The Dangers of Digital Stalking Highlighted by Cybersecurity Expert in Response to Netflix’s “You” Series

The fourth season of the popular Netflix series “You” premiered on February 9th, with viewers once again tuning in to follow the dangerous and obsessive behavior of Joe Goldberg. While Joe has captured viewers’ hearts since the show first aired in 2018, the romanticization of his behavior raises serious concerns about the issue of stalking, both online and offline, in society.

One form of digital stalking is known as stalkerware, a commercially available software that can be discreetly installed on smartphones. This type of technology is often used in abusive relationships to monitor an individual’s private life without their knowledge. Stalkerware has also been linked to other forms of violent behavior.

According to Kaspersky, 29,312 people worldwide were affected by stalkerware in 2022. This problem is a global phenomenon that affects all societies, with the Coalition Against Stalkerware estimating that stalkerware use could reach nearly one million cases annually.

“It is important that we do not romanticize the behavior as seen in You, but instead denounce it for what it is— stalking. Regardless of whether it is happening online or digitally, stalking and stalkerware is a form of violence,” says Christina Jankowski, Senior External Relations Manager at Kaspersky.

“There are real-life stories behind the numbers of those affected which is why it is important to take active action against it. To gain a better understanding of stalkerware, Kaspersky is sharing insights with the global cyber community and aiding organizations in the fight against digital stalking. All relevant data and information on this issue must be shared for the benefit of those affected by cyber violence to further improve the level of detection and protection,” adds Jankowski.

Karen Bentley, CEO at WESNET, also notes, “Stalking is a criminal, traumatic, and dangerous offense. Yet movies, TV, and music consistently present stalking as desirable, cute, sexy, and/or flattering – but in real life, it’s unwanted, terrifying, and illegal.”

Kaspersky founded the Coalition Against Stalkerware in 2019, alongside nine other companies and organizations. The coalition, now with over 40 members worldwide, aims to improve stalkerware detection, combat domestic violence, and raise public awareness about the problem. Kaspersky’s consumer security solutions protect against stalkerware, and the company has developed the free open-source tool TinyCheck, which enables the detection of stalkerware in a simple, fast, and non-invasive way without alerting the perpetrator.

Kaspersky recommendations for those affected by stalkerware

• Reach out to a local support organization: to find one close to you, check the Coalition Against Stalkerware website. The website also includes an explanation video, which provides helpful information for victims to better recognize the warning signs of stalkerware and recommends further steps and behaviors to take or avoid.
• Do not try to erase the stalkerware, change any settings or tamper with your phone This may alert your potential perpetrator and lead to an escalation of the situation. You also risk erasing important data or evidence that could be used in a prosecution.
• Keep an eye out for warning signs including fast-draining battery due to unknown or suspicious apps using up their charge and newly-installed applications with suspicious access to use and track your location or with otherwise not logically explicable functions; inexplicable detailed knowledge of third parties.
• Check if your “unknown sources” setting is enabled, as this may be a sign that unwanted software has been installed from a third-party source. It is important to note that the above signs are only symptoms of possible stalkerware installation, not a definitive indication.
• Use a proven cybersecurity solution such as Kaspersky Free on Android. However, if there is a suspicion that a stalkerware is already running on the smartphone, this should only be done after a risk assessment of the person concerned – preferably together with a support organization – otherwise, the perpetrator might notice the newly deployed cybersecurity solution.

Kaspersky recommendations for protection against stalkerware on mobile devices

• Protect your phone with a strong password that you never share with your partner, friends or colleagues.
• Regularly check the permissions of installed apps: Stalkerware apps can be disguised under a fake app name.
• Delete apps that are rarely or never used.
• Check personal browsing history: In order to download stalkerware, the perpetrator must visit websites that the affected user probably does not know. Alternatively, there could be no history at all if the perpetrator has deleted it.
• Deploy a proven cybersecurity solution that protects against all types of mobile threats and checks the device regularly.