In recent years, end-to-end encryption has risen in popularity as cybersecurity concerns have become more prevalent in popular culture. End to end encryption makes it very difficult for anyone to be able to see messages and platforms like Google, Facebook, and Twitter have taken to implementing this encryption method for the safety of their users- a beneficial feature for users, but very frustrating for governments trying to spy on terrorists and criminals.
It recently came to light that the Israeli tech firm NSO created a software called Pegasus to alleviate this issue for governments and other entities, although the firm doesn’t disclose which entities have purchased it. The software can stealthily infiltrate a smartphone and gain access to everything on it, including the camera and mic. Gaining access to devices running on Blackberry, iOS, Android, and Symbian operating systems allows governments to turn them into surveillance devices.
One of the most popular ways it does this is through spearfishing, in which accepting an unsuspecting call on WhatsApp gives the software unbridled access to the device’s capabilities. Recently, we have learned that the software now is a zero-click exploit, in which the software can simply call a user’s WhatsApp number, delete the call, and gain access to a smartphone without the user ever knowing anything suspicious occurred. Additionally, the spyware can infiltrate devices through sending messages that contain gifs. A user doesn’t even need to open the message; once it’s received, the phone is compromised. Are you safe?
If you’re wary of falling victim to spyware or malware, you can reach out to us at info@optfinity.com
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