Stalking and online harassment by a new romantic partner affect a noticeable share of people in Russia. Roughly one in seven individuals, about 15 percent, report having experienced such behavior at least once in their lifetime. This insight comes from a study conducted by Kaspersky Lab and summarized for editors by socialbites.ca.
Beyond stalking, Kaspersky Lab statistics reveal that about 35 percent of Russians have faced some form of violence from a current or former boyfriend or girlfriend. This violence spans financial, digital, and psychological dimensions. Meanwhile, opinions diverge on privacy in relationships: 32 percent of respondents view secretly monitoring a partner’s online activities as unacceptable, whereas 28 percent see no issue with it, and 19 percent perceive stalking as acceptable if it occurs mutuality in the relationship.
The report explains that online surveillance takes many forms. Malicious actors often rely on stalker software designed specifically for this purpose. Cybersecurity experts note a steady rise in the use of such software, with 2023 marking a 20 percent increase in victims compared with 2022. This trend underscores how easily digital tools can invade personal space when left unchecked.
As one cybersecurity professional from Kaspersky Lab states, malware used in these attacks can grant unauthorized access to a victim’s personal data, including messages, photos, social media pages, geolocation, and even real-time audio and video recordings. This reality highlights the stakes for individuals who must protect their online presence and personal information.
In related findings, another study indicates that a notable portion of the population remains attached to their smartphones. About one in ten Russians reportedly cannot imagine life without a smartphone, underscoring the deep integration of mobile devices into daily life and, with it, the potential exposure to digital risks in intimate relationships.