The Hidden Danger of Stalkerware: How Users Are Getting Exposed
When Spying Backfires: Stalkerware Users Caught in Data Breaches
Why It’s Important
Stalkerware apps—designed to secretly monitor someone’s private life—are not only unethical and often illegal, but they are also riddled with security flaws. These apps don’t just expose the victims; they also put the people using them at risk.
Recent breaches have once again highlighted how poorly coded these apps are, leading to massive leaks of personal data, including sensitive information about both stalkers and their targets. If you think using these apps makes you more in control, think again—because you may be the next one exposed.
What Stalkerware Is and How It Works
Stalkerware is software that allows someone to secretly monitor another person’s mobile device. These apps record and send information such as:
Text messages and call logs
Location data
Photos and videos
App activity, including social media usage
Keystrokes (keylogging)
Although some companies market these tools as parental control apps, they are often used to spy on partners, employees, or even strangers. Many stalkerware apps are installed covertly on a target’s phone and hidden under fake names to avoid detection.
The problem? Stalkerware apps are notoriously insecure, leading to numerous breaches that compromise not only the victims but also those who deploy them.
Major Stalkerware Breaches Exposing Users and Victims
Several high-profile stalkerware apps have suffered security breaches, proving that these apps are a privacy nightmare.
Spyzie, Cocospy, and Spyic Breach (2025)
As reported by TechCrunch, security researchers found a critical vulnerability in three nearly identical stalkerware apps—Spyzie, Cocospy, and Spyic—exposing the following:
518,643 Spyzie users’ email addresses
1.81 million Cocospy users’ email addresses
880,167 Spyic users’ email addresses
Private data stolen from victims, including messages, photos, and GPS locations
The flaw was so easy to exploit that experts chose not to disclose details, fearing cybercriminals would take advantage of it.
mSpy Data Breaches (2015, 2018, 2022)
mSpy, one of the most well-known mobile surveillance apps, has suffered multiple breaches:
2015: Hackers leaked 400,000+ customer records, including Apple IDs, passwords, and payment details.
2018: Another leak exposed logins, text messages, and phone call details.
2022: Security flaws in the app’s back-end once again made it possible to steal sensitive data.
pcTattleTale Leak (2024)
pcTattleTale, a stalkerware app used for monitoring employees and spouses, was found to be uploading screenshots of victims’ devices to an unsecured Amazon Web Services (AWS) server. This allowed anyone with basic knowledge to access sensitive information, including personal conversations and financial data.
TheTruthSpy Exposed Users’ Photos (2023)
TheTruthSpy, a widely used stalkerware app, was found to be leaking victims’ photos—including images of children—due to poor cybersecurity practices. Researchers found the app was storing images on an unprotected server, making them accessible to anyone with the link.
Xnore Data Breach (2023)
Xnore, another stalkerware app, exposed thousands of users when its database was left unprotected online. The breach revealed:
Call logs, text messages, and browser history of victims
Account credentials of those using the app to spy
GPS locations and device information
Why Using Stalkerware is a Bad Idea
If these breaches tell us anything, it’s that stalkerware isn’t just unethical—it’s unsafe. Here’s why you should avoid these apps:
You could get exposed. Many stalkerware users thought they were spying in secret, only to have their information leaked in a data breach.
It’s illegal in most countries. Without explicit consent, using stalkerware is a serious legal offense that could lead to criminal charges.
It doesn’t solve problems. Trust and communication are the foundation of healthy relationships. Spying on someone without their knowledge usually makes things worse.
Victims can fight back. Many security tools now detect and remove stalkerware, making it harder to use these apps undetected.
How to Protect Yourself from Stalkerware
If you suspect someone may have installed stalkerware on your device, take these steps to protect yourself:
Scan your phone for hidden apps. Stalkerware often disguises itself with fake names like “System Update” or “Wi-Fi Service.”
Check your device settings. Look for unknown apps under your installed applications or device admin permissions.
Use anti-malware tools. Security apps like Malwarebytes, Avast, and Bitdefender can detect and remove stalkerware.
Update your phone regularly. Keeping your software updated helps close security loopholes that stalkerware apps exploit.
Be cautious when removing the app. If you’re in a dangerous situation (such as an abusive relationship), removing stalkerware may alert the person spying on you. Seek support from domestic violence organizations first.
A Notable Feature of Malwarebytes’ Anti-Stalkerware Capabilities
Malwarebytes is a founding member of the Coalition Against Stalkerware and offers a feature that detects and removes stalkerware apps like Spyzie, Cocospy, and Spyic. The software categorizes these threats as Android/Monitor.CocoSpy, making it easy for users to identify and remove them.
Your Privacy is Worth Protecting
Stalkerware is a dangerous invasion of privacy, and its risks extend beyond the people being spied on. The growing number of breaches shows that these apps are poorly built, insecure, and a liability to anyone who uses them.
Instead of resorting to unethical surveillance, focus on building trust, setting healthy boundaries, and using technology responsibly. If you’re worried about your online security, take steps today to protect your personal data.
Get your free personal cybersecurity & privacy assessment here
Stay secure, stay confident—CyberLife Coach is here to guide you every step of the way!