Three phone surveillance applications—Cocospy, Spyic, and Spyzie—which were implicated in spying on millions of people, have shut down. These stalkerware apps, designed to operate stealthily on a target’s device, allowed users to access sensitive information such as messages, photos, call logs, and real-time location data, often without the victim’s consent.
A security researcher identified a significant vulnerability within these apps, which exposed personal data and enabled the retrieval of email addresses of approximately 3.2 million users who had acquired these spying services. Following revelations about this breach reported by TechCrunch, the operators of the stalkerware underwent a dramatic shutdown, with their websites and data storage disappearing.
While the exact reasons for the shutdown remain unclear due to the unavailability of the operators for comments, the trend indicates that stalkerware services often close or rebrand in the aftermath of data breaches to evade legal repercussions and damage to their reputations. Similar cases include LetMeSpy, which ceased operations in August 2023, and pcTattletale, which closed following a hacking incident in May 2024.
Cocospy, Spyic, and Spyzie are part of a troubling trend in which numerous phone surveillance applications have been compromised since 2017. At least 25 such services have experienced breaches, with a minimum of 10 scaling back or shutting down in the wake of security incidents.
Often marketed under the guise of parental control or tracking software, these applications are commonly referred to as “stalkerware” due to their potential misuse for spying on partners without consent, which is illegal. Consequently, these apps are prohibited from mainstream app stores and search engine advertisements, and web hosting services like Amazon claim to ban such operations from using their platforms.
Despite the current inoperative status of these particular apps, it is advised that users check their devices for residual spyware. For those using Android phones, a simple code—✱✱001✱✱—can be dialled to reveal the presence of hidden apps like these, allowing for their removal. Users should look for the app titled “System Service” to eliminate the threat effectively.
If you or someone you know is concerned about domestic abuse or the impact of stalking, resources such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline and the Coalition Against Stalkerware are available for support and guidance.
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