In a recent episode of "Down to Business with V," host V. Venesulia Carr welcomed cybersecurity expert Dr. Kevin Alejandro Roundy, Senior Technical Director at Norton LifeLock, to shed light on the growing menace of stalkerware and how individuals can protect themselves from this digital intrusion.
Stalkerware, as Dr. Roundy explained, is a menacing category of invasive applications designed to spy on individuals through their mobile devices. These apps, which can be easily installed on smartphones, transform them into sophisticated surveillance tools, capable of collecting a wide range of personal data, from call logs and text messages to location tracking and social media activity.
What distinguishes stalkerware is its frequent use within abusive relationships. Dr. Roundy pointed out that these apps are often employed by abusive partners to maintain control and monitor their victims even after separation. Shockingly, these spying tools can operate covertly and surreptitiously, rendering victims oblivious to their presence.
The conversation delved into the reasons why individuals should be concerned about stalkerware. Dr. Roundy emphasized that this threat is much more personal than traditional cybersecurity threats. While we often associate cybersecurity breaches with anonymous hackers stealing data, stalkerware brings the danger closer to home. It enables someone you know, typically an abusive partner, to invade your privacy, monitor your every move, and even record your conversations without your knowledge or consent.
Dr. Roundy also debunked the misconception that stalkerware is a fictitious or uncommon issue, existing only in movies or television dramas. He revealed that these intrusive apps are shockingly accessible, with many of them available for download directly from app stores, including Google Play Store. Some of these apps are advertised deceptively, luring individuals into believing they serve innocent purposes like catching a cheating partner.
To help individuals recognize signs of a compromised device, Dr. Roundy provided some vital pointers. Users should be vigilant if they notice unrecognized apps on their devices or if their phones exhibit unusual behavior, such as overheating or rapid battery drain. Furthermore, the cybersecurity expert urged individuals to scrutinize apps with accessibility permissions, as these permissions are often exploited by stalkerware.
In addressing how to clean up a compromised device or protect against stalkerware, Dr. Roundy offered straightforward advice. He stressed the importance of deleting any unrecognized apps and changing passwords for critical accounts. Moreover, he recommended installing trusted security applications like Norton Mobile Security to safeguard devices against potential threats.
The interview underscored the need for individuals to educate themselves about stalkerware and take proactive measures to protect their privacy and security. Resources like techsafety.org were highlighted as valuable tools for creating technology safety plans and documenting evidence of spying.
Dr. Kevin Alejandro Roundy's insights on "Down to Business with V" served as a stark reminder of the very real and personal threat posed by stalkerware. His expertise and guidance offered viewers valuable knowledge on how to defend against this insidious form of digital intrusion, ultimately empowering individuals to protect themselves and their loved ones in an increasingly connected world.
