Over half a million Android devices and several thousand iOS devices have been put at risk due to a vulnerability in the spy application Spyzie, designed for covert monitoring. This concerning revelation was made by a cybersecurity researcher, providing data to Techcrunch. Many device owners may be unaware that their personal data, including messages, photos, and location information, has been compromised.
Spyzie shares the same vulnerability as Cocospy and Spyic, both previously criticized for exposing data from over 2 million users. This flaw allows third-party attackers to access information gathered by these applications (despite being meant for individual access only), along with email addresses of customers using Spyzie for surveillance purposes.
The researcher uncovered and shared with TechCrunch a database containing 518,643 unique email addresses of Spyzie customers. These data were also sent to Have I Been Pwned, a website created by Troy Hunt that monitors information breaches.
Spyzie, like other similar apps, operates discreetly on devices, making detection challenging. Most affected individuals own Android devices, typically accessed physically, often in abusive relationships. For iPhone and iPad users, Spyzie gains access to ICLOUD data through iCloud accounts.
This incident of data leak marks the 24th case since 2017 where spy applications have been compromised due to inadequate security measures. Despite this, Spyzie operators have yet to address the situation, leaving the vulnerability unresolved.
To check for Spyzie on Android devices, dial **001** from the device. If the app is present, it will appear on the screen. iPhone and iPad users are advised to enable two-factor authentication and review the list of devices linked to their Apple ID.
Learning from incidents involving Spyzie, Cocospy, and Spyic, it is clear that installing spy apps on a partner’s device out of suspicion poses significant risks. One small vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, compromising not just your privacy, but also exposing broader threats on the internet.
Instead of resorting to covert surveillance, addressing issues through open communication is a safer and more respectful approach. Engaging in hidden monitoring not only breaches personal boundaries but also invites irreparable dangers.