After all, how is the user’s phone hacked and how does this software spy?
The spyware Pegasus has given rise to new controversy in India. Some media reports have been quoted as saying that with the help of this software, dozens of politicians, journalists and activists in India have been spied on their phones. The opposition is creating a ruckus, while the government is denying any ‘unauthorized interception’.
Let us tell you that Pegasus was developed by Israel-based cyber intelligence and security firm NSO Group. This spyware is believed to have existed since 2016 and is also known by other names like Q Suite and Trident. It is considered to be the most refined among all such products available in the market. It can penetrate Apple’s mobile phone operating system iOS and Android devices. Pegasus was to be used on a license basis by governments. In May 2019, its developer limited sales of Pegasus to government intelligence agencies and others.
According to the home page of the NSO Group’s website, the company makes technology that “helps government agencies to help prevent and investigate terrorism and crime, saving thousands of lives around the world.”
How Pegasus Spyware Works
The Pegasus spyware developed by Israel’s NSO Group is capable of infiltrating iPhones and Android phones. In hacking, this software has used a flaw in Whatsapp. This spyware enters through a harmful link or missed Whatsapp video call. Then it activates silently in the background of the phone.
In this way, this spyware gets full access to the phone’s contacts, messages and other data. This software can also automatically turn on the microphone and camera of the user’s phone. Whatsapp has now rectified this flaw.
How does spyware enter the phone?
Whatsapp video call comes on the user’s phone. Once the phone rings, the attacker sends harmful code and thus this spyware gets installed in the phone and takes over the operating system. Spyware gets access to messages, calls, passwords. It also has access to the microphone and camera, and after sneaking into the user’s phone, this spyware steals all the data and intelligence.
