Global Kaspersky Report Reveals Alarming Increase in Digital Violence and Stalkerware Use

Doha – In an increasingly connected world, the dark side of technology rears its ugly head as digital violence and the use of stalkerware continue to rise.

Russian cybersecurity firm, Kaspersky, issued their latest report on the matter, called “The State of Stalkerware in 2023. ” The report paints a grim picture, revealing that 31,031 mobile users worldwide fell victim to the insidious surveillance software utilized by domestic abusers to monitor their targets.

The report also sheds light on the pervasive issue of stalking, with 40% of surveyed individuals worldwide stating they have experienced or suspected being stalked.

Stalkerware, which often masquerades as legitimate anti-theft or parental control apps, grants perpetrators unfettered access to their victims’ lives. Once installed, typically without consent or notification, these apps provide a terrifying array of capabilities, including tracking location, monitoring messages, and even accessing the device’s camera.

“Stalkerware capabilities vary depending on the application,” the report states, highlighting the diverse spectrum of abuse enabled by these tools.

The report reveals a 5.8% year-on-year increase in stalkerware victims, with Russia (9,890), Brazil (4,186), and India (2,492) topping the list of most affected countries. Notably, Iran, which entered the top five in the previous year, maintains its position, underscoring the persistent threat of stalkerware across various regions.

Disturbingly, the report also found that 23% of people worldwide have encountered some form of online stalking from someone they were recently dating.

In a press release, Emma Pickering, Head of Technology-Facilitated Abuse and Economic Empowerment Team at Refuge, expressed concern over the findings. “The statistics highlighted in this report are really concerning, but we are sadly not surprised. Here at Refuge, we are seeing an alarming increase in survivors reporting concerns relating to stalkerware.”

Pickering emphasized the importance of recognizing that stalkerware is rarely used in isolation, stating, “Alongside stalkerware, abusers are often misusing other forms of technology to cause harm and distress. This is why we should always ensure, as agencies, we are completing a detailed tech assessment and supporting survivors to regain access to all accounts and devices.”

Erica Olsen, Senior Director of the Safety Net Project at the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV), echoed these sentiments. “The use of stalkerware or any tool to monitor someone else without their consent is a violation of privacy and a common tactic of abuse. This report demonstrates how abusive individuals use a wide range of monitoring tactics, including both stalkerware and other applications that facilitate the sharing of personal information.”

Olsen also highlighted the importance of distinguishing between consensual sharing and non-consensual monitoring. “A small percentage – 4% –stated they reluctantly agreed to monitoring at their partner’s insistence – this is not the same as consent. It’s important to create a clear distinction between consensual sharing and non-consensual monitoring. Consent is agreement free of force or coercion.”

Kaspersky, recognizing the gravity of the situation, has taken proactive steps to combat stalkerware. In 2019, it set a precedent in the cybersecurity field by introducing an innovative alert system that explicitly warns users about the presence of stalkerware on their devices.

Additionally, the company played a pivotal role in establishing the Coalition Against Stalkerware, an international consortium comprising private IT firms, non-governmental organizations, research bodies, and law enforcement units, all dedicated to fighting cyberstalking and aiding victims of digital harassment.

As the battle against stalkerware and digital violence continues, these initiatives demonstrate that it is crucial for individuals to remain vigilant and informed. David Emm, security and data privacy expert at Kaspersky, advises, “These insights underscore the importance of fostering open communication within relationships, establishing clear boundaries, and promoting digital literacy.”

He also highlighted that “for security professionals, it reinforces the need for ongoing education on cybersecurity best practices and empowering individuals to make informed decisions about sharing personal information within relationships.”

Another recent Kaspersky report reveals that Morocco was not immune to the global surge in mobile cyber attacks, with the country experiencing over 56,000 such incidents in 2023.

In the previous year, Morocco found itself in the 15th position on a list ranking countries by their exposure to online threats based on data gathered by the Russian cybersecurity firm over the first 10 months of 2023.

In light of these challenges, last month, Kaspersky partnered with the Cadi Ayad school in Casablanca to organize a “Family Day” event aimed at educating children about the importance of information technology and online safety.

The event included an interactive workshop delivered by the Kaspersky team, where they provided statistics on the lack of cybersecurity within society as well as practical advice to students and parents on protecting children from online dangers. The tips advised included creating strong passwords, managing screen time, and utilizing parental control software like Kaspersky Safe Kids.