mobile data, battery consumption, storage space) of individual apps. dangerous/special permissions, notifications) and usage (e.g. In the latest Android versions, Google has also implemented various app auditing features where users can review and adjust settings for privacy (e.g. Anti-theft functions (lock, locate, alarm, and wipe) are provided via Google’s Find My Device feature, allowing the user to find a lost or stolen phone, and to prevent access to any personal data stored on the device. The Safe Browsing API protects against malware and phishing links while surfing the Internet using the Google Chrome browser. Recent Android versions already incorporate basic security features: Google’s built-in malware scanner Play Protect scans apps during installation from Google Play or a third-party source, and regularly checks the device for any threats.

The main purpose of a mobile security product is to protect users and their devices from potential harm inflicted by malicious apps, fraudulent mails, phishing URLs, and other harmful links. Most stalkerware can thus be installed only through side-loading.

parental control), Google Play has been introducing stricter policies to fight this phenomenon in recent years. Although there is no clear-cut difference between stalkerware and legitimate software (e.g. This type of software does its best to remain undetected, and allows an unauthorized party to spy on the device owner’s activities without his or her knowledge or consent. In 2021, we also evaluated how well some security apps protect against stalkerware on Android.

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