What is stalkerware?
Stalkerware is software installed on a phone to monitor location, messages and calls without the person's knowledge. It is mostly installed through physical access or an untrusted installation. Installing such software on someone else's phone can be an offence.
Possible signs
- An unfamiliar app or administrator right
- Unexplained data and battery use
- A hidden configuration profile (iPhone)
- Security features switched off in settings
- Someone knowing things about you that they should not
Check steps
Review installed apps and their permissions, check accessibility and device-administrator rights and look at the session and device list in your Apple ID or Google account. If your safety is at risk, act from a different and safe device, considering that the device you are checking may be monitored.
Before deleting
Deleting spyware immediately can destroy evidence and alert the person monitoring you. If there is a safety threat, first consider preserving evidence and making a safe plan. See the phone spyware check and digital evidence preservation pages. If violence is involved there are 112, 155, ALO 183 and KADES.
