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PCTattletale founder pleads guilty in rare stalkerware prosecution – January 2026

Author/Source: Bitdefender Threat Debrief See the full link here

Takeaway

This article explains how Paul Waggener, who created software called PCTattletale, pleaded guilty to federal charges. His software let people secretly spy on others’ computers, which is illegal. This case is important because it’s one of the first times someone has been charged for making and selling such spying software.


Technical Subject Understandability

Beginner


Analogy/Comparison

Using stalkerware is like having someone secretly install hidden cameras and microphones in your home to watch and listen to everything you do without your knowledge.


Why It Matters

This topic matters because stalkerware software allows people to secretly track and monitor others, often violating their privacy and personal safety. For example, the article mentions the software allowed users to “remotely and stealthily monitor computer activity,” which means victims were being watched without ever knowing it.


Related Terms

Stalkerware, Spyware, Felony counts, Wiretapping. Jargon Conversion: Stalkerware is software that lets someone secretly watch what another person does on their computer. Spyware is software that secretly gathers information from a computer without the user knowing. Felony counts are serious criminal charges. Wiretapping means secretly listening to or recording private conversations or communications.

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