Comparing User Perceptions of Anti-Stalkerware Apps with the Technical Reality
summary
Study compares what users think anti‑stalkerware apps do with what two real apps actually do: review analysis, cognitive walkthroughs, and static + dynamic program analysis of AntiSpy Mobile Pro and Lookout Mobile. Researchers find 147 apps with 50,000+ downloads, users trust aesthetics, alerts and affordances, but detection relies on a package-based blocklist plus permission heuristics (causing Signal false positive), while Lookout builds package signatures and updates a server DB only once or twice a day. Mismatch creates security theater and suggests test kits, clearer consequences, and stronger OS support.
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