Additionally, the FTC accused the defendants of selling “real-time access to their secret surveillance.” As a result, stalkers and domestic abusers were able to track their potential targets of violence.
Furthermore, the Commission claimed that the SpyFone apps for Android lack basic security. Therefore, it exposes device owners’ personal data to hackers, identity thieves, and other cybercriminals.
The stalkerware app company security failed to encrypt users’ personal information including their photos, text messages, and passwords. It failed to ensure that only authorized users can access personal information.
In a statement, FTC Bureau of Consumer Protection Acting Director Samuel Levine said, “SpyFone is a brazen brand name for a surveillance business that helped stalkers steal private information.”
“The stalkerware was hidden from device owners but was fully exposed to hackers who exploited the company’s slipshod security. This case is an important reminder that surveillance-based businesses pose a significant threat to our safety and security. We will be aggressive about seeking surveillance bans when companies and their executives egregiously invade our privacy,” added Levine.
