Kaspersky, Russian multinational cybersecurity and anti-virus provider has come up with a new information hub for their open-source stalkerware detection tool named TinyCheck which was created in 2019 to help people detect if their devices are being monitored.
‘Stalkerware’ is software programs, apps, and devices – that enables people to secretly monitor others' private life via their devices. The term came into existence when people started using commercial spyware to monitor their spouses or intimate partners.
Stalkerware has been criticized because of its use by attackers, abusers, stalkers, and employers. With the use of Stalkware abusers can remotely get access to victims’ devices including web searches, locations, photos, text messages, voice calls, and much more.
Such programs are easy to buy and install, hence it leads to more cyber risks for the public.
These tools exploit vulnerabilities in the security of modern mobile operating systems. These programs run hidden in the background, without the consent of the victim.
Kaspersky's TinyCheck is a program that can identify activity associated with stalkerware in a non-invasive way by running on an external device (Raspberry Pi) and monitoring its outgoing traffic via WiFi.
How TinyCheck Work?
TinyCheck scans a device’s outgoing traffic, using a regular Wi-Fi connection, and identifies interactions with known sources, such as stalkerware-related servers, it can be used to check any device and on any platform, including iOS, Android, or any other OS.
Also, users don’t have to install it on their devices because it works separately (on a Raspberry Pi) to avoid being detected by a stalker.
Additionally, TinyCheck is available for everyone, it does not charge a fee.
It is a safe and open-source tool that can be used by NGOs and police units to help support victims of cyberstalking. At present many NGOs use this program, however, it should be noted that this program is not recommended for independent individual use. The organization recommended users get in touch with a local support institution before starting the scan to get advice and support if stalkerware is running on their devices.
