US Sanctions Greek Spyware Company, Executives
Information Week
MARCH 6, 2024
Calling the action the “first of its kind,” the US said the spyware company’s software was used against government officials and other US interests.
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Spyware scandal rocks Polish government
The Verge
DECEMBER 27, 2021
Several members of political opposition groups in Poland have produced evidence that they were hacked by Pegasus spyware, raising alarming questions about the Polish government’s use of the software. In both cases, traces of Pegasus spyware were found on the targets’ devices.
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Unknown Government Using Advanced Hacking Spyware to Attack Russia and Saudi Arabia
Data Center Knowledge
NOVEMBER 24, 2014
Data collection and spying continues to make news with a never before seen complex surveillance software called Regin.
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Microsoft and Google join Facebook’s legal fight against infamous spyware vendor
The Verge
DECEMBER 22, 2020
Facebook-owned WhatsApp sued the spyware vendor last year, alleging that its software was used to hack 1,400 devices via a vulnerability in the messaging service. Second, it says these tools are not subject to the same constraints when they’re made by private companies rather than government security agencies.
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Apple Calls Out 'Mercenary Spyware' Vendors Enabling State Surveillance
SecureWorld News
APRIL 15, 2024
Apple has escalated its fight against the commercial spyware industry enabling state actors to conduct highly-targeted cyberattacks against journalists, activists, politicians, and other high-risk individuals around the world. The developers go to great lengths to remove any clues that might link the software back to them or their clients."
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A New-ish Mobile Attack: Zero-Click Spyware
SecureWorld News
OCTOBER 24, 2022
Bloomberg is reporting that in July 2020, an Azerbaijani journalist was the victim of a zero-click attack, commonly used by governments to target political opponents. The app then connected to a malicious server and downloaded spyware to the phone, listening in on calls and viewing text messages for nearly a year and a half.
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Senior EU Officials Targeted with NSO Spyware
SecureWorld News
APRIL 12, 2022
Software designed by the controversial surveillance firm NSO Group was used to target multiple senior officials of the European Commission in 2021, according to a new report from Reuters. Who was targeted with NSO software in the EU? in terms of spyware and is evaluating vendors like NSO. NSO denies involvement in EU hacking.
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Dozens of Al Jazeera journalists targeted in apparent iOS spyware attack
The Verge
DECEMBER 21, 2020
36 personal phones belonging to Al Jazeera journalists, producers, anchors, and executives were hacked in a spyware campaign between July and August 2020, a new report from Citizen Lab alleges. Citizen Lab says it has “medium confidence” that one is working on behalf of the UAE government and another for the Saudi government.
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US Adds Spyware Vendors to Entity List for Cyber Exploits Trafficking
SecureWorld News
JULY 20, 2023
The Commerce Department recently added four spyware vendors to its Entity List for their involvement in trafficking cyber exploits used to gain unauthorized access to information systems. This move targets the activities of spyware vendors that pose a serious threat to the privacy and security of individuals and organizations worldwide.
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NSO’s Pegasus spyware: here’s what we know
The Verge
JULY 23, 2021
Throughout the past week, we’ve seen story after story about a company called NSO Group, and a piece of spyware called Pegasus. Amnesty International ran detailed forensics on 67 smartphones to look for evidence that they were targeted by Pegasus spyware — and 37 of those phones tested positive.
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US State Department phones were reportedly hacked by NSO spyware
The Verge
DECEMBER 3, 2021
At least nine employees of the US State Department working in or with Uganda had their iPhones hacked with spyware made by NSO Group, according to a report from Reuters. While it’s unclear who carried out the attacks, NSO Group says it only sells its software to government organizations that have gotten approval from the Israeli government.
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Germany's federal police agency secretly purchased and used controversial spyware 'Pegasus'
TechSpot
SEPTEMBER 9, 2021
German news outlet Deutsche Welle (DW) notes that the federal government held a closed-door session with the parliamentary Interior Committee of the Bundestag. In the meeting, it confirmed that the BKA bought Pegasus software from NSO Group in 2019. The agency made the purchase in "the utmost secrecy" against the.
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Microsoft Word exploit linked to cyberspying in Ukraine conflict
Network World
APRIL 12, 2017
A previously unknown Microsoft Office vulnerability was recently used to deliver spyware to Russian-speaking targets, in a possible case of cyberespionage. Security firm FireEye noticed the intrusion attempt, which taps a critical software flaw that hackers are using to craft malicious Microsoft Word documents.
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Pegasus spyware group blacklisted by the US government
The Verge
NOVEMBER 3, 2021
The US Department of Commerce has ordered American companies to not sell their tech to NSO, citing reports that the group’s Pegasus spyware is used against journalists, government officials, activists, and more. Pegasus had made headlines before this year, too. NSO isn’t the only company being added to the entity list on Thursday.
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Here’s how to check your phone for Pegasus spyware using Amnesty’s tool
The Verge
JULY 21, 2021
Amnesty International — part of the group that helped break the news of journalists and heads of state being targeted by NSO’s government-grade spyware, Pegasus — has released a tool to check if your phone has been affected. Illustration by Alex Castro / The Verge.
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Pegasus spyware used to target phones of journalists and activists, investigation finds
The Verge
JULY 18, 2021
A sweeping investigation by 17 media outlets found that NSO Group’s Pegasus software was used in hacking attempts on 37 smartphones belonging to human rights activists and journalists, The Washington Post reported. It’s not the first time NSO’s Pegasus spyware has been accused of being part of a larger surveillance campaign.
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Technology News and Hot Topics
CTOvision
DECEMBER 4, 2014
Facial recognition software that can identify suspects, databases that can be tapped to track suspects’ movements and locations, automatic license plate … Read more on Los Angeles Times. Regin, new computer spyware, discovered by Symantec. A software problem in … Read more on New York Times.
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3 Percent ($30B) of U.S. Military Funding Dedicated to Cybersecurity
SecureWorld News
JANUARY 9, 2025
government than anything else," said Staynings. Protecting military mobile devices Standards and policies will be implemented to secure Department of Defense mobile devices from foreign spyware. Agencies must report any compromises involving foreign spyware over the past two years.
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The FBI reportedly confirms it tested NSO’s spyware
The Verge
FEBRUARY 2, 2022
The FBI has confirmed to The Washington Post that the agency had a license to use NSO’s Pegasus spyware and that it tested out the software’s capabilities. The FBI says it was only testing the software, not using it. Illustration by Alex Castro / The Verge.
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Predator Files: A Scathing Indictment of EU Surveillance Regulation
SecureWorld News
NOVEMBER 21, 2023
The report, titled " Predator Files: Caught in the Net ," delves into the operations of the "Intellexa alliance," a complex network of interconnected companies that develop and market powerful spyware used to monitor and manipulate individuals worldwide. businesses and government entities were prohibited from doing business with it." "In
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Apple pulls no punches in lawsuit against 'amoral' NSO Group
Computerworld Vertical IT
NOVEMBER 24, 2021
Israeli firm NSO Group is a spyware firm that provides surveillance services to governments. It effectively privatizes state-sponsored snooping and enables even the most repressive government to outsource such tasks. Why this should matter to your business.
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NSO Group's Spyware Breached a Journalist's iPhone After Apple Sued
Gizmodo
APRIL 5, 2022
NSO Group, the creepy spyware firm known for selling its services to authoritarian governments throughout the world, is in trouble again. A new report shows that the company’s most notorious malware, Pegasus, was used to hack the iPhone of a Jordanian journalist in December. The hack occurred several weeks after… Read more.
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NSO Group Placed on U.S. Blacklist
SecureWorld News
NOVEMBER 4, 2021
The infamous Israel-based NSO Group, known for its hacking spyware Pegasus, was placed on the United States Government's Entity List for engaging in malicious cyber activities, along with three other foreign companies, Candiru, Computer Security Initiative Consultancy PTE (COSEINC), and Positive Technologies.
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New US rules on spyware exports try to limit surveillance tech like Pegasus
The Verge
OCTOBER 22, 2021
The Commerce Department outlined the change in a press release on Wednesday, which requires US companies to have a license in order to sell spyware and other hacking software to countries “of national security or weapons of mass destruction concern.”. The rule is complex and purposefully so. Raimondo, the US Secretary of Commerce.
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New FurBall Android Malware Used to Spy on Iranian Citizens
SecureWorld News
OCTOBER 21, 2022
Domestic Kitten, also known as the APT-C-50 group, has been spying on Iranian citizens since 2016 with various campaigns targeting anti-government protestors throughout the Middle East. This led the United States government, along with Australia, Canada, and the U.K., Iranian cyber actors draw international attention.
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Creepy Spyware Company Goes Broke
Gizmodo
MARCH 28, 2022
Long accused of helping authoritarian governments to spy on political dissidents and activists, the creepy surveillance company has abruptly shut down amidst an ongoing investigation into its business dealings. FinFisher is no more. Read more.
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Breaking: Apple Sues 'Abusive State-Actor' NSO Group
SecureWorld News
NOVEMBER 23, 2021
The steps we’re taking today will send a clear message: In a free society, it is unacceptable to weaponize powerful state-sponsored spyware against those who seek to make the world a better place.". Being on this list effectively blocks the government or its vendors from doing business with NSO. And he didn't stop there.
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Second Israeli firm accused of undermining iPhones, like NSO Group
Computerworld Vertical IT
FEBRUARY 3, 2022
The company is smaller than NSO Group, but also sells smartphone hacking tools to governments. Once deployed, attackers using the software could access messages, intercept calls, and use the device as a remote listening device. It is believed NSO Group software was used to target the family of murdered Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
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How NSO Group's iPhone-Hacking Exploit Works
Gizmodo
DECEMBER 22, 2021
For years, the Israeli spyware vendor NSO Group has sparked fear and fascination throughout the international community via its hacking tools—the likes of which have been sold to authoritarian governments throughout the world and used against journalists, activists, politicians, and anybody else unfortunate enough to… Read more.
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Security attacks and countermeasures
Cloud Musings
DECEMBER 14, 2014
from the government. Malware is malicious software created for egregious objectives. via email) and attaches itself into files and other programs Downloader Software that downloads executable malicious code without the users knowledge or consent Figure 1. Top Antivirus Software [7]. Top Internet Security Software [8].
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This new spyware named “SpyNote” can read SMS, access camera
Dataconomy
OCTOBER 18, 2023
This counterfeit service purports to be run by the Italian government’s Department of Civil Protection, and it promises to provide notifications and guidance during natural catastrophes such as wildfires and earthquakes. Keep Your Software Updated: Regularly update your device’s operating system and applications.
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US athletes told to use burner phones at Beijing Winter Olympics
The Verge
JANUARY 22, 2022
“Your device(s) may also be compromised with malicious software, which could negatively impact future use.” In 2019, China was caught secretly installing spyware on tourists’ phones who entered from the Xinjiang region. The Committee’s fears aren’t unfounded.
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Cyber-Security Dangers of Repealing Net Neutrality
Galido
JUNE 17, 2018
Net neutrality is the principle that governments have put in place directing Internet Service Providers (ISP) to treat all internet traffic the same. Spyware is a Threat to Sensitive Information. Internet Service Providers will need to install spyware on devices to be able to record your internet browsing. Conclusion.
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Google corrects unfortunate ‘Stalkerware’ typo allowing partner-tracking apps
The Verge
SEPTEMBER 18, 2020
Stalkerware and other tracking software is dangerous, campaigners say, because it can facilitate domestic abuse and harassment of partners. Illustration by Alex Castro / The Verge. Google is correcting a “typo” in its Play Store “stalkerware” policy that currently suggests that apps can be used to track spouses.
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Malvertising Is a Cybercrime Heavyweight, Not an Underdog
SecureWorld News
MARCH 29, 2024
This ends up executing sketchy code that installs viruses, ransomware, spyware, or adware behind the victim's back. Its authors created cloned web pages offering to download popular free software, such as the WinSCP file manager. These fake sites were promoted on Google and Bing search results. Consider using an ad blocking extension.
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Operation Triangulation: Could Apple be an NSA agent, Russia asks
Dataconomy
JUNE 2, 2023
A large number of hacked devices belonging to Russian government officials and workers from various embassies, they claim, is more proof of this. A previous Russian directive instructed the presidential staff and government workers to stop using iPhones and other products developed in the USA.
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Stop Malware Attacks and Online Identity Theft
Galido
FEBRUARY 19, 2017
Malware means a malicious or intrusive software application that is coded for executing on the targeted device without notifying its user or the owner. The modern and common types of malware, such as the viruses, worms, spyware, adware, Trojans, and Zombies, primarily target confidential personal, business, or financial information.
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How to Report Spam Email
Galido
JUNE 15, 2016
Download free software only from sites that you know of and trust. Protect your computer with antivirus, firewall, spam filter, and anti-spyware software. Also, if you win a lottery, you are not responsible for paying the taxes or fees directly to the government. Phishing Scams. Award Scams. Report Spam Email.
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60 How to Avoid Email Scams
Galido
JULY 18, 2016
Protect your computer with antivirus, firewall, spam filter, and anti-spyware software. They will them be asked to wire a portion of the funds to pay for government taxes and administrative fees. Also, if you win a lottery, you are not responsible for paying the taxes or fees directly to the government. Award Scams.
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The CyberWire Daily Podcast EP. 389 With Guest Speaker David Brumley
ForAllSecure
AUGUST 14, 2019
NSO Group says its Pegasus software can now obtain access to private messages held in major cloud services. Reports suggest that smishing is one possible attack vector for the spyware. This effectively limits its market to government customers, and these, indeed, seem to have been NSO Group's principal buyers. Transcript.
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The Hacker Mind Podcast: Surviving Stalkerware
ForAllSecure
SEPTEMBER 21, 2021
They discuss how software and IoT companies can avoid becoming the next Black Mirror episode and share resources that can help survivors (and those who want to help them) deal with the technology issues that can be associated with technologically facilitated abuse. I am a coordinator, the Coalition Against Spyware.
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The CyberWire Daily Podcast EP. 389 With Guest Speaker David Brumley
ForAllSecure
AUGUST 14, 2019
NSO Group says its Pegasus software can now obtain access to private messages held in major cloud services. Reports suggest that smishing is one possible attack vector for the spyware. This effectively limits its market to government customers, and these, indeed, seem to have been NSO Group's principal buyers. Transcript.
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40 THE CYBERWIRE DAILY PODCAST EP. 389 WITH GUEST SPEAKER DAVID BRUMLEY
ForAllSecure
AUGUST 14, 2019
NSO Group says its Pegasus software can now obtain access to private messages held in major cloud services. Reports suggest that smishing is one possible attack vector for the spyware. This effectively limits its market to government customers, and these, indeed, seem to have been NSO Group's principal buyers. Transcript.
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Apple sues NSO Group for attacking iPhones with Pegasus spyware
The Verge
NOVEMBER 23, 2021
Now Apple has followed WhatsApp and its parent company Meta (formerly known as Facebook) in suing Pegasus spyware maker NSO Group. That needs to change.Apple devices are the most secure consumer hardware on the market — but private companies developing state-sponsored spyware have become even more dangerous.”
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