Cybersecurity Experts Emphasize The Importance Of Collaboration Against Stalkerware

Illustration of cyber methamphetamine. (Kaspersky)

JAKARTA - Kaspersky's latest annual report on stalkerware states that the number of victims of digital stalking in 2023 is increasing, compared to the previous year.

In most countries in the world, the use of stalking software is currently not prohibited, but installing such applications on other people's smartphones without permission is illegal.

Together with the presence of other technologies, smartware is one element of abuse that is made possible by technology and is often used in relationships that contain violence.

Erica Olsen, Senior Director, Safety Net Project, National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) agrees that the use of stalking devices or any tools to monitor other people without consent is a common violation of privacy and abuse tactics.

Kaspersky reminded that in addition to methamphetamine, abusers often exploit other forms of technology to cause harm and distress.

Therefore, the global cybersecurity company emphasizes the importance of cooperation between institutions and the technology community in order to understand the technology used, and prevent its use for harm.

"For security professionals, this strengthens the need for sustainable education about the best practices of cybersecurity and empowers individuals to make the right decisions regarding sharing personal information in a relationship," said David Emm, a data security and privacy expert at Kaspersky.