Stalkerware

Stalkerware is monitoring software or spyware that is used for stalking.[1] The term was coined when people started to widely use commercial spyware to spy on their spouses or intimate partners.[2][3]

Many information security experts and journalists apply the term stalkerware to any software (malicious programs and legitimate commercial monitoring products) that can be used or potentially be used for stalking.[4][5][6] At the same time, the following features of stalkerware are distinguished:

• powerful surveillance functions (key logging, making screenshots, monitoring of Internet activity, recording of location, recording video and audio);
• ability to work in the stealth mode (the user is not notified about being monitored;
• the application is not visible in the list of installed programs;
• the running application is disguised as system processes or utility programs);
• correct installation and/or operation of the application requires disabling anti-viruses or the built-in protection in the OS;
• in case of mobile applications, the app is installed from resources other than official app stores;
• the software manufacturer positions its product as a means of tracking an intimate partner or a tool for parental monitoring, while, in fact, anybody can use it to access another person's phone, determine their GPS location, read private messages, see and hear through cameras and microphones.[7]