Rise of cyber violence on a worldwide scale now

The latest Kaspersky State of Stalkerware 2023 report reveals almost 31,000 mobile users worldwide were subjected to stalkerware, clandestine surveillance software utilized by domestic abusers to monitor their victims.

But it’s not just stalkerware software that is a problem, 40% of surveyed people worldwide stated they have experienced stalking or suspected being stalked.

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Stalkerware and Cyber violence

Stalkerware typically masquerades as legitimate anti-theft or parental control apps on smartphones, tablets, and computers, but in reality, they are very different. Installed – usually without consent and notification of the person being tracked.

They provide a perpetrator with the means to gain control over a victim’s life. Stalkerware capabilities vary depending on the application.

The State of Stalkerware is an annual report by Kaspersky which aims to provide a better understanding of the globally number of people affected by digital stalking. In 2023, Kaspersky data reveals 31,031 unique individuals around the world were affected by stalkerware, an almost six percent year-on-year increase (5.8%) increase of the 29,312 users affected in 2022. The figures reverse the downward trend of 2021, confirming digital stalking continues to be a global problem.

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The Malaysia input

One third (33%) of respondents in Malaysia reported being stalked or suspected of being stalked through a phone app, while 18% reported being physically stalked. Meanwhile, two in five of the respondents in Malaysia (44%) are worried about the prospect of being stalked online.