Microsoft, Apple versus China, spyware actors
Tech Republic Security
SEPTEMBER 8, 2023
It’s a cat-and-mouse struggle as tech giants Microsoft and Apple deal with persistent threats from China state actors and Pegasus spyware.
Apple Alerts iPhone Users in 92 Countries to Mercenary Spyware Attacks
Tech Republic Security
APRIL 12, 2024
Apple recommends that iPhone users install software updates, use strong passwords and 2FA, and don’t open links or attachments from suspicious emails to keep their device safe from spyware.
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Google’s Threat Analysis Group’s Spyware Research: How CSVs Target Devices and Applications
Tech Republic Security
FEBRUARY 14, 2024
In a new report from Google's Threat Analysis Group, the researchers detail how commercial surveillance vendors particularly use spyware and target Google and Apple devices.
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6 key mobile and IoT/OT attack trend findings
Network World
OCTOBER 18, 2024
Among the fastest-moving frontiers in enterprise cybersecurity: mobile, the internet of things (IoT), and operational technology (OT) systems. of people access the internet with a mobile device, while 59% of internet traffic is generated by mobile devices. Top mobile and IoT/OT targets 5. Today, 96.5%
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Reckless abuse of surveillance spyware sold to governments (again)
Network World
JUNE 19, 2017
The latest example comes from Mexico, showing how powerful spyware was used to target journalists investigating high-level official corruption and human rights defenders investigating government-sponsored human rights abuses. Why target a kid? To spy on his mother. To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here
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ESET Threat Report: ChatGPT Name Abuses, Lumma Stealer Malware Increases, Android SpinOk SDK Spyware’s Prevalence
Tech Republic Security
DECEMBER 22, 2023
ESET's latest report highlights the abuse of the ChatGPT name, the rise of the Lumma Stealer malware and the Android SpinOk SDK spyware.
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Packaged zero-day vulnerabilities on Android used for cyber surveillance attacks
Tech Republic Security
MAY 20, 2022
A commercial surveillance company previously exposed for selling a spyware service dubbed "Predator" keeps targeting users and uses 0-day exploits to compromise Android phones. Learn more about how to protect yourself from it.
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Apple patches iOS security flaws found in spyware targeting activist
Network World
AUGUST 25, 2016
The claims -- from research at Toronto-based Citizen Lab and mobile security firm Lookout -- focus on spyware that targeted Ahmed Mansoor, an activist in the United Arab Emirates. However, inside the message was a link that, once clicked, can infect an iPhone with spyware, using three zero-day exploits of iOS, the research found.
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A New-ish Mobile Attack: Zero-Click Spyware
SecureWorld News
OCTOBER 24, 2022
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. Behind the attack is spyware manufacturer NSO Group, which sells technology to governments and law enforcement agencies, Bloomberg reported.
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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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Technology Context From the Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR)
CTOvision
APRIL 28, 2014
They do what it takes to get in, including devising very sophisticated phishing schemes, creating spyware, placing code in RAM, leaving hacker tools, installing rootkits and continually adjusting/re-placing spyware. Configuration and data protection of mobile devices are also key (and for this see Fixmo ). Automate with them.
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Serbian police allegedly use NoviSpy spyware to monitor journalists
Dataconomy
DECEMBER 16, 2024
Serbian police reportedly deployed a new spyware, NoviSpy, to monitor journalists and activists, according to a report by Amnesty International. The report highlights the specific case of independent journalist Slavia Milanov, who experienced a breach of privacy when police detained him in February and allegedly compromised his mobile phone.
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Pegasus Spyware Discovered on Spanish PM's Phone
SecureWorld News
MAY 3, 2022
The highly controversial Pegasus spyware has been found on the mobile phones of Spain's prime minister Pedro Sánchez, as well as the defense minister Margarita Robles, according to the Spanish government. Pegasus spyware remains problematic around the world. Could Spain be spying on its own people?
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Apple Unveils 'Lockdown Mode' to Defend Against Spyware
SecureWorld News
JULY 8, 2022
Lockdown Mode is designed to protect users who could be targeted by "the most sophisticated digital threats," such as spyware developed by private companies like the highly controversial NSO Group. Configuration profiles cannot be installed, and the device cannot enroll into mobile device management (MDM), while Lockdown Mode is turned on.
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Government Employees at High Risk for Mobile Phishing
SecureWorld News
NOVEMBER 2, 2022
New research from Lookout reveals the most common mobile threats aimed at federal, state, and local government agencies and their employees—all of which have increased since 2021. Telemetry data from more than 200 million devices and 175 million apps was analyzed to determine which mobile threats agencies most often face.
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Pegasus spyware used to target phones of journalists and activists, investigation finds
The Verge
JULY 18, 2021
The numbers on the list were singled out for possible surveillance by countries who are clients of NSO, the report states, which markets its spyware to governments to track potential terrorists and criminals. 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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Why your smartphone is sicker than a room full of snotty toddlers
Network World
SEPTEMBER 1, 2016
If you thought your smartphone was safe(r) from the wild west of malware, spyware and other viruses compared with the PC space, think again. Taking the big hit are smartphone infections, which now account for 78% of all infections across the mobile network, says Nokia in its latest Nokia Threat Intelligence Report.
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If you have any of these Android apps, uninstall them now
TechSpot
JULY 29, 2022
This week, security group Dr. Web published its June 2022 mobile virus activity report describing around 30 popular Android apps containing trojans, adware, spyware, and other malware. Some had hundreds of thousands or even millions of Google Play Store downloads.
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Apple files suit against the NSO Group for spying on iPhone users
TechSpot
NOVEMBER 26, 2021
The Israeli-based company is responsible for developing and deploying Pegasus, a mobile spyware application capable of reading text messages, tracking calls, collecting passwords, and tracking location on.
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Easy and Reliable Spyware & Malware Remover
Galido
FEBRUARY 10, 2017
Spyware is an abbreviated term that stands for “spy software” Malicious, spy software is designed for the purpose of gaining access to your computer and often damaging a computer and spreading the malware without the owner knowing. Tips for Spotting Malware and Spyware. What is Malware? There are various types of malware.
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Notorious Spyware Firm Reportedly Offered 'Bags of Cash' for Access to U.S. Networks
Gizmodo
FEBRUARY 1, 2022
A whistleblower alleges that the scandal-ridden spyware firm NSO Group once offered a telecom security company “bags of cash” to buy access to its cellular networks, ostensibly so its clients could track specific mobile users within the United States. Read more.
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Pegasus spyware may be more commonplace than we've been led to believe
TechSpot
DECEMBER 4, 2024
The mobile threat hunting company rolled out a new feature back in May 2024 that allows customers to conduct a professional-grade security scan of their mobile device without having to consult a forensics expert. Of the 2,500 self-initiated scans, Pegasus was discovered on seven devices. Read Entire Article
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Dangerous Android App Pretends to Be a System Update to Steal Your Data
Gizmodo
MARCH 29, 2021
Beware a newly discovered malicious app that pretends to update your phone but, in reality, is just a giant spyware application that can steal pretty much all your data while also monitoring your movements and online search history. Read more.
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3 Percent ($30B) of U.S. Military Funding Dedicated to Cybersecurity
SecureWorld News
JANUARY 9, 2025
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. "We're finally repaying those businesses so they can maintain essential connectivity."
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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. This can be accomplished without the device’s owner noticing the compromise."
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Apple Releases Emergency Update to Patch iOS Zero-Days
SecureWorld News
OCTOBER 5, 2023
Among all the mobile platforms, Apple's iOS stands out as a significant focus for these hackers. Many of these devices, especially iPhones, are used by high-profile individuals like politicians and journalists, enticing state-backed attackers and spyware vendors.
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China-Linked Apps Pose Threat to Google Play Store Users
SecureWorld News
JULY 10, 2023
The Google Play Store, a widely-trusted source for Android applications, has recently become a battleground for a concerning wave of spyware with ties to China. Pradeo, the mobile security company that discovered these malicious apps, has released a report discussing the spyware lurking on the Google Play Store. million users.
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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.
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CTOvision
JULY 6, 2015
Mobile apps drive fleet management GCN (Today) - Fleet management apps at the General Services Administration and State Department give agencies real-time data integration between the field and home office.As government agencies look for more efficient ways to. The [Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided.
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Google Chrome Patches Sixth Zero-Day of the Year
SecureWorld News
NOVEMBER 30, 2023
Consequences of browser-focused cybercrime Hackers are able to utilize browser vulnerabilities to install malware and spyware on devices, steal login credentials for other services, extract sensitive user data, and maintain persistence inside systems.
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New FurBall Android Malware Used to Spy on Iranian Citizens
SecureWorld News
OCTOBER 21, 2022
A new version of the Android malware "FurBall" has been discovered to be used by the threat actor(s) known as Domestic Kitten in a campaign targeting Iranian citizens in a mobile surveillance operation. Researchers believe the purpose of this could be to set up a larger spearphishing attack conducted via text messages.
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US athletes told to use burner phones at Beijing Winter Olympics
The Verge
JANUARY 22, 2022
In 2019, China was caught secretly installing spyware on tourists’ phones who entered from the Xinjiang region. Athletes will likely be relying on their mobile devices to stay in touch with friends and family, which could be more complicated on a burner phone that comes with limits on mobile data, texting, and calling.
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Kaspersky: SparkCat malware is a nightmare for crypto owners
Dataconomy
FEBRUARY 7, 2025
The malware operates by using a malicious software development kit (SDK) that decrypts an OCR plugin, which facilitates the scanning of mobile device screenshots. Image: Kaspersky Kaspersky highlighted that infected Google Play applications have been downloaded over 242,000 times.
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Malware
Dataconomy
MARCH 21, 2025
Spyware Spyware silently collects user information, tracking activities and stealing sensitive data like passwords and financial details without user consent. Data espionage Data espionage occurs when spyware is used to surveil users, gathering confidential information that can be exploited for various nefarious purposes.
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Security attacks and countermeasures
Cloud Musings
DECEMBER 14, 2014
The outcomes further noted that such concerns create barriers to the adoption of critical technologies that drive value and growth: mobility, cloud and big data. The results of Dell’s Global Technology Adoption Index(GTAI) [1] show that security is a top concern for most of the 2000 global small and medium businesses surveyed.
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Top 7 Effective Antimalware Software for Windows 2019
Galido
NOVEMBER 21, 2018
Advanced System Protector protects your PC from adware, spyware, phishing scams and other malware threats effectively. Use this free Windows malware protection tool to clean adware, remove spyware and other malicious content effectively. Working as a free spyware removal tool for Windows it keeps your privacy intact from cyber threats.
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17 Apps Removed from Google Play for Joker Malware
SecureWorld News
SEPTEMBER 28, 2020
Here is what they had to say about the malware itself: "This spyware is designed to steal SMS messages, contact lists, and device information along with silently signing up the victim for premium wireless application protocol (WAP) services.".
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The Zero Click, Zero Day iMessage Attack Against Journalists
SecureWorld News
DECEMBER 23, 2020
Pegasus spyware is a phone surveillance solution that enables customers to remotely exploit and monitor devices. The logs from the phone show that the spyware was accessing different frameworks on the phone, including the Celestial.framework and MediaExperience.framework, which can be used to record audio and camera data.
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Top 10 Malware Strains of 2021
SecureWorld News
AUGUST 8, 2022
Cybercriminals often use malware to gain access to a computer or mobile device to deploy viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware, spyware, and rootkits. The top malware strains in 2021 included remote access Trojans (RATs), banking Trojans, information stealers, and ransomware.
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Making Security Personal: Warn End Users About New Bank App Alert
SecureWorld News
JUNE 15, 2020
An estimated 75% of Americans used mobile banking in 2019. In a special alert, IC3 explained the risks associated with this uptick: "The FBI expects cyber actors to attempt to exploit new mobile banking customers using a variety of techniques, including app-based banking trojans and fake banking apps.". Department of Justice (DOJ).
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5 Reasons Why You Should Download AVG Antivirus For Android
Galido
MAY 17, 2017
The free features allow you to have silent protection from dangerous apps or malware, spyware, or viruses. The basic version serves as a great tool for your mobile security needs, so do not worry about upgrading just yet. AVG Antivirus offers a free 30-day-trial of their Pro-version, upon completion of download. Easy to Find.
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