Is Your Android Phone at Risk of Being Compromised by Stalkerware? Learn How to Remove It if Infected
According to a report from TechCrunch, a dangerous stalkerware app called Spyhide has successfully infected around 60,000 Android phones since 2016. Unlike typical hacking apps that send stolen data to cybercriminals, Spyhide covertly collects private information and transmits it back to the individuals who are using it to monitor their targets. This has resulted in tens of thousands of Android users falling victim to this malicious software.
An alarming discovery
The real danger lies in stalkerware’s ability to remain hidden on compromised phones, making detection and removal challenging. After installation, Spyhide discreetly collects and downloads a variety of private information, including contacts, messages, photos, call logs, recordings, and real-time location.
Recently, a Swiss hacker named Maia Arson Crimew discovered a vulnerability in Spyhide’s dashboard, allowing him access to the stalkerware’s backend database. The leaked information sheds light on the scale of the attack. The compromised data on 60,000 Android devices includes call logs, text messages and years of location history.
What’s more, TechCrunch’s analysis shows that Spyhide operates globally, with 3,100 devices in the U.S. with more than 100,000 location data points. In addition, the stalkerware database contains information on 750,000 users who signed up to use Spyhide, likely with the intention of installing it on someone else’s smartphone. The vast collection of victims’ personal data includes 3.29 million text messages, 2FA codes, password reset links, 1.2 million call logs, 312,000 call recording files, 925,000+ contact lists, and 382,000 photos and images.
How to detect and remove Stalkerware from your phone?
To prevent your phone from being affected, it is important to know how to detect and remove stalkerware. These apps often disguise themselves as regular apps on your phone, making them hard to spot. For example, Spyhide masquerades as a Google-themed app called “Google Settings” or a ringtone app called “T.Ringtone.” To protect yourself, check the installed apps in the Settings menu for anything suspicious and remove any that seem inappropriate.
Strengthens the security of your device
You can improve your protection against stalkerware like Spyhide by using one of the best Android antivirus apps to scan your device for malware. In addition, Google Play Protect can help by scanning existing and new app downloads for potential threats.
Unfortunately, stalkerware is still a major concern on both Android and iOS platforms as some people look for an easy way to track others. Protect your phone by avoiding leaving it unattended and using secure biometrics like fingerprints instead of easy-to-guess passwords or PINs.
