A US spyware company called Spytech recently experienced a breach, resulting in the exposure of sensitive data from thousands of victims. According to a report from TechCrunch, an unidentified source with knowledge of the breach shared a cache of files taken from the company’s servers. These files included detailed logs of device activity, such as the location of each device being monitored.
After analyzing the stolen data, it was discovered that over 10,000 devices may have been compromised. The majority of victims were based in Europe and the United States, with smaller groups in Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. Luckily, there was not enough personally identifiable information in the data to directly link it to individuals. This made it difficult for TechCrunch to notify those affected by the breach.
Spytech offers two spyware apps, Realtime-Spy and SpyAgent, which primarily target Windows devices. However, Androids, Macs, and Chromebooks were also affected to a lesser extent. Spyware, also known as spouseware, are commercial applications that claim to help users monitor their children, employees, or romantic partners. However, these apps are often installed without the victim’s knowledge or consent, making their use illegal and unethical.
The CEO of Spytech, Nathan Polencheck, expressed surprise at the news of the breach and stated that he was investigating the situation to take appropriate actions. This incident highlights the importance of cybersecurity and the risks associated with using spyware applications. It serves as a reminder for individuals and businesses to be cautious when installing such software on their devices.
Sead, a freelance journalist based in Bosnia and Herzegovina, specializes in writing about IT, cybersecurity, and related topics. With over a decade of experience in the field, he has contributed to various media outlets and conducted content writing modules for organizations like Represent Communications. Stay informed about the latest news and developments in technology and cybersecurity by subscribing to the TechRadar Pro newsletter.
