The company said in a statement that Noushin Shabab, a senior security researchers at its Melbourne office, would release details about the tool on 1 March during a keynote at an event known as Pause Fest.

Her talk is entitled "How technology tackles stalking and helps survivors of domestic violence."

Kaspersky quoted the Women's Services Network or WESNET as saying 93.3% of frontline practitioners who responded to calls for help over domestic violence had clients who experienced abuse through the use of technology.

Online stalking is often conducted via mobile apps that are secretly installed on a victim's device and used to spy on his/her private life.

“Perpetrators know about stalkerware and how to use it. The real concern is that most everyday people do not know how to detect if they are being spied on, or how to protect themselves from online stalking. This has to change,” said Shabab.

Pause Fest founder and chief executive George Hedon said: “Technology has totally transformed the way we live our lives, mostly for the better but as with any innovation, there can be unintended consequences.

“The data from Kaspersky shows technology is playing an increasing role in domestic violence, which remains one of Australia’s most pressing societal challenges.

"We have to all come together to take urgent action now and prevent further future harm being conducted via digital channels.

“Pause Fest is all about bringing together different worlds and different ideas, to unpack how technology and innovation can be used for good and where it requires greater insight, consideration and regulation to keep people happy and healthy.

"We are delighted to welcome Kaspersky to open our 2021 festival on 1 March with this important debate on the role of technology in supporting and helping survivors of domestic violence.

"It will be one of dozens of thought-provoking sessions during the 12-day festival, titled Changes, which is all about how we can come together to respond positively to respond to rapid change.”