Minnesota-based spyware maker Spytec Software, which is largely unknown around the world, has apparently fallen victim to a hack itself. According to information from online portal TechCrunch, hackers broke into protected server areas and took data that indicates the company’s recent malware activities. Smartphones were not the only targets of malware attacks.
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As reported by TechCrunchThis data included detailed activity logs from monitored phones, tablets and computers belonging to individuals and businesses. Most of the data dates back only to June 2024 and shows that the data appears to have been actively collected until recently. The oldest records date back to 2013 and describe infected Android devices, Chromebooks, Macs and Windows PCs around the world.
10,000 devices affected worldwide
TechCrunch analyzed the activity logs and confirmed the authenticity of the data. The information collected shows that various software from Spytec was used to collect the data. In addition to the RealTime-Spy product, the SpyAgent app recommended for private use on the spyware website was also used. In total, more than 10,000 devices around the world are said to be affected.
The data includes logs of all devices, including records of each device’s activities. Most of the devices affected by the spyware were Windows PCs and, to a lesser extent, Android devices, Macs, and Chromebooks. The evaluated data also showed that the data of infected Android smartphones comes not only from the United States, but also from Europe. Devices from Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East are also affected to a lesser extent, according to TechCrunch.
Ironically, one of the people whose data was recorded was Spytec manager Nathan Polenchak. However, when contacted by TechCrunch, Polenchak claimed he was not aware of the breach, although the leaked data points to his private residence in Red Wing, Minnesota.
The use of spyware is becoming a growing problem worldwide. Just in April this year, Apple responded to a global wave of spyware attacks targeted at iPhones and warned users of potential threats. Spytek is not the first spyware maker to be hacked. According to TechCrunch This year alone, three other providers have already been compromised by stalkerware.
Spytec Software is a remote access app and monitoring software manufacturer founded in 1998. The company advertises that the products it offers allow anyone to monitor private activities. Apart from parents wishing to control their children, spying on spouses and life partners is also on the agenda. Apart from the target group of private users, Spytek customers also include government, military and corporate circles as well as educational institutions in the United States.
(USC)
