Pegasus Spyware: A Cyber Threat

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In this article, we are gonna look into 'Pegasus spyware' : What is it? How it was created? How can it infect your device? How to prevent it? And Researchers Opinion about it. Lets' get started.👇

What is Spyware?

Spyware is mostly defined as malicious software designed to enter your computer device, gather data about you and forward it to a third-party without your consent. Spyware can also refer to legitimate software that monitors your data for commercial purposes like advertising. However, malicious spyware is explicitly used to profit from stolen data.

What is Pegasus spyware?

Pegasus spyware is surveillance software created by Israeli cyber intelligence firm NSO group. Pegasus is one such software that is created to gain access to your phone without consent and gather personal and sensitive information and deliver it to the user that is spying on you.

How it was Created?

Pegasus spyware was first discovered in an IOS version in 2016 and then a slightly different version was found on android. Kaspersky notes that in the early days, one of the main infection schemes was via in SMS. The victim got an SMS with a link. If the person clicks on it then device gets infected with the spyware.

How can it infect your device?

Pegasus operators sent text messages containing a malicious link, which if clicked on would download and execute the malware. But as people becoming better at spotting malicious spam, the use of "zero-click exploits" began. Once the vulernablity is found, pegasus can infiltrate a device using protocol of the app. the user does not have to click on a link.

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How to prevent it?

  • Only open links from known and trusted contacts and sources when using your device. Pegasus is deployed to Apple devices through an iMessage link.
  • Make sure your device is updated with any relevant patches and upgrades.
  • If you use Android, don't rely on notifications for new versions of the operating system. Check for the latest versions yourself, as your device's manufacturer may not be providing updates.

What can it do if its' in your device?

According to kaspersky, Pegasus spyware is able to read the victim's SMS messages and emails, listen to calls, take screenshots, record keystrokes, and access contacts and browser history. Another report corroborates that a hacker can hijack the phones' microphone and camera, turning it into a real-time surveillance device.

Researchers Opinion about it

Researchers at Amnesty International have developed a tool to check if your phone has been targeted by the spyware. The Mobile Verification Toolkit (MVT) aims to help with identifying if pegasus has infected your device. While it works on both Android and IOS devices, it requires some command line knowledge top operate right now. However, MVT may receive a Graphical User Interface (GUI) over time.


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