Remove Stalker Programs From Your Devices Using Kaspersky Software
We often think of the perpetrators of spyware attacks as remote anonymous hackers who digitally hack into our networks, accounts, and even devices. However, in recent years, spyware has been most commonly used in cases of domestic violence . Often, attackers use “legal” forms of spyware, known as stalker software, to stalk their victims and use confidential information found on their devices as a means of manipulation.
What is Stalkerware and what does it do
Stalker software – also known as remote access Trojans or “cryptocurrency / spice software” – often requires physical access to a person’s device for installation, but once deployed, it gives the hacker full remote access to their victim’s device. Because our devices are portals to virtually every aspect of our lives – both digital and physical – compromised devices provide hackers with all the information they need to track, stalk, blackmail and harm their victims. To make matters worse, the most commonly suggested forms of stronger security, such as two-factor authentication and most antivirus programs, do not prevent or remove remote access.
Likewise, although the Google Play Store has a small but alarming number of surveillance apps masquerading as everything from anti-theft protection to free antivirus apps and mobile VPN services, it is not specifically stalking software. Heck, even some governments have been found to populate app stores with data collection software . This number increases even more when you consider the numerous applications that can be downloaded and downloaded on Android devices.
Despite this very real threat, most antivirus and antimalware communities, unfortunately, do not treat stalkers. In fact, the fact that several applications do identify stalkerware does not even mark it as a real threat, and therefore it is rarely removed by a regular scan.
Is there a solution?
However, everything is changing. Renowned security company Kaspersky recently updated its software to more accurately identify and remove stalker software from devices, thanks in large part to the support of Eva Halperin, a white-hat hacker and advocate for victims of domestic violence and stalker attacks. Halperin began her fight against stalking software by personally helping victims out of abusive situations and removing surveillance software from their devices, and recently began talking to major security firms about how they can improve their software. You can read more about her campaign in this Wired article .
If you suspect that your device has been jailbroken or you want to take appropriate preventive measures, we strongly recommend that you install Kaspersky software on your device (s):
I hope that other antivirus vendors will follow Kaspersky’s lead. In the meantime, here are some more tips for preventing stalker and other malware attacks:
- Use a reliable antivirus app
- Download apps only from official sources you trust and know
- Always read app reviews before downloading
- When in doubt, google it – if the app is suspicious, chances are, someone called it somewhere on the Internet.
- Report malware / apps to Google , Microsoft , Apple , etc.
- Remove other people’s access to your accounts
- Always follow safety guidelines
As pointed out in the Wired article, Kaspersky’s software has had little relationship with the Russian intelligence services, with some suggesting that their software may act as a surveillance tool for the Russian government , but this has never been confirmed, and Kaspersky vehemently denies the connection. Unless you work for a US government agency (which has banned its employees and agents from using Kaspersky), using Kaspersky is safe.