Surveillanceware is software designed to secretly monitor and record a user’s activities on a device. It can track location, log keystrokes, record calls, capture screenshots, and access messages, emails, or social media. While it’s sometimes used by employers or governments for legitimate monitoring, it’s also widely abused by hackers, stalkers, or abusive partners to spy on victims without consent. In function, it’s very similar to classic spyware—both gather data in the background without the user’s knowledge—but surveillanceware often targets individuals more specifically and operates with stealthier, more invasive capabilities. It poses serious privacy and security risks, especially when used without clear legal or ethical justification.
Here are some notable examples of surveillanceware, both commercial and state-linked:
- Pegasus (by NSO Group)
One of the most advanced and controversial surveillance tools, Pegasus can infect phones without any user interaction (zero-click). It can access messages, calls, camera, mic, and more. It’s been used by governments to target journalists, activists, and political opponents. - FinFisher (aka FinSpy)
Sold to law enforcement and intelligence agencies, FinFisher can monitor nearly every aspect of a device—calls, texts, files, webcam, and more. It’s been found in politically motivated attacks in multiple countries. - FlexiSPY
A commercial tool often marketed to employers and suspicious partners. It offers full access to a device’s communications and is often installed manually. It’s considered stalkerware when used without consent. - mSpy
Another popular commercial app that markets itself for “parental control” but has been misused in domestic abuse cases. It logs texts, calls, GPS, and more, often running in stealth mode. - Predator (by Cytrox)
Similar to Pegasus, Predator is used in targeted attacks against political figures and journalists. It’s capable of deep surveillance and has been linked to government clients.
These tools highlight the blurred lines between lawful surveillance and abuse, especially when consent or oversight is missing.