PEGASUS SPYWARE TARGETING JOURNALISTS IN INDIA
Why in the News?
- The Washington Post and Amnesty International report claims Pegasus spyware targeted Indian journalists.
- Apple’s security notification in October warned users, including MPs, of potential state-sponsored attacks on their iPhones, leading to the detection of the intrusion.
Source: Indian Express
About Amnesty International’s Findings:
- A “zero-click exploit” was used to target a journalist , aiming to covertly install Pegasus on his device while he worked on a story about stock manipulation.
About Zero-click exploit
- A zero-click exploit installs malicious content on a device without the owner’s consent, requiring no action from the user.
About Pegasus :
- Pegasus, categorized as spyware, is a form of malicious software or malware.
- Its primary purpose is unauthorized access to devices, discreetly collecting users’ personal information and transmitting it to the entity employing the software for surveillance.
- NSO Group, established in 2010, is the Israeli firm responsible for the development of Pegasus.
What is a Spyware?
Spyware refers to malicious software designed to infiltrate devices discreetly, collecting personal data without user consent and often transmitting it to external parties for surveillance or exploitation. |