Apple is suing NSO Group, an Israeli firm that sells software to government agencies and law enforcement that enables them to hack iPhones. NSO Group software permits “attacks, including from sovereign governments that pay hundreds of millions of dollars to target and attack a tiny fraction of users with information of particular interest to NSO’s customers.”
Pegasus users can remotely surveil the iPhone owner’s activities, collect emails, text messages and browsing history, and access the device’s microphone and camera, Apple alleged in its lawsuit.
Recent-model iPhones belonging to journalists and human rights lawyers had been infected with NSO Group malware Pegasus. One don’t have to look long on social media to see the war of the Androids versus the Smart Phones, i.e., iPhone users. The Android team may have scored a big point.
Apple is seeking a permanent injunction to ban NSO Group from using Apple software, services or devices. It’s also seeking damages over $75,000. “The steps Apple is taking today will send a clear message: in a free society, it is unacceptable to weaponize powerful state-sponsored spyware against innocent users and those who seek to make the world a better place,” Ivan Krstic, Apple’s head of security engineering and architecture, said in a tweet.
Apple said the attacks were only targeted at a small number of customers, and it said on Tuesday it will inform iPhone users who may have been targeted by Pegasus malware. Earlier this year, Amnesty International said that it found evidence of a hacked iPhone 12 and had obtained a leaked list of 50,000 phone numbers targeted by NSO Group software.
Apple said it would donate $10 million as well as any damages from the lawsuit to organizations focusing on fighting digital surveillance.
