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This article references domestic abuse and cyberstalking.
It's not uncommon to feel like you're being watched online. You hover over a party dress for too long, and suddenly, it's following you across the internet for the rest of your days — or at least until you relent and buy it. And if being tracked by tech companies wasn't enough, many of us are forced to contend with something altogether more personal: cyberstalking.
A report released today (14 March) shows that 42% of Brits believe it's acceptable to digitally monitor their partner without consent. The Kaspersky State of Stalkerware 2023 report, which surveyed 20,000 people, also identifies the UK as the third most-affected country in Europe for instances of ‘stalkerware’ software found on mobile devices.
Stalkerware goes well beyond asking to use your partner's phone from time to time; it can involve installing software on another person's device without their consent and monitoring their digital activities in real-time, including tracking locations, accessing private messages, and recording audio or videos.
The research also identified that over half of the UK adults polled admitted to giving their partners full access to their phones, with women more likely to do so. Indeed, most female respondents said they would allow their partners full access to their phones. This echoes the findings from GLAMOUR's 2023 Consent Survey, which showed that over one in four women have felt pressured to share their internet passwords with a current partner, ex-partner, or family member. Even more troubling? The pressure to share internet passwords came most commonly from an ex-partner (48%).
What is cyberstalking?
The CPS defines cyberstalking as "threatening behaviour or unwanted advances directed at another, using forms of online communications.
"Cyberstalking and harassment are often combined with other forms of 'traditional' stalking, such as being followed or receiving unsolicited phone calls or letters, as well as 'traditional' forms of harassment. Examples of cyberstalking may include:
- threatening or obscene emails or text messages;
- spamming (where the offender sends multiple junk emails);
- live chat harassment or flaming (a form of online verbal abuse);
- leaving improper messages on online forums or message boards;
- trolling or cyberbullying;
- sending electronic viruses;
- sending unsolicited email; and
- cyber identity theft."
Emma Pickering, the Head of the Technology-Facilitated Abuse and Economic Empowerment Team at Refuge, described the statistics highlighted in the report as “concerning” but not surprising.
She notes that Refuge, the largest UK domestic abuse organisation for women, has seen an increase in survivors reporting concerns about stalkerware, adding that stalkerware features are often included within parental monitoring apps, which makes “the ability to stalk more accessible.”
What is stalkerware?
The Kaspersky State of Stalkerware 2023 report defines stalkerware as “Commercially available software used for spying. Stalkerware enables a person to remotely monitor the activities on another user's device without that user's consent and without explicit, persistent notification to that user.”
What to do if you are being cyberstalked
GLAMOUR spoke to Emma Pickering and Tatyana Shishkova, Lead Security Researcher at Kaspersky, about what to do if you experience cyberstalking.
They explain, “It's essential to remember cyberstalking is never your fault. You may think you are being paranoid, but sometimes a hunch is all you need. There are some simple steps that can be taken to establish whether an individual is illegally keeping tabs on your device and how to put a stop to someone tracking you without permission.”
If you suspect that you are being cyberstalked, here are five steps you can take:
1. Always document evidence
It’s so important to keep a record of any suspicious or harassing communication, such as emails, text messages, social media interactions, or any other forms of digital communication. Document dates, times, and details of each incident. This will always come in handy.
2. Secure your devices
Remember to change your passwords for all online accounts, including email, social media, and determine which people and devices are linked to your account as soon as you have any suspicion. Consider enabling two-factor authentication alongside strong, unique passwords for added security. Update your devices' security settings and antivirus software to detect and remove any potential spyware or tracking applications.
3. Take back your power
You can very easily adjust privacy settings on your devices and restrict access to personal information that is visible online. This will depend on the phone manufacturer, but always an important step. It is always sensible to remain cautious about sharing location data or other sensitive details with other people.
4. Seek support
If you experience cyberstalking, reach out to trusted friends, family members, or support organisations for assistance, emotional support or tools such as Refuge’s Home Tech. Do not suffer alone. Consider contacting local law enforcement, organisations such as Coalition Against Stalkerware or a legal advisor specialising in cyberstalking for further guidance and assistance.
5. Report incidents: And finally, report any instances of digital harassment or stalking to the appropriate online platforms or authorities. Keep a record of all reports made and any responses received.
For more advice and information about stalking, you can visit the Suzy Lamplugh Trust or contact their helpline on 0808 802 0300. You can also find advice at support at Paladin, the National Stalking Advocacy Service.
For more from Glamour UK's Lucy Morgan, follow her on Instagram @lucyalexxandra.
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