When it comes to cutting-edge defense technology, Israel has often been at the forefront, boasting some of the most sophisticated surveillance software like Pegasus. However, the events of October 7 highlighted a harsh reality. Even the most advanced technology can catch you off guard.
sudden strike
The intensity and scale of Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7 was shocking. Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, fired a barrage of 5,000 rockets at Israel.
This air raid was just one aspect of their multifaceted strategy. The militants breached the Israeli border at various points simultaneously and used tactics such as paragliding to penetrate deep into Israeli territory.
It was clear that the audacity of their surprise ground attacks rampaged through Israeli areas, leading to tragic loss of life and abduction of large numbers of civilians.
Israel has always been at the forefront and boasted some of the most sophisticated surveillance software like Pegasus. (Cyberguy.com)
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NSO Group’s ultimate spyware fails
Pegasus was designed by NSO Groupis an Israeli cyber intelligence company that develops and sells spyware to government agencies around the world. Pegasus is more than just spyware, it is touted as the ultimate cyber espionage tool. Its design and functionality reflect Mobile’s meticulous understanding of both software and human behavior. So why couldn’t the intelligence community receive advance warning from the world’s most sophisticated phone monitoring software, manufactured in Israel? The answer to this important question remains unclear.
How Pegasus works
Pegasus is a surveillance software payload that can remotely infect and monitor smartphones without the owner’s knowledge or consent. This is the golden rule when spying on a cell phone. Once it gets into your device, it chooses the right tool based on what your phone is using. Think of it like a Swiss Army knife. If your phone isn’t using a particular feature, Pegasus won’t utilize that particular tool. This way, you’ll use only what you need and won’t leave any unnecessary clues, which will hide them better.
Features of Pegasus
What really sets Pegasus apart is its zero-click attack capabilities. Traditional spyware often requires the target to make a mistake, such as clicking on a suspicious link. However, Pegasus can penetrate devices without such input.
Israel has always been at the forefront and boasted some of the most sophisticated surveillance software like Pegasus. (Cyberguy.com)
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To gain access, it exploits unknown vulnerabilities in the software, known as “zero days.” The term “zero day” refers to the fact that once a problem is identified, developers are given “zero day” to fix it. These vulnerabilities are extremely valuable to hackers and are often used in serious cyberattacks.
Once inside, its surveillance capabilities are vast. In addition to accessing messages, emails, and calls, it can also record conversations, secretly activate cameras, and track users’ movements in real time. All this data is encrypted and sent to a command and control server where it is analyzed and stored.
Pegasus spyware limitations
Taking all this into account, recent events in Israel are even more complex. We need to understand how Hamas’s large-scale mobilization within Gaza was able to go unnoticed, despite having powerful tools like Pegasus at its disposal. This not only highlights the limitations of state-of-the-art spyware, but also its problems.
The dark side of NSO Group’s Pegasus technology
NSO Group insists its technology is only used for legitimate purposes, such as fighting terrorism and crime. However, several reports have revealed evidence that Pegasus has been used to target human rights defenders, journalists, dissidents, lawyers, and politicians in various countries. Some of these targets have been harassed, threatened, arrested, tortured, and assassinated.
Israel has always been at the forefront and boasted some of the most sophisticated surveillance software like Pegasus. (Cyberguy.com)
Read more: 5 ways to fight cyberattacks
The company posted this statement on its website. It reads in part:
”We have one of the most stringent compliance and human rights programs in the world, based on deeply shared American values, and as a result we have already terminated multiple contracts with government agencies that have misused our products. ”
Cart important points
No matter how cutting-edge the technology is, it doesn’t always work perfectly. Systems like Pegasus are undoubtedly cutting-edge, but they also come with their own challenges. As countries around the world continue to rely on sophisticated surveillance tools, it is important to know when they can be trusted and when they no longer provide enough critical information to warn of an attack.
What do you think about the government’s use of spyware like Pegasus? Do you think it’s legitimate or unethical? Email us. Cyberguy.com/Contact
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Israel has always been at the forefront and boasted some of the most sophisticated surveillance software like Pegasus. (Cyberguy.com)
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