What is spyware?
And what can you do to protect yourself from it?
Spyware or Surveillance Software Explained!
What actually is spyware?
Spyware, also known as surveillance software, is a type of malicious software that interferes with a device’s normal operation to collect information without alerting the user and then sends it to another unauthorized entity.
Highly invasive spyware allows unlimited access to a device by default. It leaves little to no trace, making it almost impossible for the user to know what data was taken. It can target any connected device: phones, computers, and other devices connected to the internet.
One notorious example is Pegasus! A surveillance software frequently used by law enforcement and government agencies. It can be installed on your phone without your knowledge, providing extensive access to your personal information.
Exposing Pegasus
"The new FRONTLINE docuseries ‘Global Spyware Scandal: Exposing Pegasus’ tells the story of the hacking tool used by governments around the world to target dissidents, activists, and journalists — including the wife and fiancée of slain Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Producer Laurent Richard joined Sue O’Connell to discuss.
How Does It Work?
Spyware can infect a device when a user clicks on a malicious link or even without any user action. The infection methods include:
1-Click Infection:
Highly invasive spyware allows unlimited access to a device by default. It leaves little to no trace, making it almost impossible for the user to know what data was taken. It can target any connected device: phones, computers, and other devices that connect to the internet.
Zero-Click Infection:
The device is infected without the user interacting with or doing anything,
What We Do
Core Services
At SpyScan360, we specialize in detecting surveillance software and spyware on your mobile devices. For iPhones, we require a complete backup, while Android devices can be analyzed directly.
What Happens When Your Device Gets Infected?
Once a device is infected with highly invasive spyware, the operator has total access to the phone and can:
Track its location
Access conversations
Even on end-to-end encrypted apps like Signal and Telegram.
Access emails
Access contacts
Activate the microphone & camera
To listen to nearby conversations.
Why Does Spyware Even Exist?
The surveillance industry develops spyware to bypass the increasingly strong security defenses in computers, mobile devices, and communication platforms. Surveillance operators want to compromise devices to access all the data stored there.
While spyware tools have been used for a long time, the increase in encryption after the Edward Snowden revelations in 2013 has made private data more difficult to collect by other surveillance methods. This has created a bigger demand for spyware.
Who Uses Spyware?
Law enforcement, military, and intelligence agencies are the top users and clients of spyware and surveillance companies. Tap software like Pegasus is often employed by these entities to monitor individuals without their knowledge, providing comprehensive surveillance capabilities.
Expand your understanding of spyware and its implications on privacy and human rights:
Read:
Purchase the book Pegasus: How a Spy in Your Pocket Threatens the End of Privacy, Dignity, and Democracy by Laurent Richard and Sandrine Rigaud for an in-depth look at the Pegasus Project and its findings.
Watch:
Check out the documentary Global Spyware Scandal: Exposing Pegasus to see the full scope of the investigation and its impact.