It is awfully concerning to learn that it takes surprisingly little money for a malicious individual to buy an app that monitors activity on others’ devices. This is accomplished with the placement of trojan spyware along with code that conceals itself so the target has no idea it is operating in the background. Everything from browsing activity to emails, text messages, phone calls, and even keystrokes can be recorded and used against the target. Our IT support team in LA can help you avoid becoming a victim of stalkerware.
The Basics of Stalkerware
Software used to stalk a target is referred to as “stalkerware”. Companies that sell monitoring software are in a bit of a moral quandary as it is possible this software will be used for nefarious purposes. While there are certainly plenty of employers and parents looking to monitor employee/children’s activities, there are also some stalkers out there.
Sadly, these malicious parties will conceal monitoring software with a trojan spyware to monitor the activities of their targets. In short, stalkerware is an invasion of privacy yet also a security concern simply because the businesses running the apps can also be hacked.
Signs of Stalkerware
It is challenging for stalkerware users to install this spying app on a device without actually physically using that device. Yet there is also the potential for malicious links on the web, social media platforms, texts and even emails to pose a threat. It merely takes a few clicks to end up installing stalkerware without even knowing it. Stalkerware is complex to the point that it conceals itself under seemingly innocent monikers so the user has no idea it is present on the device.
Secure Your Devices
Our IT support team in LA can help you safeguard your devices and prevent snooping. We advise against clicking unknown links, especially if they look suspicious. Such links are typically presented in text messages, emails, and messages on social media. It will also help to rely on a Password Manager to store lengthy passwords. Furthermore, these passwords should also be unique so they cannot be cracked with ease.
Turn on two-factor authentication for your web-based accounts so those who have your passwords cannot log in pretending to be you and subsequently wreaking havoc.
Antivirus software must be installed on your devices. Strictly rely on antivirus software from vendors who have acknowledged stalkerware is a legitimate problem. Otherwise, the software will only prove effective against other threats that are unrelated to the stalkerware threat. Finally, be sure to continue to be mindful of the apps on the device. If anything seems out of the ordinary, it is time to take action with the assistance of the tech experts.
Advanced Networks is at Your Service!
Our IT support team in LA can help you mitigate the risk of cyber threats. Reach out to us today to find out how we can help with your digital security.
