Tag

Pegasus

All articles tagged with #pegasus

technology1 year ago

Protect Your Phone: New Pegasus Spyware Threats Uncovered

Security experts warn that iPhone spyware, particularly the Pegasus variant, may be more widespread than previously thought. iVerify's recent investigation of 2,500 devices revealed seven Pegasus infections, indicating a higher prevalence than earlier reports. Pegasus, developed by NSO Group, can control iPhones via zero-click attacks, accessing messages, emails, and more. Users, especially those in high-risk groups like journalists and officials, are advised to keep their devices updated and restart them regularly to mitigate risks.

technology1 year ago

Affordable App Detects Widespread Pegasus Spyware on Phones

A $1 phone scanning tool developed by iVerify has detected seven instances of Pegasus spyware among 2,500 scans, highlighting the widespread use of such malware globally. The tool's development required significant investment due to the locked-down nature of mobile operating systems like iOS and Android. The findings, to be presented at a security conference, underscore the need for accessible spyware detection tools, as evidenced by the tool's role in identifying spyware on devices linked to political figures and activists. This development challenges the assumption that mobile devices are inherently secure.

technology1 year ago

Pegasus Spyware Infections Surge Across Mobile Devices

Cybersecurity firm iVerify has detected new infections of the Pegasus spyware, developed by NSO Group, on mobile devices of ordinary professionals and civilians, challenging the belief that such spyware only targets high-profile individuals. Their Mobile Threat Hunting feature found a 2.5 per 1,000 scan infection rate, revealing a more widespread issue than previously thought. The findings highlight significant gaps in current mobile security practices and emphasize the need for more robust, user-accessible security measures.

technology1 year ago

Affordable App Detects Rising Pegasus Spyware Threat on Smartphones

A new app by mobile security firm iVerify allows iPhone and Android users to scan their devices for Pegasus spyware for just $1. Pegasus, developed by NSO Group, exploits zero-day vulnerabilities and can compromise devices without user interaction. While typically used against political activists and journalists, recent findings show a broader range of targets, including business leaders and government officials. The app offers a free version for monthly scans, providing users with a proactive way to detect potential spyware infections.

technology1 year ago

Rising Concerns Over Pegasus Spyware Infections on Smartphones

Security firm iVerify has identified that a business leader's iPhone was targeted by Pegasus spyware, highlighting the risk of commercial espionage. While Pegasus is typically used by governments for surveillance, its misuse for targeting business figures is concerning. iVerify detected spyware on seven iPhones from a pool of 2,500 users, indicating a potential historical compromise. The firm also noted an increase in spyware exploits by government-backed hackers, including a possible link to the China-backed Salt Typhoon group targeting U.S. officials' phones.

technology1 year ago

Pegasus Spyware Infections More Widespread Than Anticipated

iVerify, a mobile device security firm, has launched a spyware detection feature that has already identified seven infections of the notorious Pegasus malware among 2,500 device scans. The tool, available to both paying and free users, uses a combination of malware signature-based detection, heuristics, and machine learning to identify spyware on iOS and Android devices. The findings challenge the narrative that spyware targets only activists and journalists, revealing infections among business leaders and government officials. This development highlights the growing prevalence of spyware and the need for accessible detection tools.

technology1 year ago

Ronan Farrow Exposes the Dangers of Surveillance in New HBO Doc

Ronan Farrow's new HBO documentary, 'Surveilled,' explores the pervasive threat of commercial spyware like Pegasus, developed by the Israeli company NSO Group. The film highlights how governments, including democracies, use such technology to monitor citizens, posing significant risks to privacy and democracy. Farrow argues for urgent regulation and oversight of these tools, which can infiltrate devices without users' knowledge, likening their impact to weapons of mass destruction. The documentary underscores the need for transparency and accountability in the use of surveillance technology.

politics1 year ago

Apple Warns iPhone Users Globally of Sophisticated Spyware Attacks

Congress leader KC Venugopal received a threat notification from Apple indicating that his iPhone was targeted by mercenary spyware, marking the second such alert since October 2023. Venugopal criticized the Modi government for allegedly using spyware to invade the privacy of political opponents. This follows similar notifications to other opposition members, highlighting ongoing concerns about privacy and government surveillance.

cybersecurity1 year ago

Jordanian Authorities Target Journalists and Activists with NSO Spyware

Dozens of journalists, lawyers, and human rights workers in Jordan have been targeted by authorities using NSO Group's Pegasus spyware, with at least one American citizen also affected, according to a report by Access Now. The spyware allows full control of a mobile device, including access to emails, calls, and encrypted messages. NSO Group stated it complies with laws and regulations and sells its products to vetted agencies for crime and terror prevention. The Jordanian government has been suspected of using Pegasus against domestic targets, and tensions between Israel and Jordan are high. The cases involved both zero-click and one-click attacks, and individuals became aware of the targeting through Apple notifications.

cybersecurity2 years ago

"Kaspersky's iShutdown Tool Detects Pegasus Spyware on iOS Devices"

Cybersecurity researchers have developed a new method called iShutdown to detect spyware like Pegasus on Apple iOS devices by analyzing the "Shutdown.log" file, which records reboot events and environment characteristics. The method involves identifying reboot delays caused by spyware-related processes and specific filesystem paths used by spyware families. Kaspersky has released Python scripts to extract and analyze the log file, emphasizing the lightweight and accessible nature of this approach. Additionally, SentinelOne has revealed that information stealers targeting macOS are adapting to evade Apple's XProtect antivirus technology, highlighting the need for more advanced detection methods beyond signature-based approaches.

technology2 years ago

"Parisian Engineers Assist Apple in Strengthening iPhone Security"

Apple's Paris-based engineers are working diligently to break and strengthen iPhone security measures, aiming to protect vulnerable users from threats like Pegasus. The company's efforts extend beyond software, with hardware testing involving lasers and finely tuned sensors to eliminate potential security weaknesses. Apple believes its work is succeeding, but the increasing deployment of technology has led to a digital arms race, with hackers constantly developing new attack methods. Ivan Krstic, Apple's chief of security engineering and architecture, emphasizes the importance of defending users, particularly journalists and activists, against state-grade spyware. Krstic also opposes sideloading, arguing that it limits users' choice and compromises software distribution mechanisms they can trust.

technology2 years ago

Apple's Pegasus: The Potential Google Search Rival

Apple has reportedly developed a next-generation search engine called "Pegasus" under the leadership of former Google executive John Giannandrea. While it may not currently compete with Google Search, Apple has the necessary components and expertise to potentially challenge Google in the future. Pegasus is expected to be used as the foundation for search in Apple's App Store, and Apple already indexes the internet for search results used by Siri and Spotlight. However, for now, Apple continues to receive billions of dollars from Google to keep Google Search as the default search engine on Safari.

skywatching2 years ago

Pegasus' Great Square: A Stellar Sight in the Night Sky

The Great Square of Pegasus, an asterism in the Pegasus constellation, will be visible in the eastern sky throughout September. Comprised of four stars, the Great Square rises higher each night and can be used to locate the nearby star 51 Pegasi, which is home to the first exoplanet ever discovered orbiting a main sequence star. The Great Square is not an official constellation but is a recognizable pattern in the night sky. It will reach its best viewing position in October.

cybersecurity2 years ago

Israeli-made spyware used in Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, targeting public figures and UN official.

Researchers from Access Now, Amnesty International, Citizen Lab, CyberHUB-AM, and independent researcher Ruben Muradyan have discovered that Israeli-made Pegasus phone hacking software was deployed against targets across Armenia, including reporters at a U.S. government-funded news organization. The researchers confirmed at least 12 cases in which espionage software made by Israel's NSO Group had been used against Armenian officials, journalists, and organizers. The researchers believe neighboring Azerbaijan, which has fought several wars with Armenia over the disputed chunk of territory known as Nagorno-Karabakh or Artsakh, was likely responsible for the hacking activity.