Google Suspends Phone Surveillance Operator Catwatchful for Violating Terms of Service
Google has taken action to suspend the account of phone surveillance operator Catwatchful, which was utilizing Google’s servers to host and operate monitoring software. This move by Google comes after JS brought to light that Catwatchful was using Firebase, one of Google’s developer platforms, to host and store data stolen from compromised phones.
According to Google spokesperson Ed Fernandez, “We’ve investigated these reported Firebase operations and suspended them for violating our terms of service.”
Catwatchful, an Android-specific spyware, disguised itself as a child monitoring app that could go undetected by users. The spyware required physical installation on a target’s phone, typically requiring access to their passcode. Once installed, Catwatchful would secretly gather and upload the victim’s private messages, photos, location data, and more to a web dashboard accessible to the installer.
JS first became aware of Catwatchful in mid-June when security researcher Eric Daigle discovered a security flaw exposing the spyware operation’s database. This breach revealed over 62,000 customer email addresses and passwords, as well as records of 26,000 compromised devices.
Despite the breach, the administrator behind Catwatchful, Omar Soca Charcov, did not respond to inquiries about the security lapse. In light of this, JS shared the Catwatchful database with data breach notification service Have I Been Pwned.
Catwatchful is just one of many surveillance operations that have experienced data breaches due to poor coding and cybersecurity practices. Android users can identify if Catwatchful is installed on their device by dialing 543210 and pressing the call button.
It is crucial to have a safety plan in place before removing any spyware from your device. If you suspect your phone has been compromised by spyware, resources are available through the Coalition Against Stalkerware and the National Domestic Violence Hotline for support and assistance.
