The New York Office of the Attorney General has taken action against Patrick Hinchy and the 16 companies he owns for illegally selling and promoting spyware. Since 2011, Hinchy has been running these companies, which offer spyware for Android and iOS devices, such as Auto Forward, Easy Spy, DDI Utilities, Highster Mobile, PhoneSpector, Surepoint, and TurboSpy. This spyware is used to collect and transmit data from the victim's device, including call logs, text messages, photos, videos, emails, Chrome browser data, location, and data from messaging and social media applications, such as WhatsApp, Skype, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. It can also be used to remotely activate the device's camera or microphone for spying or eavesdropping. The data is sent to servers owned by Hinchy's companies, and customers can access it through a web dashboard. The investigation by the New York OAG found that Hinchy and his companies were heavily promoting the spyware and instructing customers on how to install it without being detected. They also misled customers into believing that the spyware was legal, even though it is not. In addition, they failed to inform customers of the potential harm the software could cause, presented customers with confusing refund and data security policies, and created fake review websites to attract customers. As a result, Hinchy and his companies have been fined $410,000 in penalties and ordered to modify the software so that it notifies device owners of the data collection activities. They must also make accurate disclosures regarding endorsements, rooting and jailbreaking requirements, refund policies, and data security. Furthermore, they must delete collected data and block customer access to that data unless customers provide an electronic acknowledgment regarding the lawfulness of the spyware.
This Cyber News was published on www.securityweek.com. Publication date: Mon, 06 Feb 2023 18:42:02 +0000