How Is Stalkerware Installed

How attackers can install stalkerware on your device

Attackers can install stalkerware on your device in several ways. The most common way is through physical access—they only need a few minutes with your phone to install malicious software.

Others use phishing, fake apps, public Wi-Fi, and security vulnerabilities to install stalkerware, especially on rooted or jailbroken devices. Let’s take a closer look at each of these strategies.

1. Physical access to device

Direct, unsupervised access is the most common method cyberciminals use to install stalkerware to your phone. If they know the password, they can unlock your device and download the spyware app from a third-party site.

It only takes a few minutes to install. Then, they can configure the app to run in stealth mode, hiding its icon and notifications.

Worse, stalkerware often masquerades as parental control or phone tracking apps—even on legitimate app stores—making them easy to overlook. That’s why it’s crucial to learn how to check your phone for spyware.

2. Phishing and malicious mail

Attackers use phishing emails or text messages to trick you into installing stalkerware. These messages contain links that look legitimate, like security updates, app fixes, or account alerts.

When you click the link, you unknowingly start downloading a stalkerware app disguised as a harmless update. In the same way, simply opening a malicious attachment can silently download tracking software, leaving no signs of installation.

3. Fake apps

Attackers often disguise stalkerware as harmless apps like phone cleaners, battery savers, parental controls, or cybersecurity tools. These apps look legitimate but secretly monitor your activity in the background.

When you download them from outside official app stores, they bypass built-in security checks. If you’re an Android user, you face greater risk if you enable the “Install from unknown sources” setting, which allows unverified apps to install without warning you.

Here’s a list of stalkerware apps so you know what to keep your eye out for.

4. Exploiting vulnerabilities in security systems

Attackers can install stalkerware by exploiting unpatched security flaws in your device’s operating system. They often target outdated phones that haven’t received recent updates, using known vulnerabilities to bypass protections and install tracking malware.

If you delay or ignore system updates, you leave your device exposed to these types of attacks.

To protect yourself, use Clario Anti Spy’s Device system check. Available on both Android and iOS, this feature scans your phone for vulnerabilities—like outdated software or exploitable security settings—and helps you secure it.

Here’s how to use Clario Anti Spy’s Device system check:

1. Open Clario Anti Spy and sign in to your account.
2. Find Device system check, then press Scan.
3. Clario Anti Spy will check your system for problems and recommend actions that you can follow to make your device more immune to stalking threats.

5. Rooting or jailbreaking device

Rooting your Android or jailbreaking your iPhone removes many built-in security restrictions. Attackers may root or jailbreak your phone to make the most of this vulnerability.

It gives them full administrative access, meaning they can install unauthorized software that your device would normally block.

Once they root or jailbreak your device, they can hide the stalkerware deep in the system, making it nearly invisible and difficult to detect with the support of standard tools.

If you’re worried about stalkerware on your Android—use Clario Anti Spy’s Spyware scan feature to check:

1. Open Clario Anti Spy and find the Spyware scan feature.
2. Press Fix, then wait for Clario Anti Spy to uncover any suspicious apps. If it finds any, press Let’s fix it and follow the instructions.

6. Bluetooth or public Wi-Fi

Attackers can exploit unsecured public Wi-Fi networks to inject stalkerware onto connected devices. On compromised networks, they can intercept your data or push malicious downloads onto your phone without your knowledge.

In some cases, they can install sophisticated stalkerware through unauthorized Bluetooth connections—if your device has Bluetooth enabled and unpaired. To reduce this risk, you should turn off Bluetooth and avoid connecting to untrusted public Wi-Fi networks.

How to prevent stalkerware from being installed on your device

To stay safe from stalkerware, it's crucial to take simple steps that limit how attackers can access or tamper with your device. Here are a few key actions you can take to reduce the risk:

• Keep your phone locked with a strong PIN or biometric security
• Never share your device passcode or leave it unattended
• Install apps only from official app stores
• Stay up to date about stalkerware on iPhones and stalkerware on Androids
• Avoid enabling “Install from unknown sources” (Android)
• Regularly update your device’s operating system and apps
• Don’t click suspicious links or open unknown attachments
• Turn off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when not in use
• Run regular security and spyware scans
• Avoid jailbreaking or rooting your device
• Use security apps like Clario Anti Spy that detect hidden software and vulnerabilities

If you follow these tips, it’ll be much harder for criminals to install stalkerware on your mobile phone.

Conclusion

Stalkerware can quietly invade your privacy in many ways. Attackers only need a moment of access to install spyware that tracks everything you do. Recognizing these risks, securing your device, and staying alert are your best defenses. Install Clario Anti Spy to scan your device, uncover vulnerabilities, and keep stalkerware out for good.