Pegasus spyware was utilized to compromise the iPhones of journalists and activists in Jordan.
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Nearly 35 individuals, including journalists, activists, human rights lawyers, and civil society members in Jordan, have reportedly fallen victim to targeted surveillance using NSO Group's Pegasus spyware, according to investigations by Access Now and the Citizen Lab. Out of the 35, nine cases have been publicly confirmed, with six individuals having their iPhones compromised by the surveillanceware tool from at least 2019 until September 2023.
The attackers, in some instances, posed as journalists, engaging victims in conversation while embedding malicious links containing Pegasus spyware. Notably, several victims experienced multiple reinfections, highlighting the persistent nature of this surveillance campaign.
NSO Group, an Israeli company, has faced criticism for allegedly lacking robust human rights safeguards before selling its cyber intelligence technology to government and law enforcement clients. The company, in its 2023 Transparency and Responsibility Report, claimed a decrease in reports of product misuse, attributing it to enhanced due diligence.
Despite NSO Group's assurances that Pegasus is not a mass surveillance tool and is licensed to legitimate agencies, the recent spyware attacks on Jordanian civil society members contradict these claims. Access Now revealed that the attacks utilized both zero-click and one-click methods, exploiting Apple iOS vulnerabilities like FORCEDENTRY, FINDMYPWN, PWNYOURHOME, and BLASTPASS.
The spyware was delivered through social engineering attacks, with attackers posing as journalists to increase the likelihood of success. Access Now recommended the activation of Lockdown Mode on iPhones to prevent reinfections and urged global governments, including Jordan's, to cease the use of such tools until effective countermeasures are established.
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Access Now emphasized that the targeted surveillance of individuals violates their rights to privacy, freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly. Additionally, it creates a chilling effect, leading individuals to self-censor or halt activism and journalism due to the fear of reprisals.
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