Some time ago, Apple released a long-awaited update against a vulnerability that infected users’ devices without even taking any action. On the eve of this update, there was a scandal with Pegasus.
Pegasus software from the Israeli company NSO Group is under investigation because it was used to spy on the phones of human rights defenders, journalists, and even heads of state.
Forbes wrote that Pegasus is even scarier because it is invisible and difficult to detect and remove. But it might be becoming a bit easier to see the spyware because iVerify has added the capability to detect Pegasus to its smartphone app.
What was the danger?
Typically, apps automatically create a preview or link cache to improve the user experience.
Pegasus used this functionality to infect a device invisibly.
After the Pegasus program got on the phone, it could read messages, view photos, and track the movement of a person with this device.
It turned out that chat applications are a weak point in device security. Oddly enough, any software testing company usually does not detect such a defect during testing.
WhatsApp has also previously been allegedly used to infiltrate phones using Pegasus, and its owner Facebook is suing NSO Group.
In this regard, the UN has recently called for special attention to technological developments that can affect human rights and freedoms.
Fight against cybercrime
In early September, BBC reported that Apple had released a software patch that blocks so-called zero-click spyware that can infect iPhones and iPads.
At the same time, the company that was at the center of this scandal denies any violations and insists that its software is intended for use by the authorities only in the fight against terrorism and other crimes.
At the same time, the NSO company, which created the malicious application, is accused of selling software to authoritarian governments who use it for repressive purposes.
Conclusions for technology companies
Apple’s iMessage is the most secure messaging apps globally, but it is clear that even it has vulnerabilities exploited in cybercrime.
Undoubtedly, such things affect the company’s reputation, and even more so for Apple, it was a shocking stab in the back. After all, the company has been positioned for many years as the safest among its peers.
Such exposure for the creators of spyware is also a blow and puts such a company in an unenviable position. They are trusted less and less.
However, this example tells us that no device is completely secure. And if you want to protect yourself from outside influences and spyware, you will have to provide yourself with additional security measures.
One of the tips to avoid getting into situations like a victim can constantly be updating your device. As soon as you are prompted to install a new software update, it is best to do so immediately.
If you are developing or want to create an application that will be safe, you should contact https://mlsdev.com/services/custom-software-development The specialists of this company always care about security and modern privacy technologies when developing applications.
Author’s bio: Anastasiia Lastovetska is a technology writer at MLSDev, a software development company that builds web & mobile app solutions from scratch. She researches the area of technology to create great content about app development, UX/UI design, tech & business consulting.