Spyware app maker recognizes hack and theft log data

Mspy, a developer of a spy app for cellphones and desktop operating systems, has admitted, after previous denials, that hackers entered its systems and stole log data. According to mSpy, it concerns 80,000 customers.

That reports the BBC. Last week, security researcher Brian Krebs revealed on his blog Krebs on Security that log data from the spyware mSpy had surfaced on the Tor network. Krebs says he has approached some customers based on the published data and the information turned out to be correct.

Initially, mSpy denied several times in the media that its systems had been hacked and that log data had been stolen. A company spokesperson has since admitted that data has been stolen, but according to mSpy, the scale and seriousness of the incident are exaggerated by the hackers. It would not concern data from 400,000 customers, but from ‘only’ 80,000 customers. Mspy says it will approach affected customers and that the company will tighten its encryption techniques.

The British privacy watchdog is now looking at whether it can contact the company. Mspy has an office in London, but the company is actually supposed to be located in California. There are now rumors in American politics to further restrict spyware such as mSpy, which can be used to covertly record GPS location, web history, e-mail, WhatsApp messages and keystrokes. Legally, the sale of such software is already illegal in the US.