**pcTattletale Founder Pleads Guilty as US Cracks Down on Stalkerware**
In a significant victory for victims of stalkerware, Bryan Fleming, the founder of pcTattletale, has pleaded guilty in a US federal court to computer hacking, unlawfully selling and advertising spyware, and conspiracy. This landmark case marks only the second US federal stalkerware prosecution in a decade, paving the way for further action against developers, sellers, and promoters of similar tools.
pcTattletale had gained notoriety in 2021 when security researchers discovered that the app was secretly capturing screenshots from victims' phones without their knowledge or consent. The screenshots were being uploaded to an unsecured online database, allowing anyone to view them without authentication. The company's lax security practices raised serious concerns about the use of stalkerware and its potential for abuse.
In 2024, researchers revisited pcTattletale after finding that it was still leaking a database containing victim screenshots. A vulnerability in the app's Application Programming Interface (API) allowed anyone to access the most recent screen capture recorded from any device on which the spyware was installed. Another researcher uncovered a separate vulnerability that granted full access to the app's backend infrastructure, enabling them to deface the website and steal AWS credentials shared across all devices.
While pcTattletale's developers did not address these security issues, Amazon took decisive action by locking the company's entire AWS infrastructure. However, Homeland Security Investigations had already initiated an investigation into pcTattletale in June 2021, which continued unabated despite Fleming's attempts to abandon the product and delete its servers.
What sets Fleming apart from other stalkerware operators is his apparent pride in his work. Unlike many others who market their products as parental control or employee monitoring tools, pcTattletale explicitly promoted non-consensual surveillance of adults, using phrases such as "catch a cheater" and "surreptitiously spying on spouses and partners." This transparency about the true intentions of the software raises serious concerns about its potential for abuse.
Fleming is expected to be sentenced later this year. As the US continues to crack down on stalkerware, it's essential to remember that these apps often install under different names and hide themselves from users, making them difficult to find and remove. That's where Malwarebytes comes in – a leading cybersecurity solution that detects and removes stalkerware-type apps from your device.
If you suspect that you or someone you know is being targeted by stalkerware, it's crucial to take action carefully. Removing the app may alert the person spying on you that the app has been discovered, which could put you at greater risk. The Coalition Against Stalkerware outlines additional steps and considerations to help you decide the safest next move.
To protect yourself from stalkerware, download Malwarebytes today. With its robust scanning capabilities and removal tools, you can rest assured that your device is safe from these malicious apps. Remember, cybersecurity risks should never spread beyond a headline – take control of your online safety with Malwarebytes.
**Take Action Now:**
* Download Malwarebytes to detect and remove stalkerware-type apps from your device. * Visit the Coalition Against Stalkerware for additional guidance on safe removal and next steps. * Stay informed about emerging threats and cybersecurity risks by following our coverage.
By working together, we can create a safer online environment for everyone. Don't wait – protect yourself today with Malwarebytes.