Pegasus, the NSO Group’s spyware used in attacks on US state officials

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Apple reportedly notified at least nine US State Department employees that their accounts were being hacked by unknown persons using spyware developed by Israel-based NSO Group. As reported by the Reuters, which cites anonymous sources with knowledge of the facts, the attacks would have occurred in recent months and allegedly targeted US officials in Uganda or interested in East African issues.

A spokesperson for the NSO Group told Reuters that the company will investigate and, if necessary, take legal action against customers illegally using its tools:

“If our investigation shows that these actions actually took place with NSO’s tools, we will permanently terminate the customer relationship and take legal action. NSO will also work with any relevant governmental authority and submit any information in its possession.”

The exploit used by NSO exploited a vulnerability fixed with iOS 14.8

In recent days, Apple filed a lawsuit against NSO Group holding you “responsible” for the spyware. Apple also said it will make a $ 10 million grant to research and activist organizations pursuing cyber surveillance research and defense.

Apple said Pegasus spyware was used to attack a “very small number of users” across multiple platforms, including iOS and Android. Apple’s legal complaint also provides new information on FORCEDENTRY, an NSO Group exploit which, by exploiting a vulnerability fixed with iOS 14.8,, was used to force access to the victim’s Apple device and install the latest version of Pegasus.

NSO Group, we recall, was recently included in the blacklist of the US Department of Commerce which, in fact, initiates a real ban against it, preventing US companies from having commercial relations.

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