Do not ever download spy apps. They put your accounts at risk.
Spyware apps endanger the security of those who install them in addition to violating the privacy of the people being watched. After being intercepted, the data ends up on unprotected servers, where it is immediately obtained by criminals who use it for identity theft, blackmail, and other digital crimes.
TechCrunch reports that in recent weeks, a number of businesses that specialize in creating spyware applications have experienced significant breaches. On underground forums where anyone can access private conversations and financial data that has been stolen, their databases containing stolen personal information have been made public.
Nobody would anticipate that their private conversations would eventually be leaked by the app they installed to spy on their partner. The truth is that these apps record everything that occurs on the phone and send it to third parties without any control, but users hardly ever think about the repercussions.
The developers of spyware apps establish their companies in nations with lax regulations and make no effort to secure the data they steal. This issue is not new; in 2023, a hack forced a spyware company to permanently close following the exposure of data from over 13,000 devices, including the locations and private messages of individuals who had nothing to do with the software's installation.
The fact that these apps record both personal and professional data is almost absurd. In addition to taking pictures or sending messages, someone who spies on their partner who works for a company that handles sensitive data is also creating a security breach that could cost the victim their job and the company millions of dollars.
Installing spyware leaves a clear digital trail, which is the most ironic aspect of the whole situation. In addition to what you have been spying on, attackers can see your email address, payment method, and even the IP address from which you controlled the app when the servers go down.
There are entirely legal options if you must disclose your location to family members. Platforms that provide temporary location sharing capabilities without sacrificing the privacy of other communications or requiring the installation of extra software include Telegram and WhatsApp, which received security updates in August 2024.