Title : PEGASUS CONTROVERSY

Date : Dec 21, 2021

Description :

GS III

 

Topic à Cyber-Security related issues

 

 

• What exactly is the problem:

 

• The petitioners' argument in Supreme Court is that spyware has been used, or is likely to be used, in breach of citizens' right to privacy.

 

• Background:

 

• New revelations corroborate the continuous usage of the spyware Pegasus, which is sold to governments all around the world by an Israeli corporation. Pegasus, like the phones it targets, has reportedly been updated and now includes new spying features.

 

• What exactly is Pegasus:

 

• It's a spyware programme created by the NSO Group, an Israeli company.
• Spyware listens in on people's conversations on mobile phones.
• Pegasus operates by delivering an exploit link to the target user, who then clicks on it, allowing the malware or code to be loaded on the user's phone.
• Once Pegasus is installed, the attacker has complete control over the phone of the target victim.

 

• What can Pegasus accomplish:

 

• Pegasus may "return the target's personal information, such as passwords, contact lists, calendar events, text messages, and live phone calls from popular mobile messaging apps."
• The camera and microphone on the target's phone can be turned on to record all activities in the area, broadening the scope of the surveillance.

 

• What is a zero-click attack, and how does it work:

 

• A zero-click attack allows viruses such as Pegasus to take control of a device without the need for human intervention or error.
• So, if the objective is the system itself, all understanding about how to avoid phishing attacks or which links not to click is useless.
• The majority of these assaults target software that receives data before determining whether or not it is trustworthy, such as an email client.

 

• Source à The Hindu à 18/12/21 à Page Number 1

Tags : cyber security, virus