pcTattletale, a spyware maker, announces closure following data breach

pcTattletale, a controversial spyware app known for its ability to track individuals without their knowledge, has officially shut down following a major data breach over the weekend. The founder of pcTattletale, Bryan Fleming, confirmed that the company is “out of business and completely done” after a hacker defaced the spyware maker’s website and exposed large amounts of data from its servers.

The remote surveillance app, often referred to as “stalkerware,” allowed users to remotely view screenshots and private data from Android or Windows devices without the victim’s consent. Despite advertising itself as a tool for monitoring employees, pcTattletale openly promoted its ability to spy on spouses and domestic partners, which is illegal.

The breach exposed sensitive information from 138,000 customers who had signed up for the service, including hundreds of millions of screenshots stored on Amazon Web Services servers. Fleming stated that he deleted all data to protect customers after losing access to the company’s AWS account.

This incident sheds light on the risks associated with spyware apps, which are known for their security vulnerabilities and potential data leaks. Federal regulators have previously taken action against stalkerware makers for inadequate security practices. The FTC declined to comment on whether they are investigating pcTattletale, but similar spyware apps have faced shutdowns in the past due to security breaches.

pcTattletale’s demise serves as a cautionary tale for companies in the surveillance industry, highlighting the importance of prioritizing data security and protecting customer information.