mSpy
 | |
| Original author(s) | mSpy |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | mSpy |
| Operating system | iOS, Android, OS X, Microsoft Windows |
| Available in | Multilingual |
| License | Paid & Trial |
| Website | mspy |
mSpy is a brand of mobile and computer monitoring software for iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac OS. mSpy monitors and logs user activity on the client device. After data is logged, it is encrypted and transferred to a remote server. The user can view the data remotely by logging in to a web-based user control panel from any Internet-enabled device.[1] This software is marketed primarily at parents and business owners as a way to monitor smartphone, tablet, and computer usage of their children and employees.[2][3]
History
mSpy was launched as a product for mobile monitoring in 2011 by a London-based tech company. By 2014, the business has grown nearly 400%, and mSpy user number have exceeded the 1 million mark.[4] In September 2014, the company officially released its computer monitoring software for Windows and Mac OS.
mSpy features
| mSpy for iOS | mSpy for Android | mSpy for Desktop | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Call History | X | X | |
| Text Messages | X | X | |
| Emails | X | X | X |
| Keylogger | X | X | X |
| Photo & Video | X | X | |
| Device Location Tracking | X | X | |
| WhatsApp chats | X | X | |
| Viber chats | X | X | |
| Skype history | X | X | |
| iMessage chats | X | ||
| Snapchat | X | X | |
| LINE tracker | X | X | |
| Facebook Messenger | X | X | |
| Browsing History | X | X | X |
| SIM change alerts | X | X | |
| URL Blocking | X | X | |
| Website Blocking | X | X | |
| Incoming Call Restriction | X | X | |
| Remote Device Lock | X | X | |
| Remote Data Wipeout | X | X | |
| Contacts | X | X | |
| Calendar, Notes | X | X | |
| Geofencing | X | X | |
| Screenshots | X | ||
| Use of Installed Applications | X | X | X |
Software Use
mSpy advertises itself as having two potential uses: as a parental control solution[5] and as an employee monitoring tool.[6] Monitoring employees or underage children are the intended uses of mSpy software. mSpy may also be used to prevent instances of corporate data theft or for retrieving lost or stolen devices. All monitoring must be done with the express consent of device users.
The use of mSpy application for parental control was approved by PTPA Media community; the software won its "Seal of Approval" award (in the category "Parent Tested Parent Approved").
Criticism
Critics have noted that since mSpy runs inconspicuously, there is risk of the software being used illegally. Nick Pickles, director of Big Brother Watch, told MailOnline: "This is the kind of technology you'd expect the security services to be using…".[7] Citing similar concerns, mSpy was called "terrifying" by The Next Web[8] and was featured in NPR coverage of spyware used against victims of stalking and other domestic violence.[9]
In May 2015, mSpy found itself in the news following a data breach resulting in the loss of personal data for hundreds of thousands of users of devices with mSpy installed.[10]
References
- ^ How It Works.
- ^ Rossman, Jim (May 3, 2014). "There are ways of keeping tabs on your kids’ phone activity". Dallasnews.com. Retrieved June 24, 2014.
- ^ Shaw, Keith (May 22, 2014). "How far are you willing to go to spy on your employees' smartphones? " Networkworld.com. Retrieved June 24, 2014.
- ^ Ong, Josh (November 28, 2013). "mSpy: A terrifying app for spying on another smartphone or tablet user." Thenextweb.com. Retrieved June 24, 2014.
- ^ Lewis, Sedgrid (December 28, 2013). "4 Apps Teens Love that Parents Need to Monitor. " Goodmenproject.com. Retrieved June 24, 2014.
- ^ Hamblen, Matt (March 13, 2014). "Snowden revelations raise interest in smartphone spyware for business". Computerworld.com. Retrieved June 24, 2014.
- ^ Woollaston, Victoria (November 28, 2013). "The bunny boiler app: Spy software lets you track a partner's movements, listen in on calls and even lock their phone." Dailymail.co.uk. Retrieved June 25, 2014.
- ^ [1]
- ^ http://www.npr.org/sections/alltechconsidered/2014/09/15/346149979/smartphones-are-used-to-stalk-control-domestic-abuse-victims
- ^ http://krebsonsecurity.com/2015/05/mobile-spy-software-maker-mspy-hacked-customer-data-leaked/