Apple Issues Urgent iPhone Update, Due to Spyware Vulnerability.
The Apple update addressed an issue with the iMessage software, .
which was allegedly exploited
by a particular spyware created
by the Israeli company NSO Group.
The NSO Group was also
accused by Facebook of
infiltrating WhatsApp
back in 2019.
According to reports, the latest detected vulnerability allowed the surveillance of a Saudi activist.
Reports state that it can also make
use of the well-known malicious
program known as Pegasus.
Researchers with the Citizens Lab at the University of Toronto say that Pegasus has been used to surveil journalists and activists all over the world.
According to the head of
Apple Security Engineering and Architecture.
the breach is "not a threat to the overwhelming majority of our users.".
Attacks like the ones described are highly sophisticated, cost millions of dollars to develop, ... , Ivan Krstić, Apple Security Engineering and Architecture, via CNN.
...often have a short shelf life, and are used to target
specific individuals, Ivan Krstić, Apple Security Engineering and Architecture, via CNN.
NSO Group responded to the
controversy in a statement, .
but did not address the specific allegations as presented by Citizens Lab.
NSO Group will continue to provide intelligence and law enforcement agencies around the world with life saving technologies to fight terror
and crime, NSO Statement, via CNN.
The U.N. recently called for a
moratorium on the sale of spyware
tools until their use is "in compliance
with international human rights standards."