stalkerware
Hidden monitoring software
Stalkerware is software secretly installed on someone's device to monitor their activity—tracking location, reading messages, recording calls, or capturing keystrokes.
Unlike legitimate parental controls or employee monitoring tools, stalkerware operates covertly and is typically used by abusive partners, jealous spouses, or controlling family members: Her ex had installed stalkerware on her phone.
Also called spyware or spouseware.
Abuse between household members
- coercive controlOngoing pattern of domination
- harassmentAggressive, unwanted targeting
- victimOne harmed by another
- perpetratorOne who commits wrongdoing
safety · escape · shelter · restraining order · power · manipulation · fear · isolation
Ongoing observation of something
- trackingMonitoring location over time
- keyloggerSoftware recording typed input
- GPSSatellite-based location technology
- screenshotsCaptured display images
call recording · hidden · covert · microphone access · camera access · remote access · stealth mode · invisible
Malware detection program
- scanBrief visual sweep
- battery drainLoss of stored charge
- permissionsOfficial allowances granted
- auditFormal accounts examination
removal · factory reset · slow performance · indicator · forensic · cybersecurity · Lookout
Forbidden by statute
- prosecutionPursuing legal charges
- wiretappingCovert phone surveillance
- privacy violationUnauthorized access to personal information
- consentVoluntary agreement given
criminal · felony · misdemeanor · evidence · lawsuit · restraining order · legislation · enforcement
Mythical watchdog of death's realm
- parental controlSettings restricting child access
- commercialPaid broadcast promotion
- subscriptionPaid recurring access
- installationProcess of putting in
domestic violence
Abuse between household members
- coercive controlOngoing pattern of domination
- harassmentAggressive, unwanted targeting
- victimOne harmed by another
perpetrator · safety · escape · shelter · restraining order · power · manipulation · fear · isolation · survivor
monitoring
Ongoing observation of something
- trackingMonitoring location over time
- keyloggerSoftware recording typed input
- GPSSatellite-based location technology
screenshots · call recording · hidden · covert · microphone access · camera access · remote access · stealth mode · invisible · undetectable
antivirus
Malware detection program
- scanBrief visual sweep
- battery drainLoss of stored charge
- permissionsOfficial allowances granted
audit · removal · factory reset · slow performance · indicator · forensic · cybersecurity · Lookout
illegal
Forbidden by statute
- prosecutionPursuing legal charges
- wiretappingCovert phone surveillance
- privacy violationUnauthorized access to personal information
consent · criminal · felony · misdemeanor · evidence · lawsuit · restraining order · legislation · enforcement · penalties
Cerberus
Mythical watchdog of death's realm
- parental controlSettings restricting child access
- commercialPaid broadcast promotion
- subscriptionPaid recurring access
- cyber threatsphishing, hacking, virus, ransomware, data breach
- cyberattacksphishing, ransomware, hack, virus, cyberattack
- cyberbullyingcyberbullying, online harassment, targeted harassment, doxxing, threats
- malwarevirus, viruses, worm, worms, trojan horse
- surveillance softwarekeylogger, screen recorder, location tracker, phone tracker, call recorder