As technology advances and new features emerge, concern for data security becomes even more imminent. After all, cybercriminals keep up with all this evolution, making their malicious actions even more sophisticated to deceive victims and steal important data, such as bank and social network passwords.

Therefore, investing in security measures, especially on mobile devices like smartphones, is essential to keep information safe and avoid potential digital fraud.

We at CodeBit are deeply committed to promoting digital awareness and security. To help you, dear reader, keep your access protected, we always update our blog with security tips and best practices in device usage.

In today's blog post, we are going to address a type of breach that has become increasingly common - and dangerous: Stalkerware, a digital threat that can cause serious harm to victims.
Do you want to find out what it is and how to protect yourself? Then, you're in the right place! Keep reading and check out the article that we, from the CodeBlog, have prepared for you.

What is Stalkerware?

Stalkerware is a criminal practice of violating victims' privacy. It occurs with the installation of malicious software on smartphones, which is capable of accessing data and information stored on the devices without authorization, in real time.
The main issue is that, in most cases, users take time to identify that spying is occurring, because hackers use a series of strategies to camouflage the program's interface.
The only way to identify or prevent complications from this type of action is to act preventively and stay alert to the signs that a possible intrusion might be happening.

How to find out if you might be a victim of Stalkerware:

Before discovering the main signs of an intrusion, it is important to understand how this software can be installed on your mobile device. The most common way is activation through malicious links in messaging apps or social networks.
In these cases, hackers take advantage of phrases with mental triggers and tempting offers, such as unmissable promotions, limited discounts, extra income opportunities, and others, capable of deceiving victims and inducing them to click on the links immediately.
Furthermore, Stalkerware can also be installed on smartphones via infected apps or programs.
After installation, it camouflages itself, taking the form of a common app, so that the malicious actions are not identified.
After the intrusion, the devices start showing some signs such as:

► slowness and reduced performance;

► decreased battery life;

► increased mobile data consumption;

► frequent overheating;

► suspicious SMS (such as combinations of letters and numbers - codes that enable hackers to communicate with the device);

► problems when shutting down or restarting the device.

What can Stalkerware access on devices?

With a compact, dynamic, and portable design, mobile devices concentrate thousands of data points of their owners, and as practical as this seems, it is also a feast for criminals' actions.
After all, when Stalkerware is installed on the device, it gains access to the most diverse information present on a cell phone, such as:

- stored photos, files, and documents;

- messages sent and received in instant messaging apps (like WhatsApp and Telegram) and social networks;

- background phone calls made by the device;

- real-time camera and microphone.

As invasive as this practice is, in some countries, it is not considered a crime, since Stalkerware can also be used as a monitoring measure, for example, in the case of parents who wish to control the activities of teenage children and protect them from internet dangers.
In other cases, people take advantage of Stalkerware to perform abusive actions, crossing the boundaries of respect and privacy, such as in relationships, where one partner begins monitoring the other's activities to obtain details on conversations and behavior through this type of app.

Stalkerware: how to protect your device from this threat?

Always keep your device's security mode activated.

Security mode is a setting present on most Android devices. In practice, it helps reinforce the authorizations and permissions contained on the device, contributing to information and user awareness regarding the functions each application performs on the device, as well as the use of information or resources.
This functionality helps users easily identify which devices do not have confirmed authorization to perform certain functions and then remove them, avoiding eventual damage to privacy.

Watch out for malicious links!

Messaging apps, such as WhatsApp, are frequently used to commit digital crimes.
Criminals send messages containing shortened malicious URLs, which hide suspect domains and disguise infected files, facilitating fraud.
By clicking on these links, users may believe they are accessing a promotional website or a platform with benefits, such as redeeming gifts or discounts. However, they are falling victim to digital spying and allowing the installation of a spy app on their device.

Frequently scan your device and applications

Mobile devices can store several apps simultaneously, making it difficult to identify Stalkerware actions.
Therefore, the most recommended action is to act preventively and always review the list of installed applications, verify those that are no longer used, and then uninstall them.
It is also important to highlight that digital criminals frequently work to sophisticated malwares and make them even stronger.
Thus, it is essential that your device has an updated antivirus.
After all, updates fix security loopholes and provide new features, ensuring device protection against the latest types of attacks.

What is the difference between Spyware and Stalkerware?

Because both are intrusion practices, many people confuse the concepts of Spyware and Stalkerware.
Although they are similar, spying actions present some differences in the risks posed and damage to victims. Learn more below:

As mentioned previously, Stalkerware accesses personal data contained in a smartphone. However, it may not be used for harmful purposes, but rather as a means of parental control and monitoring.
On the other hand, Spyware also acts as an intrusive application that monitors activities and passes data, without authorization, to companies or even to scammers.
These actions represent several risks to smartphone users, ranging from data and consumption profile leaks to the theft of bank or social network passwords.
However, unlike Stalkerware, Spyware does not monitor device usage in real time.

In short, dear reader, we hope these tips can help reinforce your digital security, and prevent and identify potential spying attacks on your device.
If you liked this blog post, share the content on your social networks and help keep your network of contacts safe from digital dangers.

Furthermore, keep an eye on the CodeBit Blog to follow all the news, trends, and updates from the tech universe.

A big hug, and see you in the next post!