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In a bid to minimise the spread of <keyword id="4666743" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="stalkerware" source="Orion">stalkerware</keyword> (used by abusers to spy on the phones of their spouses), <keyword id="6355629" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="google" source="Orion">Google</keyword> has once again purged several "stalkerware" ads from its Play Store, promoting apps that violated its policies. Stalkerware apps are generally disguised under a fake app name with suspicious access to messages, call logs, location and other personal activity. Once downloaded, these apps been repurposed by people to spy on the smartphones of their spouses. "We do not allow ads promoting spyware for partner surveillance. We immediately removed the ads that violated our policy and will continue to track emerging behaviours to prevent bad actors from trying to evade our detection systems," a Google spokesperson told TechCrunch on Monday. The report found that several stalkerware apps used a variety of techniques to successfully evade Google's ban on such apps. Google in October last year updated its Play Store policies to impose a ban on stalkerware apps. Google said that such apps that transmit personal information off the device without adequate notice or consent and do not display a persistent notification that this is happening will be banned from its Play Store. "In short, it's spyware beloved by creeps, jealous ex-partners, and those who have no qualms about invading someone's privacy in the hope of tracking what they're up to and with whom," security writer Graham Cluley had said in a blog post. However, Google allowed apps that can be used by parents to track their children. A recent report by cyber security firm Kaspersky claimed that as some people try to digitally control the lives of their intimate partners, nearly 4,627 mobile users in India were found to be the victim of stalkerware. In 2020, a total of 53,870 mobile users were affected globally by stalkerware. In 2019, Kaspersky discovered 67,500 affected mobile users.

Google gets rid of stalkerware ads promoting spying on spouses

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="6355629" type="DEFINITION" weightage="60" keywordseo="google">Google</keyword> says it will ban <keyword id="4666743" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="stalkerware">stalkerware</keyword> apps on the Google Play store beginning on Oct. 1 — but with some exceptions.</li><li>The new policy is meant to crack down on apps built to collect personal information on someone's device and secretly send it to another person, like a controlling spouse or partner.</li><li>However, Google will continue to allow parental control apps that do the same thing — but apps will now have to show users a notification when they're being tracked.</li></ul>Google is cracking down on "stalkerware" apps on the Google Play store. Starting next month, the company will ban all apps that secretly transmit people's personal information without their knowledge, it <a href="https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/10065487#stalkerware">announced</a> Wednesday.The announcement builds on Google's <a href="https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/9888077?visit_id=637359453369771479-1569267850&amp;rd=1rd=1">preexisting policy</a> that broadly banned "deceptive behavior" in apps. However, even under that policy, several stalkerware apps routinely <a href="https://stopstalkerware.org/2019/10/07/google-removes-stalkerware-apps-after-researchers-discover-trackers-on-play-store/">slipped through the cracks</a>.Stalkerware apps are typically designed to be hidden or undetectable and can transmit information about what apps a person is using, who they're in contact with, and the contents of their files and photo libraries. Because they're often hidden, they're ripe for abuse and can be used by people who want full control over a user, like a boss or an overbearing spouse.However, Google will still allow parental control apps, which can carry out the same functions as stalkerware apps, possibly leaving a loophole open. The difference is that apps will now have to display a persistent icon that tells users they're being tracked, making it harder for them to operate in secret.Google previously banned stalkerware makers from advertising their apps on its ad platform, but struggled to immediately enforce that ban. Last month, <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2020/08/11/stalkerware-apps-google-ads/">TechCrunch</a> reported that several of those companies were still running ads through Google's platform despite violating the policy.This week, the Google Play store also <a href="https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/10065487#stalkerware">announced</a> that it will ban apps that "misrepresent or conceal their ownership or primary purpose." The scope of that policy is vague. It isn't immediately clear whether it applies to <a href="https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/craigsilverman/vpn-and-ad-blocking-apps-sensor-tower" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">apps</a> that present themselves as services like VPNs or Ad Blockers in order to get people to download them, and then mine information from people's phones — like their location or what other apps they use — and sell that data.A Google spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Google says it will ban 'stalkerware' apps that secretly transmit people's location and personal information without their knowledge

San Francisco, July 11 (IANS) Google will now go after stalkerware that remotely spy upon your wife or girlfriend via tracking their location and reading messages that they send and receive on their smartphones, without their knowledge and permission. From August 11, Google under its updated ad policy would prohibit spyware and technology used for "intimate partner surveillance". "This includes but not limited to spyware/malware that can be used to monitor texts, phone calls, or browsing history; GPS trackers specifically marketed to spy or track someone without their consent; promotion of surveillance equipment (cameras, audio recorders, dash cams, nanny cams) marketed with the express purpose of spying," the company said in a statement on Friday. "In short it's spyware beloved by creeps, jealous ex-partners, and those who have no qualms about invading someone's privacy in the hope of tracking what they're up to and with whom," said security writer Graham Cluley in a blog post. Abusive husbands also use such spyware to track their wives who are the victims of domestic violence. A group of advocates, antivirus companies and legal experts, have already formed the "Coalition Against Stalkerware" to deal with such kinds of people. The Search engine giant said that from August, "the Google Ads Enabling Dishonest Behaviour policy will be updated to clarify restrictions on advertising for spyware and surveillance technology". "The updated policy will prohibit the promotion of products or services that are marketed or targeted with the express purpose of tracking or monitoring another person or their activities without their authorization," said the company. --IANS na/

Google to prohibit stalkerware used for spying on intimate partners

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="6355629" type="DEFINITION" weightage="60" keywordseo="google">Google</keyword> is barring <keyword id="45464" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="ADS">ads</keyword> from "<keyword id="4666743" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="stalkerware">stalkerware</keyword>" services that allow people to spy and track others through their phones without their consent.</li><li>Ads will no longer be allowed from companies promoting GPS trackers designed to spy on people or surveillance equipment "marketed with the express purpose of spying."</li><li>Google's ad policy changes will go into effect in August. Spyware use and stalking software have seen an increase during the COVID-19 lockdown.</li></ul>Google says it will no longer allow ads from so-called "stalkerware" services that allow people to secretly access someone's phone and monitor their activities.Stalkerware is a broad term that encapsulates spyware and surveillance technology, which allow people to secretly monitor others through their devices without their consent or knowledge.The <a href="https://support.google.com/adspolicy/answer/9726908?hl=en&amp;ref_topic=292659265">new policy changes</a> will specifically apply to"intimate partner surveillance" that includes spyware used to monitor texts, phone calls, and browsing history. It will also ban ads from companies promoting GPS trackers designed to spy on people without their consent as well as surveillance equipment, like cameras and audio recorders, "marketed with the express purpose of spying."However, ads from private investigation services or products and services that allow parents to track and monitor minors are exempt and will still be allowed.The search giant <a href="https://support.google.com/adspolicy/answer/9726908?hl=en&amp;ref_topic=292659265">said</a> the global changes in its ad policy will go into effect on August 11.Online spying and stalkerware apps have seen an increase of 51% in the months following the lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/51-increase-in-the-use-of-online-spying-and-stalking-apps-during-lockdown-1029376711#">per findings</a> from <keyword id="6361948" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="cybersecurity">cybersecurity</keyword> software company Avast. Activists have been advocating for more <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ftc-accuses-stalkerware-company-retina-x-illegal-practices-2019-10">legal protection surrounding stalkerware for years.</a> Abusive partners specifically have taken advantage of such surveillance tools to target and control victims.

Google says it's banning ads from 'stalkerware' services that allow people to spy on and track others

Ranked sixth, India was one of the top 10 countries with the largest share of users attacked by <keyword id="955297" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="mobile-malware">mobile malware</keyword> in the second quarter of this year, said a new report by cybersecurity company Kaspersky on Wednesday. The top three countries hit by mobile <keyword id="54201" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Malware">malware</keyword> attacks remained unchanged from the previous quarter -- Iran followed by Algeria and Bangladesh. The report revealed a drastic increase in the number of mobile malware threats detected in the second quarter of the year when compared to Q1. In Q2, Kaspersky detected 1,245,894 malicious installers, an increase of 93,232 over the previous quarter. "As the mobile and Internet consumption goes up, especially in countries like India and other South Asian regions, it can be predicted that cybercriminals too would shift their focus towards increasing threat actors for smartphones to increase their financial gains," Dipesh Kaura, General Manager for South Asia, Kaspersky, said in a statement. "Some of the most popular threat actors include Adware, banking &amp; SMS trojans as well as stalkerware, all these are greatly used by the cybercriminals to earn huge money by targeting smartphone users, and even stealing their important data to later sell it on the dark web or underground market." Among the threats detected, adware topped the list with 48 per cent, a decrease of one percentage point from the previous quarter. RiskTool-type potentially unwanted software ranked second among all detected threat classes. SMS trojans hold third place among all detected threats, said the report, adding that Fakeinst and Opfake were the largest of the detected families of SMS trojans. During the reporting period, Kaspersky detected 38,951 mobile banking trojan installer packages. It also detected 3,805 installation packages for mobile Trojan ransomware in Q2 2020, which is 534 fewer than last quarter. "Consumers today need to understand the importance of having a basic anti-virus or Internet security solution installed on their devices to keep their data safe," said Kaura.

India now sixth worst affected country by mobile malware - adware, banking trojans and stalkerware biggest threats

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">Towfiqu Photography</div></div></div><ul class="summary-list"><li>The FTC just brought its first case against a stalkerware app.</li><li>"Stalkerware" is the term for consumer spyware that gives someone access to another person's phone, without that person's consent.</li><li>Cybersecurity activists like Eva Galperin, who is the director of cybersecurity at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, have been pushing for more legal protections in this space.</li><li><a href="https://businessinsider.com/">Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.</a></li></ul>The Federal Trade Commission announced Tuesday that it was bringing its first case against a company that makes stalkerware, Retina-X Studios LLC. According to the <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2019/10/ftc-brings-first-case-against-developers-stalking-apps">press release</a>, the FTC alleges that Retina-X developed and sold three smartphone apps that "allowed purchasers to monitor the mobile devices on which they were installed, without the knowledge or permission of the device's user." One of these apps, MobileSpy, was marketed as a tool for monitoring employees and children. The others, PhoneSheriff and TeenShield, were both marketed towards parents for supervising children. Retina-X stopped selling all three apps in 2018, but by then the company had already sold 15,000 subscriptions, according to the FTC.The FTC alleges that these apps exposed devices on which they were downloaded to security vulnerabilities because purchases were required to bypass manufacturer restrictions to install them. It also alleges that the person with the subscription could access sensitive information, including GPS location and online activity, of the device owner.The apps could be installed without the device owner's knowledge and consent; Each app came with instructions to remove the app from the device homescreen, so it would not be visible to the owner. The case also alleges that Retina-X did not adequately protect information collected by the apps. According to the FTC, a hacker twice accesses the company's database between February 2017 and 2018, and obtained photos, passwords, GPS locations, and more.Activists and journalists have been drawing attention to the dangers of stalkerware, or spouseware, for years. In 2018, Vice's MotherBoard published a series about surveillance software people use in their personal lives, with articles like <a href="https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/bjepkm/how-to-tell-if-partner-is-spying-on-your-phone-stalkerware">"How to tell if your partner is spying on your phone."</a> Its use has been particularly dangerous for people with <a href="https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/bmbpvv/i-see-you-a-domestic-violence-survivor-talks-about-being-surveilled-by-her-ex">controlling or abusive partners. </a> In 2014, NPR surveyed 70 shelters, and <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/alltechconsidered/2014/09/15/346149979/smartphones-are-used-to-stalk-control-domestic-abuse-victims">75% said</a> that they'd worked with victims whose abusers surveilled them through stalkerware.Eva Galperin of the Electronic Frontier Foundation is one of the advocates trying to take on stalkerware."I'll take what I can get," Galperin told Business Insider in a phone interview about the FTC case, although she said it's unclear what message companies will take from it. "The basis of the action is not that they're[Retina-X] making stalkerware, it's that they're not making secure stalkerware."Galperin said that companies making stalkerware could see this as a push to get out of the industry, or they could stay in the stalking app business and focus on security.In the <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/10/stalking-apps-retina-x-settles-charges">settlement</a> between the FTC and Retina-X, the company must make sure that the apps are used only for the purpose they are sold for, and it must destroy all data collected by the apps so far. Retina-X did not respond to a request for comment. <div class="margin-top"> <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-its-hard-for-planes-land-on-water-2019-10">Why it's so hard for planes to land on water</a></h3> <div> </div> </div>

The FTC wants to shut down 'stalkerware,' apps that can hide inside people's phones and spy on their activity

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="https://www.likepatrol.com/index.html">Like Patrol</a>Apple removed Like Patrol from the App Store Saturday.</div></div></div><ul class="summary-list"><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/category/apple">Apple</a> removed the app Like Patrol from the App Store this weekend, <a href="https://www.cnet.com/news/apple-removes-instagram-stalking-app-from-app-store/?ftag=COS-05-10aaa0b">CNET first reported.</a></li><li>Like Patrol let subscribers follow what other Instagram users were liking and commenting on, after Instagram removed the following tab in October.</li><li>CNET reported in late October that Instagram had sent a cease and desist letter to Like Patrol, alleging it was scraping Instagram user data without consent.</li><li><a href="https://businessinsider.com/">Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.</a></li></ul>Apple removed the <a href="https://www.likepatrol.com/">Like Patrol</a> app from the App Store on Saturday, <a href="https://www.cnet.com/news/apple-removes-instagram-stalking-app-from-app-store/?ftag=COS-05-10aaa0b">CNET's Alfred Ng first reported</a>. Like Patrol is a third-party app that allows subscribers to see the Instagram posts that certain users interact with.Founder Sergio Luis Quintero told CNET in an email that the app was like Instagram's "Following Tab, on steroids."For an $80 annual fee, subscribers could set notifications filtered by gender, which would alert you when certain people you followed liked or commented on posts from men or women. Life Patrol even claimed to have an algorithm that determined whether those users were attractive or not. On the app's public website, it downplays the potential for the app to be used to stalk Instagram users, saying "Check out current liked posts. You'll never miss out on the best content," and "Find new friends by looking at their recently followed!" but it's not hard to see how the app could be used more maliciously.Apple taking action to remove the app is just one example of a broader efforts among tech companies to prevent third parties from improperly using people's data. Instagram <a href="https://instagram-press.com/blog/2019/10/15/more-control-over-the-data-you-share-with-third-party-apps-on-instagram/">recently announced</a> it was rolling out an update that gives users control over the Instagram data they share with third parties. Instagram's parent company, Facebook, has taken similar steps recently following a data leak that allowed developers to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/100-facebook-app-developers-may-have-had-access-to-private-groups-data-2019-11/amp/">access user information</a> through Facebook Groups.Like Patrol filled a gap left by the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/instagram-following-activity-tab-removed-report-2019-10">Instagram "Following" tab</a>, which was removed in early October. At the time, the company said that the function wasn't used frequently.Like Patrol launched in July, and functions by scraping Instagram user data in a way that Instagram says violates its policies. On October 31, <a href="https://www.cnet.com/news/instagram-is-shutting-down-a-creepy-app-that-lets-you-stalk-loved-ones/">CNET reported</a> that Instagram sent a cease and desist letter to Like Patrol.Apps like Like Patrol are only one of the recent ways technology has been used to spy on partners and family members. In October, the FTC brought a case against <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ftc-accuses-stalkerware-company-retina-x-illegal-practices-2019-10">"stalkerware" manufacturer</a> Retina-X studios. Stalkerware apps like this one can be installed without the device owner's consent or knowledge, and then used to monitor the person or even track their location. A <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/alltechconsidered/2014/09/15/346149979/smartphones-are-used-to-stalk-control-domestic-abuse-victims">2014 NPR study</a> found that 75% of domestic violence shelters worked with victims whose abusers had surveilled them with stalkerware, and this area of technology doesn't seem to be going away.Like Patrol and Apple did not immediately respond to request for comment.<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/intelligence/stories-slide-deck?IR=T&amp;itm_source=businessinsider&amp;itm_medium=ctgr_bii&amp;itm_term=ctgr_leadgen&amp;itm_content=instagram&amp;itm_campaign=stories-slide-deck"></a> <div class="margin-top"> <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/we-used-the-motorola-droid-on-its-10th-anniversary-2019-11">I used the 10-year-old original Motorola Droid for a week</a></h3> <div> </div> </div>

Apple just removed an iPhone app that made it easy for people to stalk the activity of their friends and partners on Instagram

Friday's widespread crashes of popular apps running on the <keyword id="6354606" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="iPhone">iPhone</keyword>'s <keyword id="75489" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="IOS">iOS</keyword> operating system - including <keyword id="1738241" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tinder">Tinder</keyword>, <keyword id="685487" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Spotify">Spotify</keyword> and <keyword id="939877" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Pinterest">Pinterest</keyword> - serve as a reminder that <keyword id="6354576" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="facebook">Facebook</keyword> is still tracking you through your phone using sophisticated software, even if you're not browsing the social network. Early Friday, users of the apps reported crashes when they tried to open them up. Facebook attributed the problem, which was quickly fixed, to a bug in its software development kit, or SDK, a tool developers use to integrate their apps with Facebook. The integration allows people to use their Facebook credentials to log in to apps for dating, music or anything else. Google, Apple and other companies also offer SDKs to developers. It also allows the app developers to send data from their app to Facebook, which tracks and measures what people do on the apps. The data is useful both for the app developers and Facebook, which uses sophisticated systems to measure how people respond to ads, how they use its service and how much time they spend on it. In March, the video calling service Zoom was sued in California for sharing user data with Facebook using its SDK, a practice it now says it has stopped. Facebook's SDK caused similar crashes in May. The company said in a statement Friday that a "code change triggered crashes for some iOS apps using the Facebook SDK". The crashes Friday happened even if users were not logged in to the apps using Facebook. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/amazon-reportedly-told-employees-they-have-to-delete-tiktok-from-their-phones-due-to-security-risks/articleshow/76900325.cms">Amazon told employees to delete TikTok from their phones — then walked back the policy and said it was an 'error'</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/facebook-is-reportedly-considering-a-blackout-on-political-ads-in-the-days-running-up-to-the-us-presidential-election/articleshow/76902084.cms">Facebook is reportedly considering a 'blackout' on political ads in the days running up to the US presidential election</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/google-says-its-banning-ads-from-stalkerware-services-that-allow-people-to-spy-on-and-track-others/articleshow/76900456.cms">Google says it's banning ads from 'stalkerware' services that allow people to spy on and track others</a>

Facebook's software kit to blame for Tinder, Spotify, Pinterest and others crashing on iPhone

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image">Mandel Ngan/Getty ImagesFacebook Chairman and CEO Mark Zuckerberg.</div></div></div>Good morning! This is the tech news you need to know this Thursday.<ol><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/facebook-ceo-mark-zuckerberg-testifies-congress-libra-cryptocurrency-2019-10?r=US&amp;IR=T">Lawmakers grilled Mark Zuckerberg about his company's big plan to upend the way we send money around the world</a>. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified before the House Financial Services Committee on Wednesday to answer questions from lawmakers about its ambitions for its Libra currency. </li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/facebook-deletes-dozens-of-fake-accounts-from-iran-russia-2019-10?r=US&amp;IR=T"></a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/inside-weworks-all-staff-meeting-after-softbank-deal-2019-10?r=US&amp;IR=T" data-analytics-position="4">WeWork held an all-staff meeting on Wednesday to talk about SoftBank's takeover and the company's future</a>. The embattled coworking company is moving past cofounder Adam Neumann's leadership toward more transparency, a soon-to-be leaner staff, and better accountability, Marcelo Claure, WeWork's new chairman, told employees on Wednesday at an all-staff meeting. </li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/google-scientists-say-theyve-reached-quantum-supremacy-demonstrating-that-quantum-computers-outgun-classical-computers-2019-10?r=US&amp;IR=T"></a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/zuckerberg-says-libra-will-help-america-influence-global-financial-system-2019-10?r=US&amp;IR=T">Mark Zuckerberg tried to drum up support for the firm's wild new currency by amping up worries of China's financial dominance</a>. Zuckerberg argued that Libra, the Facebook-backed digital currency, will "extend America's financial leadership as well as our democratic values and oversight around the world" and if it doesn't innovate financially, China might gain more influence over the global financial system.</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/wework-co-ceos-artie-minson-sebastian-gunningham-millions-severance-softbank-2019-10?r=US&amp;IR=T">WeWork's co-CEOs would walk away with millions in severance payments if SoftBank replaced them</a>. According to a <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-10-23/wework-agrees-on-co-ceo-severance-packages-in-bailout-plan">Bloomberg report on Wednesday</a>, WeWork's recently named co-CEOs Artie Minson and Sebastian Gunningham will each receive a multi-million-dollar exit package if they are removed as part of SoftBank's negotiations to save the struggling coworking startup.</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/google-scientists-say-theyve-reached-quantum-supremacy-demonstrating-that-quantum-computers-outgun-classical-computers-2019-10?r=US&amp;IR=T">Google scientists claimed a massive breakthrough in cutting-edge computing with 'quantum supremacy</a>.' Google scientists ran an experiment to demonstrate just how much faster quantum computers would be compared to today's computers.</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-reports-fiscal-q1-earnings-revenue-results-2019-10?r=US&amp;IR=T">Microsoft reported a huge quarter that blew away expectations but its stock went nowhere</a>. Despite strong results, Microsoft stock was down less than 1% to around $135 per share in after-hours trading immediately following the earnings release.</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ftc-accuses-stalkerware-company-retina-x-illegal-practices-2019-10?r=US&amp;IR=T">The FTC said it wants to shut down 'stalkerware,' apps that can hide inside people's phones and spy on their activity</a>. "Stalkerware" is the term for consumer spyware that gives someone access to another person's phone without that person's consent.</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/facebooks-vp-of-ads-rob-goldman-is-leaving-the-company-2019-10?r=US&amp;IR=T">Google employees have raised alarms about a new tool that keeps tabs on their internal meetings</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/facebooks-vp-of-ads-rob-goldman-is-leaving-the-company-2019-10?r=US&amp;IR=T"></a>. Employees are worried that the tool is a kind of spyware meant to discourage labor activism or organization but Google's official line is that it is benign and was developed in response to an increase in spam, <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-10-23/google-accused-of-creating-spy-tool-to-squelch-worker-dissent?utm_source=twitter&amp;cmpid=socialflow-twitter-business&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=socialflow-organic&amp;utm_content=businesscontent=business">Bloomberg's Ryan Gallagher reported</a> Wednesday.</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-investor-ark-trims-stake-ahead-of-q3-earnings-report-2019-10?r=US&amp;IR=T">Huawei started taking orders in China for its delayed Mate X foldable </a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-investor-ark-trims-stake-ahead-of-q3-earnings-report-2019-10?r=US&amp;IR=T">smartphone</a>. Prices start at $2,400, according to Reuters. </li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/google-employees-spy-tool-internal-organization-protest-2019-10?r=US&amp;IR=T">Google employees are raising alarms about a new tool that keeps tabs on their internal meetings, but the company says it's nothing to worry about</a>. The tool can detect whether employees are scheduling meetings with large numbers of people, but Google said the service was developed in response to spam calendar invites. </li></ol>Have an Amazon Alexa device? Now you can hear 10 Things in Tech each morning. Just search for "Business Insider" in your Alexa's flash briefing settings.You can also <a href="https://newsletter.businessinsider.com/join/free">subscribe to this newsletter</a> here - just tick "10 Things in Tech You Need to Know. <div class="margin-top"> <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/watch-google-pixel-4-event-in-12-minutes-2019-10">Watch Google's Pixel 4 event in 12 minutes</a></h3> <div> </div> </div>

10 things in tech you need to know today

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Your <keyword id="6354606" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="iPhone">iPhone</keyword> can be hacked in various ways, although iPhones are safer than Androids.</li><li>Experts say the best way to stay safe from hacks is to be vigilant of strange links or sketchy apps and to only give out information when necessary.</li><li>Poor battery life and sluggish performance can be indicators of an iPhone hack.</li><li>You might need to restore your iPhone to factory settings or get a replacement if it's been seriously hacked.</li></ul>iPhone hacks aren't incredibly common, but they can still occur if you aren't careful.From <keyword id="54201" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Malware">malware</keyword> and trickster apps downloaded from the App Store to targeted attacks on a specific device, your information can be stolen in myriad ways.Here we'll break down the common types of hacks, how to tell if you've been hacked, and what to do about it.<h2>How an iPhone can be hacked</h2><keyword id="6357115" type="DEFINITION" weightage="60" keywordseo="Hacking">Hacking</keyword> occurs when someone else gains access to private information on your device or controls it without your consent. It's a broad term, and lies on a gradient of bad to very serious. Some hackers want to make a quick buck selling advertising. Others want to hurt you. Experts said there are a few main types of iPhone hacks:<h3>Suspicious websites or links</h3>Just like on your computer, your iPhone can be hacked by clicking on a suspicious website or link. If a website looks or feels "off" check the logos, the spelling, or the URL.Try to avoid connecting to a password-free public Wi-Fi network, which opens the possibility of a hacker accessing unencrypted traffic on your device or redirecting you to a fraudulent site to access login credentials.Messages from numbers you don't recognize are also suspect. Fortunately, modern smartphones are good at resisting malware and ransomware.<h3>Suspicious apps on the App Store</h3>Apple devices exist in a much more closed and monitored digital ecosystem when compared to Android devices. The company has a vetting process for apps on its store, but it's not bulletproof.Ning Zhang, who leads the Computer Security and Privacy Laboratory at Washington University in Saint Louis, said to watch out for apps that ask for more information than they'll need to function. For example, if you've downloaded a wallpaper or flashlight app and it's asking for your location or contact list, camera, or microphone, that's a red flag. Likely, the developers are tricking you into giving out this information so it can be sold."I'd be a little bit skeptical about it and consider if I really want that wallpaper app," he said. "Being vigilant, even with official apps, is helpful. If we are able to do that, I think for the average person, you should be fairly safe."<div type="image" title="app" height="1203" width="1804" msid="82111462" hostid="261"></div><h3>Intimate partner hacks</h3>Abusive partners can grab your phone and download <keyword id="48511" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Spyware">spyware</keyword> (or stalkerware) when you're not looking. This malicious software can be used to track your location, or make private information like texts, your call history, and emails accessible to them. All they need is your password and physical access to your phone. Experts we spoke to said that this is unfortunately common. This abuse can be psychologically traumatizing and devastating to someone's personal and public life. If you notice apps that you don't remember downloading, this could be a sign - although many times the spyware app is invisible on the home screen. Sadly, this problem isn't easy to fix. Victims can risk their safety by deleting the apps or checking for malware if and when abusers notice these actions.<h3>Targeted attacks</h3>The average person probably won't be singled out and remotely targeted by hackers because it's expensive, sometimes costing millions for hacks of newer phones, said Matthew Green, an associate professor at the Johns Hopkins Internet Security Institute.Journalists and activists are most at risk for this kind of hack. One form of a targetted hack works like this: Hackers exploit unknown flaws in the iOS programming that even its developers don't yet know about. With this knowledge, hackers can install malware to get data from targetted sources."This is a very sophisticated set of hacks and oftentimes you won't even know this happened to you," Green said. "If it's someone who is really sophisticated, they'll send you an invisible text message and then your phone is going to be compromised for awhile."The bugs are known as "zero-day" exploits, corresponding with the fact that Apple will find out about a possible security issue in their software on the same day it'll work to patch it. The minute the world knows, it's only a matter of time before the hack is obsolete. That's why these pricey hacks are often kept under wraps by the people, or governments, who purchase them, Green said.<h2>Ways to protect yourself from an iPhone hack</h2>iPhones can absolutely be hacked, but they're safer than most Android phones.Some budget Android smartphones may never receive an update, whereas Apple supports older iPhone models with software updates for years, maintaining their security. That's <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-update-iphone">why it's important to update your iPhone</a>.Apps on the App Store are also vetted for malware (though there are questionable apps that go unnoticed).However, if you're considering "<keyword id="1070436" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Jailbreaking">jailbreaking</keyword>" your iPhone - removing the software restrictions imposed on iOS - you're opening yourself up to potential vulnerabilities in the software because you've eliminated some of Apple's existing security measures. It is possible to download incompatible spyware or malware apps on a jailbroken phone, and this is also how remote takeovers can occur with iPhones. A jailbroken phone should be avoided as it can dangerously allow malicious apps to go undetected.If you <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-backup-iphone-icloud-computer-hard-drive">backup your phone in iCloud</a>, make sure to have a strong password. If someone gets ahold of your password, they don't even need to hack your phone because they can download a backup from the cloud.<div type="image" title="Cloud Storage" height="1414" width="2121" msid="82111466" hostid="261"></div><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/two-factor-authentication-apple">Turning on Apple's two factor authentication</a> is another good way to stay safe and can prevent your iCloud account (Apple ID) from being hacked by requiring another step of verification. Vyas Sekar, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, said staying safe is all about "good digital hygiene.""Install apps from trustworthy sources and unless you know what you're doing, you probably don't want to jailbreak your phone," Sekar said. "Be careful. Don't click on attachments you don't want to open and keep your phone up to date."<h2>How to tell if your iPhone has been hacked</h2>You can't always tell if your iPhone has been hacked, Sekar said. But you may notice a few things.<ul><li>Your phone is unusually hot, or frequently dying.</li><li>Your phone is sluggish when trying to load websites.</li><li>The battery is draining even when you're not touching your phone.</li></ul>These symptoms indicate the phone is running all the time, even when you're not using it. Sometimes, the best indicators come from the outside, such as when friends say they're getting odd messages from you. However, the most sophisticated hacks can be somewhat invisible. There's no definite way to check for every type of hack. Experts told us that one reliable way to investigate is to download a mobile security app called <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/iverify-secure-your-phone/id1466120520" target="_blank" rel="noopener">iVerify</a>, which scans your phone's operating system for suspicious behavior and can also detect if your phone has been jailbroken.<h2>What to do when your iPhone has been hacked</h2>If you know your phone has been hacked, you have a few options depending on what happened.For minor problems, like an app stealing your information, delete the app and update your software.In serious cases, you'll want to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-reset-iphone" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wipe your iPhone and restore it to factory settings</a>. But even if you do that, it may note be completely clear if you've gotten rid of the malware installed on your phone - especially if it has been jailbroken. <div type="image" title="Man iphone" height="2448" width="3264" msid="82111469" hostid="261"></div>Finding an expert for inspection may be the best solution. Green from Johns Hopkins said your phone can't always be cured."I hate to say this, but if you really, really need to be safe, get a new phone," Green said. "If somebody actually gets on your phone, and it's a really high barrier for iPhones, they can install stuff like keyloggers, which means every key press, every letter you type in is being sent to somebody. Until you're sure that's gone, you can't be sure you have any privacy."If you can't get a new phone right away, a hacked iPhone is likely not safe to use, so you're best to leave it turned off. <a data-type="6058e0f0fadd19075748d3ec">How to factory reset your iPhone and wipe its data, whether you're selling it or troubleshooting issues</a><a data-type="6046b03309e96f527f4e13ff">What is cybersecurity? A guide to the methods used to protect computer systems and data</a><a data-type="5faefccaacfefb02d80e9dc9">What is malware? Everything you need to know about malicious software and viruses, and how to protect your computer</a><a data-type="5cacb036c6cc507a092c54eb">How to diagnose and remove any virus from your iPhone</a>

You Searched For "stalkerware" and got 10 results

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