Stalking is a serious issue that affects millions of people around the world. Stalking is a type of harassment that includes unwanted behaviours like the following, showing up at your home or work, sending unwanted gifts and messages, sometimes utilising internet-accessible information and technology. It can be an extremely frightening and traumatic experience for victims, leaving them feeling powerless and scared. Victims may suffer from anxiety, depression, insomnia, and other physical and psychological symptoms as a result of their experiences. According to the National Center for Victims of Crime, one in every 12 women and one every 45 men has been a victim of stalking, with 370,000 men and 1 million women stalked every year.
Imagine waking up one day, and receiving emails from your users and reviews on Google Play store, accusing your app to be stalkerware, trojan, spyware and all sorts of malicious technologies that exist you can imagine. Well, this happened to Malloc, and you can only imagine our frustration. Some users shared their concerns by emailing us, others published bad reviews, and a lot of the users (mostly new) uninstalled the app.
What is cyberstalking?
Stalking through any form of information technology like social media, location tracking devices, spyware and stalkerware apps, text messages, and voice messages is called Cyberstalking. With the rise of digital technologies, stalkers have become more sophisticated in their approach to tracking and monitoring victims. They often use spyware and stalkerware software to gain access to the victim’s personal data, location, their online activity, or even gain control over their social media accounts. It is important for users to be aware of the online dangers and take steps to protect themselves before they become victims of spyware.
Stories we receive at Malloc.
Privacy is a fundamental right. Everyone deserves privacy and to beprotected and secured from external threats. Unfortunately, privacy nowadays shall not be taken for granted. Victims of cyberstalking people feel powerless, and are unaware of the steps they can take to protect themselves from malicious actors. That’s why Malloc’s app has been designed with a mission to help as many people as possible protect their privacy and ensure that all people can access the most comprehensive protection possible.
During the last year, at Malloc, we received hundreds of emails from people around the world asking for our help. We got emails from women who suspect that their controlling husbands are spying on them through their phones. It is more than often though that we get these emails from males too. We’ve heard many stories of ex female partners stalking their male them, knowing their daily activities. There was a case where an ex-girlfriend was spying her ex-partener’s phone just to revenge him after a breakup. We may not know the whole story, what we do know is that it is surely unethical and illegal.
During 2022, we received multiple complaints from people locked out from their social media accounts due to their ex-partners who stole their accounts. A heartbreaking story we received was from a lady who was sexually assaulted by her husband. Her husband took her two children away from her when she threatened to leave and press charges over him. The lady explained to us that he spying on her through her smart devices and that she felt stuck due to lack of privacy. She described how her family and police did nothing about it.
At Malloc, we believe that privacy is a fundamental right and everyone deserves it. It is our mission to help anyone, no matter the background to regain privacy and stay safe online. The Malloc privacy and security app has helped thousands of people thus far to protect their data and privacy.
How to protect yourself from stalkers.
It is illegal and unethical to monitor someone’s phone without their knowledge
or consent using spyware, stalkerware or in any other way. If you suspect that your ex partner is using
spyware to monitor your phone and collect your personal information it is important to take steps to protect
your privacy. Here are few things you can try:
1. Install a security app on your phone: Look for a security app that can detect and remove spyware.
2. Change your passwords: Make sure to use strong, unique passwords for your phone and your
accounts.Use multi-factor authentication when possible.
3. Keep your phone’s operating system up to date: Regularly updating your phone’s operating system
can help fix any vulnerabilities that could be exploited by spyware.
4. Be cautious about the apps you download: Only download apps from trusted sources, and be sure to
read reviews and permissions before installing them.
5. Consider changing your phone: If you are concerned about your ex-partner using spyware to monitor
your phone, you may want to consider to change your phone.
6. Seek help: It is important to seek help from a trusted friend, family member or legal
professional. They can provide you with support and guidance on how to protect your privacy.
Relevant tags:
Published on Medium
