Pegasus in news again: Major investigation reveals continuing worldwide abuse of snooping software

Roughly a year and a half after it caused a massive uproar, Israeli-made spyware Pegasus is back in news.

Journalists, human rights activists, lawyers all over the world have been snooped on by "authoritarian governments" using hacking software supplied by the Israeli's NSO Group, according to findings by an investigation.

The investigation was conducted by the Guardian and 16 other media outlets. The Guardian report specifically uses the term "authoritarian governments" as being behind the snooping.


Meanwhile, the Indian government has issued its first response to the breaking news, saying "No unauthorised interception by government agencies".
The findings hints at widespread and continuing abuse of NSO’s hacking spyware Pegasus.

Pegasus infects Android devices and iPhones, giving operators access to messages, photos and emails. It can also record calls and secretly activate microphones, reports say.

The probe findings showcase more than 50,000 phone numbers. The report credited Amnesty International and Paris-based non-profit organisation Forbidden Stories with accessing the leaked list, which it says was later shared with media organisations.

The names associated with the leaked numbers will be made public in the coming days, Guardian said. These include "hundreds of business executives, religious figures, academics, NGO employees, union officials and government officials, including cabinet ministers, presidents and prime ministers."

It may be mentioned that the Israeli company insists that it only sells the software to those who fight “serious crime and terrorism”.