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SUMMARY:An analysis of the threats of the consumer spyware industry - Diar
 maid Harkin\, Alfred Deakin Institute\, Deakin University
DTSTART:20190912T130000Z
DTEND:20190912T140000Z
UID:TALK124519@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Alexander Vetterl
DESCRIPTION:Invasive surveillance software known as “spyware” is avail
 able for general consumption\, allowing everyday users the ability to plac
 e a smartphone under close surveillance. The widespread availability of sp
 yware creates clear risks that this software can be used abusively\, with 
 many indicators that it is being used frequently in the context of domesti
 c and family violence. This presentation reports on the findings of an Aus
 tralian-based study into the threats of the consumer spyware industry. The
  consumer spyware industry was subjected to a market analysis and legal an
 alysis\, in addition to user analysis of spyware products and a technical 
 analysis of a select sample of spyware. \nOur investigation revealed a ran
 ge of concerning findings about the threat of spyware\, including (a) mult
 iple spyware companies encourage and promote the use of spyware against in
 timate partners and children\; (b) Android users carry a higher risk of be
 ing subject to spyware than iPhone users\; (c) Technical analysis of spywa
 re reveals that software developed within the consumer spyware industry of
 ten exhibits extremely poor data security practices\, creating additional 
 risks for the exposure of highly sensitive personal information and data. 
 Ways of countering the threats of consumer spyware are considered.\n\n\nBi
 o: Dr Diarmaid Harkin is an Alfred Deakin Postdoctoral Research Fellow and
  Senior Lecturer in Criminology at Deakin University. His current active r
 esearch interests include the use of private security companies in the con
 text of domestic violence\, the consumer spyware industry\, and the challe
 nges of cyber-policing.
LOCATION:LT2\, Computer Laboratory\, William Gates Building
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