Stalkerware vs Spyware

What is stalkerware

Stalkerware is software that allows someone to track what you’re doing on a device.

It’s usually installed by someone with access to your phone, tablet, or laptop, and allows a stalker to see what you type, who you call, and where you go.

Stalkerware might include:

• Keyloggers
• Video and audio recorders
• Screenshot tools
• Web monitoring tools
• GPS or other location trackers

Real-life examples and risks of stalkerware

Controlling partners and family members often use stalkerware. A survey of domestic violence shelters in the US found that 75% of them were helping victims who’d been tracked by stalkerware.

Stalkerware might also be installed by employers, or parents trying to track their children.

For people trying to escape from abusive relationships, stalkerware can be incredibly dangerous. Not only that, the psychological impact of stalking can be terrifying.

If you want to learn about specific software, check out our stalkerware apps list.

How stalkerware operates

Stalkerware is usually installed by someone with access to your device. It might disguise itself as an innocent app like a calculator, or hide itself so you don’t see it. And then, it’ll collect data like your location, message content, and information about your calls.

On Android devices, it’s usually downloaded from third-party websites.

But how is stalkerware installed on iPhone and other iOS devices?

iOS products have a range of privacy and security protections that usually prevent this kind of spying. Apps usually have to be downloaded from the official App Store (unless you’re based in the EU), and must pass some security checks to be accepted. iOS apps can’t usually access information about other apps, either—so they shouldn’t be able to spy on your actions.

Unless your device is jailbroken…

If your iPhone is jailbroken, you’re not protected by all of Apple’s security features. And your stalker might have jailbroken your device without your knowledge. Fortunately, Clario Anti Spy can detect if your phone is jailbroken with just a few taps.

How to check if your iPhone is jailbroken:

1. Download Clario Anti Spy and sign up for a subscription.
2. Under Device system check, tap Scan. When the scan is complete, check the Jailbreak detector to see if your device is jailbroken.

Can stalkerware be detected

There are a few different ways to find stalkerware on your phone, laptop, or other device.

Signs of stalkerware:

• Your battery drains quickly
• Unusual apps are open in the background
• There are unauthorized changes to your system
• Your microphone or camera are active at unexpected times

There’s also another potential sign of stalkerware—someone in your life appears to know more than you’ve told them. If your partner knows your location when they aren’t with you or the contents of your texting conversations, it could be a sign that they’ve installed tracking apps on your device.

As we’ve mentioned, you’re not likely to see stalkerware on iOS. However, if you use an Android, you’re more at risk. Find out how to detect and remove stalkerware on Android.

To quickly check for stalkerware or unwanted apps, go to Settings > Apps to look through the list of your apps. If you see anything suspicious, remove it immediately.

What is spyware

Spyware is software that’s installed without your knowledge or consent. It’s designed to gather data about what you do, and transmit it back to its creator.

Unlike stalkerware, spyware is usually installed remotely—and usually by unknown hackers rather than someone you know personally. Rather than stalking you, it’s often used to harvest financial information, personal data, and other sensitive details.  

Notable cases and risks of spyware

Spyware can cause huge damage.

Once hackers have harvested your information, your data might be sold to advertisers, published as part of a password leak, or used to commit financial fraud or identity theft.

Data breaches have massive financial consequences for individuals and businesses—in 2024, the average cost of a data breach was more than $4.8 million.

But it’s not just financial problems. For example, the Alien/Predator spyware targeted politicians, Meta executives, and journalists. Cyber-espionage, where hackers steal information about your company or business dealings, can be a huge concern for executives and large organizations.

Worried about your devices? Find out how to check your phone for spyware.

How spyware works

Spyware usually spreads through malicious downloads, often disguised as email attachments or from dangerous websites. It might also be bundled with legitimate app downloads. You may not know that your device has been infected. Spyware runs in the background of your phone, laptop, or tablet and may log keystrokes or track your online activity.

You might accidentally open an infected email attachment or click on a malicious link in an email, perhaps as part of a phishing scam.

Alternatively, you might download spyware when you click on an online ad—this is especially likely if you’re already infected with adware.

You might even intentionally install it if it’s a trojan—a malicious program disguised to look like a legitimate app.

Is it possible to identify spyware

Like stalkerware, you might notice signs of spyware. Maybe your battery drains quickly, or you notice unfamiliar apps.

You can often identify spyware with a security app. If you’re worried about spyware on your Android phone, Clario Anti Spy’s Spyware scan can help you detect spyware quickly and easily.

How to find spyware on your Android:

1. Download Clario Anti Spy and sign up for a subscription.
2. Tap Spyware scan.
3. When the scan is complete, tap Review & Fix under any apps that seem suspicious.

Key differences between stalkerware and spyware

So, now you know about them both, what are the differences between spyware and stalkerware?

Generally, stalkerware is intended to collect information about an individual, and it’s installed manually by someone close to you. Spyware is often part of a larger scam and usually wants to harvest financial information or other private data. It’s usually less personal but still damaging.

Protecting yourself against spyware and stalkerware

In the end, the difference between spyware and stalkerware doesn’t always matter. What matters is keeping yourself and your devices safe.

How to keep yourself safe from spyware and stalkerware:

• Don’t leave your devices unattended around anyone.
• Check for new and unexpected apps often.
• Regularly check your iOS devices for jailbreaks.
• Regularly scan your Android devices, MacBooks, and Windows laptops for malware.
• Don’t click on suspicious links or open unexpected email attachments.
• Only download software from the App Store, Google Play, or a trusted developer’s website.

Conclusion

The main difference between stalkerware vs. spyware is who installs them and why.

Although both types of malware can track what you do online, they’re generally used for very different purposes.

Whether you’re concerned about spyware or stalkerware, though, there are still ways you can stay safe online. Clario Anti Spy can detect if your iOS device is jailbroken, putting you at more risk, and let you know if there’s spyware present on your Android phone.