A study by Kaspersky Lab showed that more than 58,000 Android users had stalkerware installed in their phones last year. 35,000 Android users did not know about the stalkerware present until they installed Kaspersky’s mobile antivirus. Stalkerware is also known as ”legal spyware” and they are applications sold by legally-registered companies such as child monitoring or employee tracking solutions. These applications stay hidden and keep their users informed about device location, browser history, SMS messages, social media chats and more. Some can even make video and voice recordings.

When you have stalkerware in your phone, it means a family member or close friend is trying to spy on you without your knowledge. This also means that someone has tampered with your phone without your permission. Protect your gadgets with a secure password and never reveal it to anyone. Block installation of third party apps. Check applications installed on your phone and delete those you don’t need. Use reliable protection such as an antivirus. You can also use Kaspersky Internet Security for Android.

“There is no need to prove the negative effects that commercial spyware brings, as its initial concept is completely unethical,” Kaspersky said. “Despite all the findings listed above, most cybersecurity vendors still don’t detect commercial spyware as a threat due to vague legal positioning on commercial surveillance.”

Kaspersky shows a special alert whenever its product finds a stalkerware app in the user’s phone.