Stalkerware: tech-enabled domestic abuse skyrocketing

With the number of devices infected with stalkerware - monitoring apps used for cyberstalking through the victim’s smartphone or computer - rising by over 60% in a year, many are worried about the consequences. Ivana Davidovic speaks with Maria who, even after managing to leave her abusive husband of 25 years, was still not free from his clutches. Eva Galperin, who founded the global Coalition Against Stalkerware, explains how more training of law enforcement agencies is needed because many victims feel they are being gaslighted when they ask for help. She is also fighting for greater inclusion of stalkeware apps among anti-virus software manufacturers. In October this year, Google pulled several stalkerware adverts for apps that encouraged prospective users to spy on their partners’ phone. One of those apps, SpyFone, was banned by the US Federal Trade Commission in September for harvesting and sharing data about people’s movements and activities via a hidden device hack. Despite these positive moves, stalkeware apps and advice on how to use them are still easily accessible online. Xena Olsen tells how she became a cybersecurity expert after being a victim of stalkerware by her then fiance - and she offers tips on what to do if you are worried for your own safety. And Rosanna Bellini, from the Clinic to End Tech Abuse, says how sometimes their clients are advised not to immediately remove cyberstalking apps from their phones as that could increase the risk of physical violence. PHOTO: Getty Images