Current Research, Challenges, and Future Directions in Stalkerware Detection Techniques for Mobile Ecosystems

Mounika Bonam, Pranathi Rayavaram, Maryam Abbasalizadeh, Claire Seungeun Lee, April Pattavina, Sashank Narain

2025

Abstract

Stalkerware, a form of surveillance software misused for intimate partner violence (IPV), poses a growing threat to mobile ecosystems. Despite advancements in detection techniques, the development and usage of Stalkerware mobile apps continue to evolve, evading current tools and antivirus solutions. This Systematization of Knowledge (SoK) paper synthesizes existing research, focusing on static, dynamic, and ML-based detection methods for mobile platforms. Key insights highlight gaps in detection techniques, challenges in distinguishing dual-purpose apps, and the limited efficacy of antivirus tools. This paper provides an in-depth review of current efforts, limitations, and actionable insights to effectively address Stalkerware’s persistent threat. Furthermore, it proposes recommendations for future research and collaboration among security companies, developers, and victim support services.

Paper Citation

in Harvard Style

Bonam M., Rayavaram P., Abbasalizadeh M., Lee C., Pattavina A. and Narain S. (2025). Current Research, Challenges, and Future Directions in Stalkerware Detection Techniques for Mobile Ecosystems. In Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Information Systems Security and Privacy - Volume 1: ICISSP; ISBN 978-989-758-735-1, SciTePress, pages 405-415. DOI: 10.5220/0013371700003899

in Bibtex Style

@conference{icissp25,
author={Mounika Bonam and Pranathi Rayavaram and Maryam Abbasalizadeh and Claire Lee and April Pattavina and Sashank Narain},
title={Current Research, Challenges, and Future Directions in Stalkerware Detection Techniques for Mobile Ecosystems},
booktitle={Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Information Systems Security and Privacy - Volume 1: ICISSP},
year={2025},
pages={405-415},
publisher={SciTePress},
organization={INSTICC},
doi={10.5220/0013371700003899},
isbn={978-989-758-735-1},
}

in EndNote Style

TY - CONF

JO - Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Information Systems Security and Privacy - Volume 1: ICISSP
TI - Current Research, Challenges, and Future Directions in Stalkerware Detection Techniques for Mobile Ecosystems
SN - 978-989-758-735-1
AU - Bonam M.
AU - Rayavaram P.
AU - Abbasalizadeh M.
AU - Lee C.
AU - Pattavina A.
AU - Narain S.
PY - 2025
SP - 405
EP - 415
DO - 10.5220/0013371700003899
PB - SciTePress