When the word stalker pops up, most of us have a mental image of a desperate soul, peering through the fence at someone else, set in an entirely creepy scenario—at least, I do. But we’re actually talking about something a little different today: stalkerware. Specifically, MonitorMinor: Kaspersky researchers say that it has features that they have never seen before on mobile platforms.
Kaspersky says that MonitorMinor has some pretty big advancements over more primitive forms of malware. Chief among these features is the use of geofencing that helps perpetrators to track the location of a victim. The dangerous bit here, according to Kaspersky, is that MonitorMinor targets “popular modern communication tools” such as Google Hangouts, Instagram, Skype, Snapchat, and others.
But researchers say that the most unique feature of MonitorMinor is its ability to steal screen unlock patterns, which means that a perpetrator will then be able to physically access the device. The amount of functionality that the stalkerware gives its operators is pretty scary stuff, too: perpetrators have real-time video from device cameras (unless you’re one of the wise souls to have had it covered this whole time), sound, browsing history, usage stats, internal storage, system logs, and more.
“This particular application is incredibly invasive—it completely strips the
victim of any privacy in using their devices, and even enables the attacker to retrospectively look into what the victims has been doing before.”
How to minimise your risk
Based on their findings, MonitorMinor is most installed in India (14.71%), with Mexico having 11.76% of the installations. But there are a few things you can do to avoid falling prey to the stalkerware, wherever you are.
Kaspersky shared a few tips with us to help minimise your risk:
- Block the installation of programs from unknown sources
- Never disclose the password or passcode to your mobile device
- Change all security settings on your mobile device if you are leaving a relationship
- Check the list of applications on your devices to find out if suspicious programs were installed without your consent
- Use a reliable security solution that notifies you about the presence of commercial spyware programs aimed at invading your privacy.
- If you think you are a victim of stalking and need help, contact a relevant organisation for professional advice
- If you have questions about stalkerware and would like assistance, please contact the Coalition against Stalkerware, formed by not-for-profit groups and IT security organizations: www.stopstalkerware.org
At the end of the day, protecting yourself from stalkerware is similar to protecting yourself from all forms of malware. Be careful where you download files, where you browse, and always monitor what is running in the background of your phone.
