 | |
| Developer(s) | Brainstack |
|---|---|
| Operating system | iOS, Android, Windows, macOS |
| Available in | Multilingual |
| Type | mobile and computer parental control monitoring |
| License | Proprietary |
| Website | mspy |
mSpy is a brand of mobile and computer parental control monitoring software for iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS. The app allows users to monitor and log activity on the client device. [1] [2] It is owned by the Ukrainian IT company Brainstack. [3] [4]
mSpy was launched in 2010 for monitoring mobile devices.
In 2012, the application allowed parents to monitor not only smartphones but also computers.
By 2014, the business grew nearly 400%, and the app's user numbers exceeded the 1 million mark. [5]
In 2016, mLite, a light version of mSpy, became available from Google Play.
In 2015 and 2018, mSpy was the victim of data breaches which released user data. [6]
In 2024, mSpy's Zendesk was compromised by an unknown threat actor, revealing their customer list. [7]
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 [8] and was featured in NPR coverage of spyware used against victims of stalking and other domestic violence. [9]
In May 2015, Brian Krebs reported that mSpy was hacked, leaking personal data for hundreds of thousands of users of devices with mSpy installed. [10] mSpy claimed that there was no data leak, but that instead, it was the victim of blackmailers.[ citation needed ]
In September 2018, Krebs claimed and demonstrated that anyone could easily gain access to the mSpy database containing data for millions of users. [11]
A 2024 Sky News story characterised mSpy as "stalkerware". [12]
Leaked customer support messages from mSpy reveal misuse of its app for illegally monitoring partners and children. [13]