Women are falling victim to spy apps

As technology advances, some dangers end up becoming present. Recently, the case that several women are being victims of spy applications, known as stalkerware. Check out how it works:

Online stalking cases have left thousands of women desperate

According to studies, stalkerware can occur in several ways, the most common being app cloning and real-time location tracking. Although it seems unbelievable, the person who hacked the device has access to everything the victim does, from photos to bank accounts.

In affective relationships, can this be synonymous with danger?

Stalkerware is also known as spouseware as it is often used by jealous spouses who want to control their partner's movements. According to a survey conducted by Kaspersky, 32% of women reported experiencing violence or abuse from men. Victims often don't know how their partners managed to gain access to their personal information.

Combating stalkerware has challenges

All the invasions mentioned above are provided for in the law as a crime. Added to the Brazilian Penal Code by law against stalking, in April 2021, article 147-A provides for fines and imprisonment of up to two years in these cases.

The big problem is that these apps are openly available for download. Google in 2021 removed several app ads against its policies, however, it's difficult to carve a guideline to ban them entirely from networks.

warning signs

For people who suspect that they are victims of stalkerware, there are some warning signs that your phone may show:

• Sudden warm-ups;
• Battery running out too fast;
• Unusual data consumption;
• Changing settings such as default browser and home page;
• New desktop icons;
• Sudden flood of pop-ups;
• Error messages.

If victims discover that they are, in fact, being watched, they should go to the police and report the case. In addition, it is necessary to register an incident report and send the device to forensic expertise.