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.