MSpy

mSpy is a brand of mobile and computer parental control monitoring software for iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS.  mSpy monitors and logs user activity on the client device. 

History 
mSpy was launched as a product for mobile monitoring in 2010 by a London-based tech company. 

In 2012, the application allowed parents to monitor not only smartphones but also computers - Windows and Mac. 

In 2013, mSpy became TopTenReviews Cell phone monitoring software award winner. 

By 2014, the business has grown nearly 400%, and mSpy user number have exceeded the 1 million mark. 

In 2016, mLite — a light version of mSpy is available from Google Play. 

Features 
mSpy works on the following platforms: Android, iPhone, Windows and Mac. 

mSpy allows:
 access to (reading): address book, browser bookmarks, browser history, calendar, calls history, email (including Gmail app), Facebook messenger, Firefox private,  Google Hangouts, Google Chrome incognito, Instagram, LINE, MMS multimedia, photos, Skype, SMS, Telegram, Tinder, Viber, videos, WeChat, WhatsApp;
 remote control of the device: restricting calls and SMS, wipeout and block, websites blocking/restricting, application blocking, Pokemon GO blocking;
 logging: email, installed applications, keyboard;
 GPS geo-fencing and GPS tracking;
 uninstall notification, keyword tracking alert. 

Recent Awards 
 Parents Tested Parents Approved  Winner's Seal of Approval (2015, USA)
 kidSAFE Certified Seal (2016, USA)

Reception 
It was noted that since mSpy runs inconspicuously, there is risk of the software being used illegally.  Nick Pickles, director of Big Brother Watch, told MailOnline "This is the kind of technology you'd expect the security services to be using…".  Citing similar concerns, mSpy was called "terrifying" by The Next Web and was featured in NPR coverage of spyware used against victims of stalking and other domestic violence. 

In May 2015, Brian Krebs claimed that mSpy was hacked, leaking personal data for hundreds of thousands of users of devices with mSpy installed.  mSpy claimed that there was no data leak, but that instead, it was the victim of blackmailers. 

In September 2018, Brian Krebs claimed and demonstrated that anyone could easily gain access to the mSpy database containing data for millions of users. 

See also
 Parental controls
 Spyware

References

External links
 
 mLite - Family Phone Tracker.  Google Play
 mSpy Review.  bestparentalcontrolapps.com

Category:2011 establishments in England
Category:Mobile technology companies
Category:Mobile applications