Spyware
Malware that secretly collects data: keystrokes, screenshots, location data, browser history.
Spyware secretly collects data from a device: keystrokes (keyloggers), screenshots, location data, browser history, address books. On smartphones it often appears as "stalkerware" – a dangerous tool in domestic abuse situations.
Antivirus suites with anti-spyware modules (e.g. Malwarebytes) reliably detect typical spyware.
Why this matters in 2026
Commercial spyware like Pegasus (NSO Group) made international headlines in 2024–2026, but its presence among Swiss private users remains low. The realistic 2026 risk: cheap stalkerware apps (mSpy, FlexiSpy) installed on partner devices by abusers. Antivirus suites have reliably detected typical stalkerware since 2023.
How to protect yourself
Install a mobile antivirus app with stalkerware detection (Bitdefender, Kaspersky, Lookout). Audit your Apple/Google account regularly – linked devices, shared locations, app list. If you suspect stalkerware: factory-reset the device, change every password, and contact the NCSC or a domestic-violence helpline.