023)
  16. TheTruthSpy (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)
  17. LetMeSpy (2023)
  18. WebDetetive (2023, 2024)
  19. OwnSpy (2023)
  20. Oospy (2023)
  21. Spytech (2024)
  22. Cocospy (2025)
  23. Spyic (2025)

Similar Posts

US Indicts Garantex Admins for Alleged Crypto Money Laundering Tied to Terrorists and Hackers

US Indicts Garantex Admins for Alleged Crypto Money Laundering Tied to Terrorists and Hackers

Bysupport

The U.S. Department of Justice has indicted two administrators of the Russian cryptocurrency exchange Garantex for facilitating money laundering and violating U.S. sanctions. Aleksej Besciokov and Aleksandr Mira Serda are accused of allowing over $96 billion in transactions since 2019, linked to crimes including hacking and drug trafficking. Following the indictment, U.S. law enforcement seized Garantex’s websites and froze over $26 million in cryptocurrency assets. The exchange, previously sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury and the EU, has suspended services and warned users about scams post-indictment. Both men face serious charges, including conspiracy to launder money.

DOJ Confirms FBI's Major Operation to Eradicate Chinese Malware from Thousands of US Computers

DOJ Confirms FBI’s Major Operation to Eradicate Chinese Malware from Thousands of US Computers

Bysupport

U.S. authorities have disrupted the operations of the state-sponsored Chinese hacking group “Twill Typhoon,” linked to a global espionage campaign affecting millions of computers. On August 2024, the Department of Justice and FBI, in collaboration with French authorities and the cybersecurity firm Sekoai, executed a court-authorized operation to eliminate the “PlugX” malware from over 4,200 infected U.S. computers. The malware, utilized since 2014 for espionage, collects victim files for exfiltration. The U.S. has accused the Chinese government of funding Twill Typhoon, amid ongoing concerns about Chinese cyber threats targeting global organizations and government systems.

PowerSchool Data Breach: Hackers Compromise Complete Historical Records of Students and Teachers

PowerSchool Data Breach: Hackers Compromise Complete Historical Records of Students and Teachers

Bysupport

A major cybersecurity breach occurred at PowerSchool, an edtech provider, compromising historical data of students and teachers from multiple U.S. school districts. Hackers accessed sensitive information by exploiting compromised credentials in December, affecting data from the 2009-2010 school year onwards. Reports indicate that personal information like names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and medical details were exposed. PowerSchool has not disclosed the number of affected districts and faced criticism for inadequate security measures, including the lack of multi-factor authentication. The company is reviewing the breach’s impact and has implemented measures to prevent further data dissemination.

Washington Takes Legal Action Against T-Mobile for 2021 Data Breach Exposing 79 Million Customer Records

Washington Takes Legal Action Against T-Mobile for 2021 Data Breach Exposing 79 Million Customer Records

Bysupport

The state of Washington has taken legal action against T-Mobile, alleging that the telecommunications giant failed to protect the personal data of millions of its residents before a significant data breach in August 2021. This incident impacted over 79 million customers across the United States and has raised serious concerns about data security practices in…

Global Police Crackdown: Major Operation Takes Down 8Base Ransomware Gang's Leak Site

Global Police Crackdown: Major Operation Takes Down 8Base Ransomware Gang’s Leak Site

Bysupport

The takedown of the 8base ransomware gang has significantly impacted the cybercrime landscape, led by the Bavarian State Criminal Police with support from international law enforcement agencies, including those from Europe, Japan, the U.S., and U.K. Established in 2022 and linked to RansomHouse, 8base employed double-extortion tactics, targeting various sectors such as healthcare and education. Their notable attacks included a breach of the United Nations Development Programme. The operation underscores the effectiveness of global cooperation in combating ransomware, as authorities continue to intensify their efforts against cybercriminal activities.

Apple Fights Back Against U.K. iCloud Encryption Backdoor Mandate

Apple Fights Back Against U.K. iCloud Encryption Backdoor Mandate

Bysupport

Apple is challenging a U.K. Government order in the Investigatory Powers Tribunal that demands the creation of a backdoor for iCloud backups using end-to-end encryption, essential for user privacy. This order, revealed through leaks, aims to compel Apple to provide unencrypted data to law enforcement. In response, Apple has withdrawn access to the encrypted iCloud feature for U.K. users and is considering exiting the U.K. market. The case could set a precedent regarding the U.K.’s encryption-breaking powers, with hearings likely held in secret. Apple’s spokesperson expressed disappointment over the situation affecting U.K. users’ security.