Tag

Government Hackers

All articles tagged with #government hackers

technology1 year ago

"Google's Warning: Government Hackers Target iPhone Owners with Spyware Threat"

Google's Threat Analysis Group revealed that government hackers exploited three unknown vulnerabilities in Apple's iPhone operating system to target victims with spyware developed by European startup Variston. The hackers used Variston's hacking tools to deliver an SMS text message containing a malicious link that infected the target's phone with spyware. Google's report also highlighted the expansion of European spyware makers and their capabilities, emphasizing the need to disrupt hacking campaigns conducted with these companies' tools due to their link to targeted surveillance of journalists, dissidents, and politicians.

cybersecurity2 years ago

The Lucrative Market for WhatsApp Zero-days

The market for zero-day exploits, particularly for popular messaging app WhatsApp, has seen a significant increase in value, with prices ranging from $1.7 to $8 million. A Russian company recently offered $20 million for chains of bugs that could compromise iOS and Android devices. The high prices can be attributed to the scarcity of researchers willing to work with Russia due to geopolitical tensions. WhatsApp has been a prime target for government hackers, and leaked documents reveal the sale of a "zero click RCE" exploit for around $1.7 million. Exploits targeting WhatsApp are valuable as they allow for spying on specific targets without compromising the entire device.