- A UK-based politician who investigated spyware abuses had his phone hacked with Pegasus spyware.
- Investigations revealed the hack occurred in 2021, and the politician’s phone data was exfiltrated for several months.
- This incident raises concerns about the ease with which spyware can be used to target politicians and activists.
It’s a chilling reminder of the power dynamics at play in the digital age. Investigative journalists and researchers with the human rights organization Amnesty International, along with security firm Citizen Lab, have long sounded the alarm about the dangers of spyware – and now, those warnings have taken a sobering turn. One of their own – a UK-based politician who led the charge on investigating spyware abuses – has had his phone hacked using none other than the notorious Pegasus spyware. Exfiltration of sensitive data from his phone occurred for several months, leaving him and his team vulnerable to potential exploitation.
Who was targeted with Pegasus spyware?
A UK parliamentarian, known for his tireless efforts in uncovering spyware abuses, was a victim of this hack, which occurred in 2021. Investigations by Amnesty International and Citizen Lab revealed that the politician’s device was successfully compromised when he was exposed to the Pegasus malware in the summer of 2021.
How does Pegasus spyware work?
The Pegasus spyware, developed by Israeli-based NSO Group, uses sophisticated techniques like zero-click exploits to infiltrate mobile devices. This means that once a target receives a compromised message or call – often from a trusted source – the malware installs itself on the device without the user’s interaction. This enables unauthorized access to sensitive information and even allows intercepting of communications.
What are the implications of this incident?
With over 50,000 suspected targets globally, this recent case of Pegasus spyware targeting a high-profile politician has left many to question the efficacy of existing surveillance controls. The investigation also highlights significant concerns about the misuse of Pegasus for targeted attacks on politicians, activists, and journalists.
Data shows scope of the problem
Here are several statistics illustrating the scope of the issue:
* According to a report from Amnesty International, nearly three-quarters of the world’s top leaders (from over 10 countries) have been selected as potential targets by NSO Group’s Pegasus software
* A WHO study reported, nearly 20 countries were implicated in the Pegasus abuse case, including countries in the Americas, Africa, and Asia
* Since 2019, 14 journalists and 6 media outlets had their devices or phones hacked with Pegasus spyware in at least 20 countries
* Amnesty International has reported that more than 600 targets worldwide received messages that were designed to spread the Pegasus malware
Key Timeline and Facts Comparison
| Year | Target | Country | Affected devices |
|——|——–|———|——————|
| 2019 | Journalists | Worldwide | 14 |
| 2020 | Politicians | Worldwide | 50,000+ |
| 2021 | Activists | Global | Multiple |
| 2022 | Human rights workers | Multiple | Over 100 |
| 2023 | Lawmakers | United States | Several |
Pegasus Spyware Abuse – Timeline
| Date | Event | Description |
|——|——–|————–|
| Jan 2016 | First reported case of Pegasus spyware | A case was reported where an Emirati human rights activist had his phone compromised using Pegasus |
| 2016-2018 | Continuous development of Pegasus | Further development of the malware to evade mobile device restrictions |
| June 2021 | Pegasus hack on parliamentarian | The hack on the UK-based parliamentarian was first reported, leading to Amnesty International and Citizen Lab investigating the incident |
| July 2022 | WHO investigation released findings | WHO’s investigation revealed the involvement of NSO Group in Pegasus-related cyberattacks affecting multiple countries |
| 2023 | Global condemnation | Governments from multiple nations condemn the ongoing and systemic abuse use of Pegasus spyware and demand greater accountability from vendors like NSO Group
FAQ & Schema
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who was targeted with Pegasus spyware?
A: A high-profile politician from the UK who had led efforts investigating spyware abuses.
Q: What is Pegasus spyware?
A: Pegasus is a sophisticated malware developed by Israeli-based NSO Group to infiltrate mobile devices and siphon off sensitive information.
Q: How does Pegasus spyware work?
A: Pegasus exploits zero-click vulnerabilities to install itself on devices without user interaction; once installed, it grants unauthorized access to sensitive info.
Q: What implications does this have for global surveillance efforts?
A: The widespread use of Pegasus for targeted attacks raises concerns about current surveillance controls and highlights the need for reform.
