mSpy

mSpy is a brand of mobile and computer parental control monitoring software for iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS. mSpy monitors and logs user activity on the client device.[1][2]

mSpy
Developer(s)London-based tech company
Operating systemiOS
Available inMultilingual
Typemobile and computer parental control monitoring
LicensePaid & Trial
Websitemspy.com

History

mSpy was launched as a product for mobile monitoring in 2010 by a London-based tech company.

In 2012, the application allowed parents to monitor not only smartphones but also computers - Windows and Mac.

In 2013, mSpy became TopTenReviews Cell phone monitoring software award winner.

By 2014, the business has grown nearly 400%, and mSpy user number have exceeded the 1 million mark.[3]

In 2016, mLite — a light version of mSpy is available from Google Play.

Features

mSpy works on the following platforms: Android, iPhone, Windows and Mac.

mSpy allows:

  • access to (reading): address book, browser bookmarks, browser history, calendar, calls history, email (including Gmail app), Facebook messenger, Firefox private, Google Hangouts, Google Chrome incognito, Instagram, LINE, MMS multimedia, photos, Skype, SMS, Telegram, Tinder, Viber, videos, WeChat, WhatsApp;
  • remote control of the device: restricting calls and SMS, wipeout and block, websites blocking/restricting, application blocking, Pokemon GO blocking;
  • logging: email, installed applications, keyboard;
  • GPS geo-fencing and GPS tracking;
  • uninstall notification, keyword tracking alert.

Recent Awards
  • Parents Tested Parents Approved Winner's Seal of Approval (2015, USA)[4]
  • kidSAFE Certified Seal (2016, USA)[5][6]

Reception

It was noted that since mSpy runs inconspicuously, there is risk of the software being used illegally. mSpy was called "terrifying" by The Next Web[7] and was featured in NPR coverage of spyware used against victims of stalking and other domestic violence.[8]

In May 2015, Brian Krebs claimed that mSpy was hacked, leaking personal data for hundreds of thousands of users of devices with mSpy installed.[9] mSpy claimed that there was no data leak, but that instead, it was the victim of blackmailers.[10]

In September 2018, Brian Krebs claimed and demonstrated that anyone could easily gain access to the mSpy database containing data for millions of users. [11]

See also

References
  1. Rossman, Jim (May 3, 2014). phone-activity.ece "There are ways of keeping tabs on your kids’ phone activity". Dallasnews.com. Retrieved June 24, 2014.
  2. Shaw, Keith (May 22, 2014). "How far are you willing to go to spy on your employees' smartphones? " Networkworld.com. Retrieved June 24, 2014.
  3. Ong, Josh (November 28, 2013). "mSpy: A terrifying app for spying on another smartphone or tablet user." Thenextweb.com. Retrieved June 24, 2014.
  4. "mSpy Got PTPA Winner's Seal of Approval | Cell Phone Spy Software Reviews". www.top10spysoftware.com. Retrieved 2016-09-29.
  5. "mSpy Parental Monitoring Tool is certified by the kidSAFE Seal Program". www.kidsafeseal.com. Archived from the original on 2017-02-27. Retrieved 2016-09-29.
  6. "mSpy Received KidSAFE Listed Seal". PRWEB. February 22, 2016. Retrieved November 6, 2016.
  7. Josh Ong (2013-11-28). "mSpy: A Terrifying App for Spying on Another Smartphone User". Thenextweb.com. Retrieved 2015-11-08.
  8. "Smartphones Are Used To Stalk, Control Domestic Abuse Victims : All Tech Considered". NPR. 2014-09-15. Retrieved 2015-11-08.
  9. "Mobile Spyware Maker mSpy Hacked, Customer Data Leaked — Krebs on Security". Krebsonsecurity.com. 2015-05-14. Retrieved 2015-11-08.
  10. "Child spy firm hit by blackmailers". BBC. 2015-05-20. Retrieved 2015-11-08.
  11. "For 2nd Time in 3 Years, Mobile Spyware Maker mSpy Leaks Millions of Sensitive Records — Krebs on Security". Krebsonsecurity.com. 2018-09-04. Retrieved 2018-09-04.
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