The Evolving Threat of Stalkerware: Insights from the AV-Comparatives Test 2025
The AV-Comparatives Stalkerware Test 2025 offers a revealing glimpse into the persistent and evolving threat of stalkerware on mobile devices. Despite ongoing efforts from the tech industry and platform providers to combat this issue, stalkerware-type applications—designed to be covertly installed for the purpose of spying on individuals—continue to pose significant risks.
This thorough evaluation, conducted in partnership with the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), scrutinized 13 prominent Android security solutions against a diverse array of 17 stalkerware-type applications. The findings underscore the resilience of stalkerware, which is often sideloaded from developer websites, crafted to evade detection, and frequently stores sensitive victim data on insecure servers. This vulnerability can lead to broader risks, including potential public data leaks.
In this assessment, each security application was evaluated not only for its ability to detect stalkerware but also for how effectively it communicated these threats to potential victims. The emphasis was on providing explicit warnings rather than relying on generic labels.
AV-Comparatives, an independent organization dedicated to systematic testing, aims to verify whether security software—including antivirus products for PCs and Macs, as well as mobile security solutions—lives up to its claims.
Among the 13 security products tested in September 2025, a select few distinguished themselves through their detection accuracy, clarity, and responsible alerting. Notably, Malwarebytes achieved a perfect 100% detection rate.
The results show clear differences in performance between mobile security products. Malwarebytes stood out by detecting all stalkerware test cases, achieving a 100% detection rate.
The report further detailed the performance of other security solutions:
Bitdefender, ESET, Kaspersky, and McAfee followed closely with 94% each, showing consistently high effectiveness. Avast, Avira, and F-Secure also performed well, identifying 88% of the test set, while Norton and Sophos achieved moderate coverage, detecting around 82%. At the lower end, G Data (65%), Google (53%), and Trend Micro (59%) missed a substantial portion of the stalkerware.
As a founding member of the Coalition Against Stalkerware, Malwarebytes views this achievement as more than just a technical success. The mission transcends the mere blocking of malicious software; it addresses the deeply personal impact of stalkerware-type applications, which are often wielded by abusers to invade privacy and exert control. Hence, reliable detection and safe reporting are of utmost importance.
Malwarebytes’ involvement in the coalition signifies a commitment to industry best practices: preventing the silent installation of stalkerware-type apps, providing users with detailed and honest threat information, and ensuring that every detection alert prioritizes survivor safety. Scoring 100% in this test validates years of advocacy and development focused on the real-world needs of victims and their supporters, moving beyond theoretical malware samples.
Ultimately, maintaining leadership in stalkerware detection involves collaboration with partners and survivor organizations to enhance public awareness, promote safer technology, and empower users to reclaim their privacy. For Malwarebytes, achieving a perfect score is not merely a testament to product quality; it stands as proof of their unwavering commitment to privacy and security.
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Cybersecurity risks should never extend beyond a headline. Safeguard your mobile devices from threats by downloading Malwarebytes for iOS and Malwarebytes for Android today.
