pegasus2 articles
Apple Pings Users in 110 Countries Over Mercenary Spyware Threats
Apple has sent threat notifications to users in 110 countries who may have been targeted by mercenary spyware attacks, bringing the total number of countries notified since 2021 to over 150. These sophisticated attacks typically target high-profile individuals such as journalists, activists, politicians, and diplomats, and represent some of the most advanced digital threats in existence. Apple delivers alerts via the iPhone lock screen, email, and the user's Apple Account page, and recommends protective measures such as enabling Lockdown Mode, using two-factor authentication, and keeping devices updated.
The MEP Investigating Pegasus Got Hacked With Pegasus. Yes, Really.
Citizen Lab researchers have revealed that Stelios Kouloglou, a former Member of the European Parliament who served on a committee investigating spyware abuse, had his iPhone repeatedly hacked with Pegasus spyware during his tenure in 2022 and 2023. Forensic analysis found the attacks exploited a zero-click vulnerability in Apple's HomeKit software, potentially giving attackers access to confidential documents and committee deliberations. While no specific government has been attributed responsibility, Citizen Lab identified an overlap with a separate campaign targeting Russian and Belarusian-speaking journalists and activists in Europe, suggesting a Pegasus operator licensed to conduct surveillance across multiple EU countries was likely responsible.