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In a recent cybersecurity incident, pcTattletale, a U.S. stalkerware firm, suffered a breach at the hands of an unknown hacker. The attacker accessed internal data, leaked it, and defaced the company’s website.
The hackers credited a TechCrunch article about pcTattletale’s stalkerware being used at Wyndham hotels, which took them only 15 minutes to read and act upon by compromising the company.
This cyberattack prompted pcTattletale’s founder, Bryan Fleming, to announce the closure of his business.
Apps like pcTattletale are dubbed stalkerware and often facilitate surreptitious spying activities by individuals, typically against intimate partners. These software options are frequently marketed as ways to uncover infidelity, fostering illegal and immoral actions. Court cases, investigations, and shelters for domestic abuse survivors have demonstrated the very real dangers linked to online stalking and the physical harm it can precipitate.
Hackers have been targeting such companies, and pcTattletale is now the 20th stalkerware company known to have experienced a data breach or leak since 2017, with some facing multiple incidents.
Eva Galperin of the Electronic Frontier Foundation described the stalkerware industry as an easy target due to questionable business ethics and product quality among stalkerware providers.
These breaches highlight stalkerware’s double risk—not only could users be illegitimately spying and potentially breaking the law, but they’re also risking sensitive personal data due to poor security protocols within stalkerware companies.
The Chronology of Stalkerware Hacks
The sequence of breaches in the stalkerware sector began prominently in 2017 with hacks on Retina-X and FlexiSpy. These revealed how extensive their customer base was. Hackers claiming responsibility for these actions expressed a desire to dismantle an industry they see as toxic.
Despite negative attention over the years, some stalkerware companies, like FlexiSpy, continue operations; however, others like Retina-X have closed down after suffering multiple hacks.
Various other stalkerware firms have also suffered breaches, leaks, and responsible server exposures, leading to massive personal data losses. These incidents have affected companies like Mobistealth, Spy Master Pro, and SpyHuman among others.
Regarding the stalkerware companies that have shut down post-hack, the total number is eight as per TechCrunch. Following an FTC ban, SpyFone, run by Scott Zuckerman, was forced out of the surveillance industry. PhoneSpector and Highster Mobile have also ceased operations following legal scrutiny from New York’s attorney general.
Unfortunately, some terminated stalkerware businesses have reemerged under different branding. Therefore, hacking one such company doesn’t guarantee it will cease existing permanently.
There is, however, some positive news. A Malwarebytes report indicated a decline in stalkerware usage, and there’s a noted uptick in negative app reviews. Nonetheless, tech-enabled abuse within various forms remains a significant issue.
Reject Stalkerware
Employing spyware to monitor someone clandestinely is not only ethically questionable but typically unlawful due to concerns about unauthorized surveillance.
With the track record of stalkerware companies failing to secure data, users are dissuaded from using such software. Even for parental monitoring, experts recommend transparent communication with children and using legal, secure built-in tracking tools in devices like Apple phones and Android devices.
For those in need of help, the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) offers confidential support around the clock. In emergencies, dial 911. The Coalition Against Stalkerware provides resources for spyware compromise situations.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is stalkerware?
Stalkerware refers to software that enables someone to secretly monitor and track another individual’s device usage, including location tracking, message spying, and more. It is often used in the context of intimate partner surveillance and is widely considered to be unethical and illegal.
Why are stalkerware apps considered dangerous?
Stalkerware apps not only violate privacy rights and breach trust but also pose security risks as they often lack adequate data protection measures. This makes both the perpetrators and the victims vulnerable to data breaches and leaks.
Is it illegal to use stalkerware?
In most jurisdictions, using stalkerware is illegal as it constitutes unauthorized surveillance and breaches of privacy. Laws may vary by region, but the use of such software is typically against the law.
How do I know if stalkerware is installed on my device?
Signs of stalkerware include unexpected battery drain, slow performance, increased data usage, or unfamiliar apps or processes running on your device. If you suspect stalkerware, you may need professional assistance to detect and remove it.
What should I do if I suspect stalkerware use?
If you suspect you are a victim of stalkerware, consider reaching out to local authorities or organizations that support victims of domestic abuse. Additionally, you might need a cybersecurity professional to help examine and secure your device.
