<p>Apple is all about privacy, so when there is a company whose purpose is to find a backdoor into all of Apple’s products and devices, it is going to hurt. Many people assume their devices are secure, and to the normal user, they are. However, with some very sophisticated programming and a touch of social engineering, targeted victims could be struck with this infamous malware which can be extremely intrusive. </p>
<p>But the problem here is that the attackers using the software are not always cybercriminals trying to take to advantage of these impressive tactics. Law enforcement agencies rely on such techniques to monitor threats and targets from afar with remarkable results. Spyware is increasingly popular on both sides of the law and everyone should be aware of the tactics used. Prevention such as using two separate phones may be extreme for most people, but high-profile potential victims need to be aware that their personal threat level may be heightened, as seen with politicians and other heads of state. </p>
<p>Apple may not make much headway in this case but it sends a message to the public that they are doing what they can to protect their users.</p>
Last edited 2 years ago by Jake Moore
Joseph Carson , Chief Security Scientist & Advisory CISO
November 24, 2021 12:42 pm
<p>This is a major indication of the push to protect privacy which at the moment is on a very fine line. Governments and others have been known to use and abuse the Pegasus spyware to gain access to mobile devices data without the victim knowing or needing to click on anything. </p>
<p>To protect privacy means the need to have good security and when security is broken it puts everyone at risk. The balance of privacy is at risk more than ever and it looks like Apple have decided to defend and fight for privacy. It is important to protect citizens as governments are here to serve and provide services for the citizens, not control which means governments must work together to limit safe havens for those who abuse citizens’ rights and when diplomacy fails it looks like Apple are now taking the legal action path.</p>
<p>Apple is all about privacy, so when there is a company whose purpose is to find a backdoor into all of Apple’s products and devices, it is going to hurt. Many people assume their devices are secure, and to the normal user, they are. However, with some very sophisticated programming and a touch of social engineering, targeted victims could be struck with this infamous malware which can be extremely intrusive. </p>
<p>But the problem here is that the attackers using the software are not always cybercriminals trying to take to advantage of these impressive tactics. Law enforcement agencies rely on such techniques to monitor threats and targets from afar with remarkable results. Spyware is increasingly popular on both sides of the law and everyone should be aware of the tactics used. Prevention such as using two separate phones may be extreme for most people, but high-profile potential victims need to be aware that their personal threat level may be heightened, as seen with politicians and other heads of state. </p>
<p>Apple may not make much headway in this case but it sends a message to the public that they are doing what they can to protect their users.</p>
<p>This is a major indication of the push to protect privacy which at the moment is on a very fine line. Governments and others have been known to use and abuse the Pegasus spyware to gain access to mobile devices data without the victim knowing or needing to click on anything. </p>
<p>To protect privacy means the need to have good security and when security is broken it puts everyone at risk. The balance of privacy is at risk more than ever and it looks like Apple have decided to defend and fight for privacy. It is important to protect citizens as governments are here to serve and provide services for the citizens, not control which means governments must work together to limit safe havens for those who abuse citizens’ rights and when diplomacy fails it looks like Apple are now taking the legal action path.</p>