While most of us may be more than happy to share our photos, videos and Netflix passwords with someone we’re dating, according to a new study by cybersecurity experts Kaspersky, 47% of people are worried about their partners violating their digital privacy, marking a notable increase from 2021 when only 37% reported the same concerns.

The State Of Stalkerware report, published today, highlighted just how commonplace stalkerware – apps installed without the knowledge or consent of the person being tracked – has become, with 23% of respondents revealing that they have encountered some form of online stalking from someone they were recently dating.

According to Kaspersky, 40% of respondents disclosed that they had experienced stalking or suspected they were being stalked, with over one-third (39%) reporting experiences of violence or abuse from a current or previous partner. Those presently dating also reported higher instances of violence or abuse compared to individuals in long-term relationships (48% versus 37%).

The spectrum of abuse is diverse: 16% have received unwanted emails or messages, 13% have been filmed or photographed without their consent and 10% acknowledged having their location tracked. The gender disparity in these experiences is also evident, with a higher proportion of female respondents (42%) having encountered violence or abuse compared to male respondents (36%). 

The reality is shocking, but sadly not surprising. Figures from Women’s Aid suggest that 16% of women in refuge services have experienced surveillance or harassment online by their abuser, and just last month, Netflix documentary Can I Tell You A Secret? highlighted the case of Matthew Hardy, one of the most prolific serial cyberstalkers in the UK.

And when the latest reports about online violence confirm that the internet isn’t safe for women, the rise in stalkerware only reinforces just how bleak life in 2024 can be.

Whether you are a victim of stalkerware or not, according to Kaspersky these tips can help you to better protect yourself.

• Protect your phone with a strong password that you never share with your partner, friends or colleagues
• Change passwords for all of your accounts periodically and don’t share them with anyone
• Only download apps from official sources, such as Google Play or the Apple App Store
• Install a reliable IT security solution like Kaspersky for Android on devices and scan them regularly

And if you think you are being targeted by stalkerware, it’s important to proceed with caution.

Keep an eye out for warning signs: these can include a fast-draining battery due to unknown or suspicious apps using up its charge, and newly installed applications with suspicious access to use and track your location, send or receive text messages and other personal activities. Also check if your “unknown sources” setting is enabled, it may be a sign that unwanted software has been installed from a third-party source. 

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. Take steps to determine what course of action makes the most sense for your current situation prior to making changes that could lead to an escalation in behaviour from a potential perpetrator. Reach out to a local support organisation: to find one close to you, check the Coalition Against Stalkerware website.

Images: Getty