Context: Global cyber-security leader Avast has warned that there was a 51 percent increase in the use of spyware and stalkerware during the lockdown period from March to June. 
What are spy and stalkerware apps?

• Spy and stalkerware apps, like viruses and other malware, infect devices that are connected to the internet.
• While viruses and malware can be detected by anti-virus software, spyware and stalkerware apps disguise themselves as useful and send out stolen data to central servers without the knowledge of the users.

About Spyaware App

• A spyware app, which can also be installed remotely, accesses the data usage pattern of the device, gains access to photos and videos as well as other personal information of the user, and then passes it off to a central server.
• For spyware apps, the easiest method to install is to disguise the spying code inside the unauthorised versions of premium apps.
• For example, someone can claim to have a cracked version of a premium app such as Spotify. Now, whoever installs such apps can be remotely tracked easily. Since the code of the application (inside which the spyware codes are hidden) do not spy on the users, such codes pass the scrutiny of anti-virus programmes.

About Stalkerware app

• A stalkerware app can be installed only when someone has physical access to the digitally connected device. Though the app works in a manner similar to spyware apps, it also gives out the location of the device to a master device which controls the stalkerware app.
• Most stalkerware apps work in stealth mode with no trace of the app having ever been installed.
• Stalkerware apps seek explicit permissions (i.e, when people installed some apps on their partners’ or their kids’ phones to check activities) at the time of their installation.
• Once installed, such apps can allow the master device to control and even change emails and text messages. Such app is hidden from the apps menu into the background, from where they continue functioning.

Reason behind this surge in usage of such apps increased during lockdown

• Increased usage of internet by everyone due to various lockdown measures in place.
• Concern over Security, health, and money which was further accentuated by cramped living spaces.