# These Three Stalkerware Apps Have Just Gone Dark, and a Data Breach Could Be to Blame
In a shocking turn of events, three popular spouseware apps - Cocospy, Spyic, and Spyzie - have mysteriously gone dark. The apps, which are essentially clones of one another, were once widely used for monitoring and controlling the activities of family members, partners, or significant others. However, their websites are now gone, and their cloud storage hosted on Amazon has been deleted.
The sudden disappearance of these apps has left many wondering what could be behind their shutdown. According to TechCrunch, a leading technology publication, the reason for their disappearance is not immediately clear. However, the publication suggests that it could be linked to data breaches that occurred earlier this year. "Consumer-grade phone surveillance operations are known to shut down (or rebrand entirely) following a hack or data breach, typically in an effort to escape legal and reputational fallout," TechCrunch wrote.
The implications of these apps' shutdown are significant, given their history of violating user privacy. Spouseware, also known as spyware, is a type of application that operates in the grey zone. It is advertised as a legitimate software used to keep track of minors, people with special needs, and similar individuals. However, most of the time it is just a cover for illegal activities, such as spying on other members of the household, love interests, and similar.
The development team behind these apps is often hidden from public view, making it difficult for media outlets to get in touch with them or obtain statements. This lack of transparency only adds to the suspicion surrounding their activities.
In recent months, two of the apps - Cocospy and Spyic - were found exposing sensitive user data. Researchers discovered that Cocospy was storing email addresses, text messages, call logs, photographs, and other sensitive information. Furthermore, researchers managed to exfiltrate 1.81 million email addresses used to register with Cocospy, and roughly 880,000 addresses used for Spyic.
Similar news broke for Spyzie just a week later. The app was found leaking email addresses, text messages, call logs, photographs, and other sensitive data belonging to millions of people who had installed the apps without their knowledge or consent. The people who installed those apps, in most cases partners, parents, significant others, also had their email addresses exposed.
The sudden shutdown of these apps raises serious concerns about user privacy and security. It is essential for users to be aware of the risks associated with spouseware and to take steps to protect themselves. As one expert noted, "It's crucial for individuals to be vigilant when it comes to monitoring software and to understand the potential risks involved."
# What is Spouseware?
Spouseware, also known as spyware, is a type of application that operates in the grey zone. It is designed to monitor and control the activities of family members, partners, or significant others. However, its true purpose is often used for illegal activities such as spying on other household members.
# Protecting Yourself from Spouseware
If you're concerned about your device being monitored by spouseware, here are some steps you can take:
* Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication to protect your accounts. * Keep your operating system and software up-to-date with the latest security patches. * Be cautious when installing monitoring software, and ensure that you understand its purpose and potential risks.
By being informed and taking proactive steps, you can protect yourself from the risks associated with spouseware.