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Spyware or stalkerware refers to tools—apps, software, and devices—that allow an unauthorized person (such as a perpetrator) to secretly monitor and record information on your computer. Stalkerware is a newer term that draws attention to the abusive, intrusive, and dangerous use of these tools.
Stalkerware can track and record almost everything you do on your computer, including every keystroke, every website you visit, chats and instant messages you send or receive, and every document you open. Some stalkerware can also enable your webcam or microphone, take screenshots, make your computer talk or make other noises, or shut down or restart your computer. The abuser can view or control your activities remotely, usually through a website or app’s dashboard.
Most stalkerware can be installed remotely, usually by sending an email or message with an attachment or link. The spyware installs automatically when you click on the link or open the attachment. Some stalkerware can be sent through an instant message, a video game, or other ploy to trick you or your children into opening the attachment or clicking on a link. Once installed, it operates in stealth mode without any notifications or activity that would reveal its existence, making it difficult to detect or remove.
While most stalkerware is installed as software, there are also similar spying devices called keyloggers. These devices can look like regular computer components; for example, they can be a special keyboard with keystroke-logging Cell Phone Number Database capabilities or a device near the wire that connects the keyboard to the computer. Once plugged into the computer, it records every keystroke you type, which can include passwords, personal identification numbers (PINs), and websites visited. Some similar devices allow for remote spying, while others require the perpetrator to have physical access to the computer in order to spy on you.
How do I know if there is stalkerware on my computer?
Detecting stalkerware on your computer can be very difficult. In most cases, the computer will continue to function (for example, your computer will not necessarily slow down or freeze). However, even without this happening, you may suspect that your activity is being monitored based on the perpetrator’s suspicious behavior. Trust your instincts and look for patterns. If the perpetrator knows too much about your digital activity or knows things that you have only done on your computer or phone, there may be stalkerware installed on your device.
If a peripheral was installed, you may see an additional component between the computer and the keyboard cable, or you may have received a new keyboard or mouse. On laptops, a similar device may be more difficult to detect since it will be installed inside the computer, through the access panel.
Responding to stalkerware
Safety first. Before you start looking for or removing stalkerware, it is important to consider safety and take the opportunity to gather evidence. Since many perpetrators use stalkerware to monitor and control women, harassment and violence can escalate if they suspect the woman has removed it from a device. Before you remove it, think about your safety by considering ways to protect yourself. Talk to an anti-violence worker about planning for your safety. For support, visit www.hebergementfemmes.ca .
Gathering the evidence
Law enforcement or a computer forensics specialist can help you if you want to preserve evidence needed for a criminal investigation or civil lawsuit. The tools available to law enforcement may be the only ones that can definitively determine whether stalkerware is present on a computer. For more information, see HFC’s Digital Evidence Preservation Toolkit.
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發表於 2024-12-22 13:36:27