A security firm revealed that a prominent business leader was among several individuals whose iPhones were recently targeted with the Pegasus spyware. iVerify found evidence of compromise on seven iPhones, including some running newer versions of iOS 16.6. The company’s app detected anomalies in devices belonging to high-risk users, suggesting potential state-backed targeting.
NSO Group, the manufacturer of Pegasus, claims its spyware is only sold to vetted intelligence and law enforcement agencies. However, iVerify chief executive Rocky Cole said his company has identified reuse of spyware exploits by government-backed hackers from countries like China, Iran, and Russia. The firm is investigating possible ties between a China-backed hacking group and the targeting of senior officials’ phones.
The incident highlights concerns about the misuse of spyware for commercial espionage. As security researchers note, the proliferation of spyware makes its use and misuse harder to contain. The FBI is reportedly examining whether a China-backed hacker group used their access to target American officials with malware.
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2024/12/04/business-leaders-among-pegasus-spyware-victims-says-security-firm