Pegasus is an advanced form of mobile spyware that’s caused major concern in the cybersecurity world, including our cybersecurity company in Miami. Designed by NSO Group, an Israeli cyber-intelligence company, this sophisticated spyware can install itself on iOS and Android devices without any action from the user.
The spyware is designed to access sensitive information on the devices of criminals, terrorists and other individuals identified as threats. While it’s currently not a widespread cybersecurity threat, its use by governments is concerning.
How Does Pegasus Spyware Work?
Once Pegasus infects a device, it can track the individual’s location, phone calls, text messages, emails and more.
But if the spyware can install itself without action from the user, how does it work?
Pegasus infects devices through what’s known as zero-click exploits, meaning you don’t need to click a link or take any other action to trigger the infiltration. Instead, they use “zero-day” vulnerabilities to access and install itself on a device. Zero-day vulnerabilities are bugs or flaws in a device’s operating system that the manufacturer doesn’t know about yet and has not patched.
Once installed on a device, Pegasus can:
- Listen to your phone calls
- Read your messages and emails
- Monitor your app usage
- Use keyloggers to record your passwords
- Access your camera and microphone
All of the information collected by Pegasus is then sent to NSO Group’s cloud server for storage and further analysis.
While the spyware was originally created to be used on criminal targets, there have been controversial reports of Pegasus being installed on the phones of journalists, activists and even politicians.
How to Detect and Remove Pegasus Spyware
Detecting Pegasus spyware is notoriously difficult because this is a highly sophisticated spyware tool. Unfortunately, it goes undetected by most anti-malware software solutions.
One option is to use the Mobile Verification Toolkit, or MVT, which gives you the option of detecting advanced spyware like Pegasus.
However, using MVT is a complex process that should only be attempted by a professional, like our experts in cybersecurity in Miami.
If you are tech-savvy, Amnesty International provides a detailed write-up on how to detect this spyware.
Here are a few signs to be on the lookout for:
- It appears that NSO Group may infiltrate devices using SMS messages with links to exploited domains.
- Suspicious redirects on your browsing history.
- Suspicious processes in network usage databases.
So, along with zero-click attacks, Pegasus can make its way onto your device via a malicious text message or a network injection attack.
How to Remove Pegasus
It’s possible to remove Pegasus from your device using the MVT spyware removal tool. It’s highly advised that you work with a cybersecurity professional to remove this spyware from your device.
Should You Be Concerned About Pegasus?
Pegasus is a really sophisticated form of spyware that should be a concern. However, there is a silver lining here: unless you’re an activist, journalist or a high-profile person, you likely won’t be infected with this spyware.
Each Pegasus license is prohibitively expensive, which is one barrier keeping this spyware from becoming more widespread.