The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has teamed up with AV Comparatives to test how well major antivirus apps for Android detect stalkerware in 2025. Stalkerware apps are covertly installed to spy on users by exfiltrating data without their knowledge. This test highlights the ongoing battle between antivirus vendors and stalkerware developers.

Key Findings:

• Detection Quality Varies: Malwarebytes scored a perfect 100% detection rate in identifying stalkerware, closely followed by ESET, Bitdefender, McAfee, and Kaspersky, each missing just one sample.
• Google Play Protect & Trend Micro Lag Behind: Detection rates for Google Play Protect and Trend Micro were 53% and 59%, respectively. Google's low detection is partly due to stalkerware designed to evade its default protection.
• Fewer Unique Stalkerware Products in 2025: The test identified 17 unique stalkerware products, down from 20 in 2020 and 2021, pointing to potential effects from regulatory crackdowns and the rise of physical Bluetooth trackers like AirTags as alternatives.

Why It Matters:

These insights help users, especially those vulnerable to domestic abuse, choose antivirus apps that effectively detect stalkerware. It also shines a light on detection gaps, urging antivirus companies to renew focus on this critical issue.

For everyone concerned about privacy and security on Android devices, the test results offer invaluable guidance to stay protected against covert surveillance.

#DataPrivacy #MobileSecurity #DigitalSafety #StalkerwareAwareness #AndroidAntivirus

Read the full report here: https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/11/eff-teams-av-comparatives-test-android-stalkerware-detection-major-antivirus-apps

https://www.malwarebytes.com/stalkerware