Spy software is a cheap gateway to your personal data

It is straightforward to unlock the secrets of a person’s mobile phone, computer or their life on the internet.

To get going, it is useful to have €50 and a few minutes with the device you want to compromise or a convincing ruse to coax somebody into dropping their online defences. Once installed, a snoop or stealer can get troves of information on what a spouse, staff member, child or intended victim is doing and who they are communicating with. It is so simple it is best to be vigilant:

* Is there an icon or symbol on your phone you do not understand or recall where it came from?