Stalkerware App Statistics: 19,226 Users Could Be Affected in 2025

Did you know that Stalkerware App statistics show a massive rise in people secretly spying on others through their phones? Yep, these sneaky apps can track everything—your location, messages, calls, and even what you type! The worst part? Most victims don’t even know they’re being watched.

And here’s something even scarier—according to Avast, the risk of encountering stalkerware on a mobile device shot up by 239% globally in just three years! That’s a huge jump! These apps are getting smarter, hiding in plain sight, and making it harder to detect them. It’s like having a spy in your pocket without even realizing it.

So, what can you do? In this report, I’ve gathered some must-know stats on stalkerware apps and, most importantly, how you can protect yourself. From using strong passwords to spotting red flags, I’ll walk you through simple ways to stay safe. Let’s make sure no one’s watching you without your permission!

Stalkerware App Statistics: Exclusive Findings by VPNRanks

Past data trends have been analyzed to predict Stalkerware App statistics for 2025, revealing a continued rise in surveillance threats. These insights help understand evolving risks and the urgent need for stronger security measures.

What is Stalkerware App?

Stalkerware apps are spy tools secretly installed on a device to track and monitor someone without their consent. An abusive partner or ex may install these apps on your phone or give you a preloaded device to control and invade your privacy.

These apps can track your location, record calls, and read your messages and emails without your knowledge. Some even let the abuser use their microphone and camera, turning their phone into a real-time surveillance tool to watch and listen to everything around them.

How to Tell If Your Phone Has Stalkerware?

Stalkerware apps are designed to stay hidden, making them difficult to detect. However, certain red flags may indicate that someone is secretly spying on your device. Watch out for these signs:

If you notice any of these signs, take immediate action to secure your device and protect your privacy.

Global Stalkerware Detection: Impacted Users Worldwide

Global detection figures reveal a rising number of users affected by stalkerware, highlighting its growing threat to privacy. These statistics show how widespread stalkerware has become, emphasizing the urgent need for stronger security measures.

Historical Data

The historical data on stalkerware detections, sourced from Kaspersky, shows a peak in 2019, followed by a gradual decline in reported cases. However, the numbers remain concerning, emphasizing the ongoing risks of digital surveillance.

VPNRanks Predictions

Based on VPNRanks’ analysis, the predicted number of users affected by stalkerware apps in 2025 could be approximately 19,226. This decline follows past trends but still highlights the ongoing risk of digital surveillance.

The calculation was done using linear regression, analyzing past data trends to estimate the expected number of cases in 2025.

Explaining VPNRanks’ Stalkerware Forecast for 2025

• Historical Trend Analysis – The prediction is based on past stalkerware detection trends, which show a peak in 2019 followed by a steady decline, suggesting a continued downward trajectory.
• Linear Regression Model – A statistical regression model was used to analyze past data points (2018–2023) and project the likely number of cases in 2025, estimating 19,226 affected users.
• Increased Awareness & Security Measures – The decline aligns with stronger cybersecurity regulations, improved anti-stalkerware tools, and growing public awareness, making it harder for such apps to remain undetected.

Stalkerware Impact: Affected Regions Worldwide

Stalkerware cases are not evenly spread worldwide, with certain regions experiencing higher detection rates due to varying cybersecurity awareness and regulations. Countries with weaker privacy laws and limited digital security measures tend to have more affected users.

Historical Data

According to Kaspersky‘s 2023 data, the Russian Federation, Brazil, and India recorded the highest number of stalkerware detections, reflecting global disparities in cybersecurity threats. Countries with weaker digital protections and privacy regulations remain the most at risk of stalkerware attacks.

VPNRanks Predictions

According to VPNRanks’ analysis, Russia is expected to remain the most affected country by stalkerware apps in 2025. This prediction highlights the ongoing digital surveillance risks in the region.

The analysis was conducted using historical trends, projecting the most impacted countries based on past detection data.

Stalkerware Trends: Why Russia Tops the List Again

• High Usage and Availability of Stalkerware – Russia has consistently reported the highest stalkerware detections, likely due to the widespread availability of such apps and minimal restrictions on their use.
• Weaker Digital Privacy Protections – Limited enforcement of cybersecurity laws and a lack of stringent regulations make it easier for stalkerware to thrive, keeping Russia at the top of the affected list.
• Historical Trends and Consistent Detection Rates – Past data from Kaspersky shows that Russia has consistently led in stalkerware cases, and predictive analysis suggests this trend will continue in 2025 due to ongoing digital surveillance risks.

Stalkerware Apps Worldwide: Detection Statistics

The global detection of stalkerware applications continues to highlight the growing digital surveillance threat, with thousands of cases reported annually. These figures indicate that stalkerware remains a persistent issue, requiring stronger cybersecurity measures and legal actions worldwide.

Historical Data

According to Kasperskys 2023 data, TrackView, Reptilic, and SpyPhone were among the most detected stalkerware applications worldwide. These findings highlight the prevalence of surveillance tools that continue to threaten user privacy.

VPNRanks Predictions

According to VPNRanks’ analysis, TrackView could remain the most detected stalkerware application in 2025, continuing its dominance due to its widespread use and stealth capabilities. This trend suggests a persistent threat, reinforcing the need for stronger anti-stalkerware measures.

The prediction was made using historical detection trends and statistical analysis, projecting future risks based on past data from Kaspersky.

Why TrackView Remains the Most Detected Stalkerware App

• Widespread Availability and Stealth Features – TrackView is widely accessible and marketed as a security tool, but its stealth monitoring capabilities make it a preferred choice for stalkers. Its ability to track location, record audio/video, and access files keeps it highly used.
• Consistent Historical Detection Trends – Kaspersky’s 2023 data showed TrackView leading in detections, and past trends indicate its continued prevalence. Without significant legal restrictions or enhanced cybersecurity defenses, it remains one of the most commonly detected stalkerware apps.
• Limited Awareness and Detection Challenges – Many users remain unaware of TrackView’s potential misuse, making it easier for attackers to install and operate undetected. Its disguised app behavior and evasion tactics allow it to bypass basic security measures, ensuring its continued presence in stalkerware reports.

Digital Stalking, Trust, and the Risks in Modern Dating

Stalkerware and digital stalking are closely linked, but they are not the same. In recent years, legitimate apps have been increasingly misused to track and monitor partners without consent.

To gain deeper insights, Kaspersky commissioned Arlington Research to survey 21,000 individuals across 21 countries in early 2024. The study explored digital stalking trends, revealing how technology is weaponized in relationships.

Understanding Online Stalking: Trends and Global Insights

Nearly 23% of respondents reported experiencing online stalking from someone they recently started dating. Common tactics included unwanted messages (16%), location tracking (10%), and unauthorized social media access (10%).

Stalkerware cases were notably high in India (42%), Mexico (38%), and Argentina (36%), showing regional disparities. Meanwhile, 20% of stalking incidents involved monitoring through phone apps, with laptops and webcams also used.

Changing Views on Stalking in Modern Relationships

Public disapproval of secretly monitoring a partner has declined from 70% in 2021 to 54% in 2024. However, 38% of people now consider secret tracking acceptable in certain cases, a sharp rise from 17% in 2021.

When asked about consensual monitoring, 45% of respondents rejected the idea, emphasizing privacy rights. Meanwhile, 27% supported full transparency, and 12% agreed only when it involved physical safety concerns.

As attitudes toward digital surveillance evolve, so do the risks—VPNRanks predicts that by 2025, approximately 23.1% of individuals may experience cyberstalking, highlighting the urgent need for stronger digital privacy protections and awareness efforts.

Trust and Boundaries: The Privacy Dilemma in Relationships

A significant 51% of respondents said they allow full phone access to their partners, while 19% limit access by protecting certain apps. Interestingly, 40% of people in ongoing relationships were hesitant to share full access.

On the other hand, 52% of individuals had full access to their partners’ phones, but 18% reported being denied access. These trends highlight a mix of trust, privacy concerns, and evolving relationship dynamics.

VPNRanks’ report highlights that by 2025, reported love bombing scams could rise to 124,000 cases, as fraudsters increasingly exploit emotional vulnerability through excessive affection and digital trust. With more people sharing personal data and device access, the risk of falling victim to romance-based cyber scams continues to grow.

How People Share Information in Relationships

While over 90% of respondents were open to sharing streaming passwords and photos, there was more caution regarding sensitive data. 18% refused to share security device passwords, and 21% wouldn’t share payment details.

Other personal data was met with similar hesitation—24% of respondents refused to share cloud accounts, and 20% wouldn’t disclose their browser history. These findings reflect growing awareness of digital privacy risks in relationships.

What to Do If Your Phone Has Stalkerware?

If you suspect stalkerware on your phone, it’s crucial to act carefully to avoid alerting the person monitoring you. Before taking any steps, ensure your safety and seek help from professionals who can guide you through the process securely.

Think About Your Safety First

An abuser who uses stalkerware may escalate their behavior if they realize you’re trying to remove it. Before taking action, consult a domestic violence advocate to create a safety plan that minimizes risks. Removing the app too soon could trigger retaliation, so planning ahead is essential.

Get Help

A domestic violence advocate can help identify tech abuse and advise on preserving evidence before making changes. Since stalkerware is often hidden, law enforcement or a cybersecurity expert may be needed to detect and remove it safely. If possible, reach out for help from a device that isn’t compromised, like a friend’s phone or a public computer.

Check If Your Phone Has Been Rooted” or Jailbroken”

Some stalkerware apps require a phone to be rooted (Android) or jailbroken (iOS) to gain full control over the system. A root checker app can confirm if this has been done, but using such an app might be visible to the abuser. If your phone hasn’t been rooted but they still have access to your data, they may be logging into your accounts remotely.

Replace or Reset Your Phone

For maximum security, consider getting a new phone with a fresh account that the abuser can’t access. If you keep your current phone, performing a factory reset may remove the stalkerware, but take precautions first. Back up important data and document any evidence of abuse before wiping the device. Avoid restoring from an old backup, as it could reinstall the stalkerware.

Essential Safety Tips to Protect Against Stalkerware

Stalkerware can be installed in just a few minutes, making it crucial to take steps to protect your phone from unauthorized access. By following these safety measures, you can reduce the risk of being monitored and keep your personal data secure.

Always Know Where Your Phone Is

• Never leave your phone unattended, especially around someone who may want to monitor you.
• Be extra cautious in situations where your phone could be accessed without your knowledge.

Be Cautious with Repairs or Updates

• Avoid handing over your phone to someone offering to fix” or update” it, especially if you don’t trust them.
• If your phone needs repairs, take it to a certified service center instead of relying on personal connections.

Beware of Gifted Devices

• Be suspicious if an abuser gifts you or your child a new smartphone or tablet—it may already have stalkerware installed.
• If you receive a device as a gift, reset it to factory settings before use to remove any hidden tracking apps.

Lock Down Your Phone

• Set your phone to lock immediately when you’re not using it.
• Use a strong PIN or passcode that’s hard to guess, and never share it.
• Install anti-malware software that can detect and remove stalkerware.
• Regularly update your phone to apply security patches that protect against spyware threats.

Lock Down Your Accounts

• If your abuser has access to your accounts, change your passwords to something strong and unique.
• Use a password manager to create and store secure passwords.
• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for extra security, requiring a verification code in addition to your password.

By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of stalkerware and protect your privacy.

Where to Get Help: Resources for Survivors

If you suspect stalkerware on your phone, know that help is available. Several organizations provide guidance, safety tips, and resources to protect your digital and personal security.

National Network to End Domestic Violence

• Seeking Help: National resources and safety & privacy tips for survivors.
• Technology Safety & Privacy: A toolkit designed to help survivors stay secure online.

National Domestic Violence Hotline

• Get Help: Connect with trained advocates for support and guidance.
• Identify Abuse: Learn to recognize signs of domestic and digital abuse.
• Plan for Safety: Create a personalized safety plan to protect yourself.

These organizations offer lifesaving resources and expert advice to help you stay safe from stalkerware and digital abuse.

Case Study: mSpy Data Breach Exposes Stalkerware Misuse

Background

In 2015, mSpy, a company offering monitoring software for smartphones and computers, experienced a significant data breach. The breach exposed the personal and financial information of hundreds of thousands of users, highlighting the potential misuse of such applications for unauthorized surveillance. ​

Details of the Breach

The compromised data included sensitive information such as user credentials, payment details, and logs of activities monitored through the software. This incident underscored the risks associated with stalkerware apps, not only in terms of privacy violations for those being monitored but also the security vulnerabilities affecting the users of such software.​

Implications

This breach brought to light the ethical and legal concerns surrounding the use of monitoring applications like mSpy. It emphasized the need for stricter regulations and increased awareness about the potential for abuse inherent in stalkerware apps.​

Source: CSO

Stalkerware App Statistics Explained – A VPNRanks Exclusive Podcast

VPNRanks presents an exclusive podcast on Stalkerware App statistics, uncovering the growing threats of digital surveillance and privacy invasion. Tune in to hear expert insights, trends, and how to protect yourself from stalkerware risks.

Expert Insights: Analyzing Stalkerware App Statistics and Risks

In this section, I have added expert opinions on the growing concerns surrounding Stalkerware App statistics and their impact on digital privacy. These insights highlight the risks, detection methods, and preventive measures against stalkerware threats.

1. Akshay Bhargava

Akshay Bhargava highlights that stalkerware apps have become a major tool for digital abuse, especially in domestic violence cases. Even if survivors escape physically, their abusers may still track them through hidden monitoring apps. These apps, disguised as parental control tools, secretly share victims’ locations, messages, and call history without consent.

Bhargava emphasizes that sudden removal of stalkerware could put victims at greater risk, making expert consultation crucial. Signs of stalkerware include fast battery drain, unusual data usage, and strange call noises. He urges stronger cybersecurity measures and legal support, calling on tech companies to integrate better anti-stalkerware protections.

2. Don Pumphrey

Don Pumphrey highlights that stalkerware is a dangerous and intrusive tool, allowing someone to secretly monitor a victim’s phone activity. These apps can track calls, messages, location, and even access webcams and microphones without the user’s knowledge.

Once installed, they operate in stealth mode, making them difficult to detect and remove, leaving victims vulnerable to surveillance and digital abuse.

Florida law treats stalkerware installation as a serious cybercrime, with offenders facing felony charges, fines, and up to five years of probation. Pumphrey explains that unauthorized access to an electronic device, data theft, and covert surveillance can result in legal action.

Additionally, stalkerware can lead to sextortion, where hackers exploit victims by threatening to leak private content.

3. Nimit K.

Nimit K highlights that stalkerware is an alarming digital threat, enabling unauthorized surveillance through covert tracking apps. These applications, initially marketed for parental control, are now widely misused for spying on partners, monitoring employees, and stealing sensitive data.

Victims often remain unaware as these apps operate in stealth mode, compromising their privacy, security, and even financial well-being.

The psychological impact of stalkerware is severe, leading to anxiety, paranoia, and emotional distress as victims feel constantly watched. Beyond individual harm, stalkerware also poses professional risks, allowing access to work-related communications and confidential data.

Nimit emphasizes that strict legal frameworks like GDPR are essential to combat unauthorized surveillance, ensuring better data protection and ethical accountability.

Methodology Used by VPNRanks for Analyzing Stalkerware App Statistics

To ensure accurate and data-driven insights, VPNRanks follows a structured methodology for analyzing Stalkerware App statistics. This approach includes data collection, trend analysis, and expert opinions to provide a comprehensive view of the growing stalkerware threat.

Explore More In-Depth Statistics and Reports by VPNRanks

• Data Poisoning Attacks – Explore the growing risks of manipulated AI models and how attackers exploit training data vulnerabilities.
• 2FA Usage Statistics – Discover the latest trends in two-factor authentication adoption and its effectiveness in securing accounts.
• Account Takeover Fraud – Learn how cybercriminals exploit stolen credentials to gain unauthorized access and commit fraud.
• Bug Bounty Statistics – Understand how ethical hackers contribute to cybersecurity by identifying and reporting system vulnerabilities.
• TikTok Spying Statistics – Uncover concerns about data privacy and surveillance risks linked to TikTok’s data collection practices.

FAQs

Conclusion

The rise of stalkerware poses a serious threat to personal privacy, with thousands of users unknowingly monitored through hidden surveillance apps. As technology advances, the misuse of legitimate monitoring tools for stalking and control has become a growing concern.

Approximately 19,226 users could be affected by stalkerware in 2025, showing that despite awareness efforts, this digital threat remains persistent. Russia is expected to remain the most affected country in 2025 by stalkerware, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement of privacy laws and cybersecurity advancements.

To combat this issue, continuous monitoring, expert-driven research, and proactive security measures are essential. Understanding Stalkerware App statistics helps in developing better detection methods, raising awareness, and enforcing stronger data protection laws.