The Widespread Threat of Predator Spyware
A recent report by Amnesty International’s Security Labs, titled “The Predator Files,” has shed light on a pervasive and dangerous form of mobile spyware known as Predator. The report suggests that the surge in Predator spyware is the result of a widespread and entrenched grey-area commercial operation that trades surveillance operations “at industrial scale.” The analysis, based on data gathered by the European Investigative Collaboration (EIC) media network, provides new insights into how this shadowy mobile surveillance tool is delivered to target Android and iOS devices.
According to Amnesty International, Intellexa, an alliance of intelligence systems providers, is identified as the main purveyor of Predator. The report reveals that Intellexa has been using various supporting products from alliance partners to intercept and subvert mobile networks and Wi-Fi technologies, sometimes in collaboration with ISPs. Intellexa’s products have been found in at least 25 countries across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa and have been used to undermine human rights, press freedom, and social movements globally.
The Menace of Intellexa’s Technologies
The Amnesty International report highlights five technologies employed by Intellexa and lists several others that have helped its government and law enforcement clients install Predator on mobile devices belonging to persons of interest.
One of the highlighted technologies is Mars, a network injection system installed at mobile ISP locations. Mars allows Intellexa customers to redirect target users to a Pegasus infection server when they browse any HTTP web page. To make this technology work, mobile ISPs need to install Mars on their network and set up rules for forwarding traffic to the system. With Mars, the network injection system can respond to the original HTTP request with a redirect containing a 1-click browser exploit link, infecting the device without any further user action.
Another technology is Triton, which targets vulnerabilities in Samsung devices’ baseband software, allowing Predator to be installed with “no interaction with the target.” The Triton attack chain involves downgrading Samsung devices to the old 2G protocol using an IMSI catcher and delivering the payload using an integrated software-defined base station.
The report also highlights Wi-Fi interception and infection products like SpearHead, which enables operators to identify targets, monitor geolocation, intercept traffic, and deliver payloads. Additionally, there is Alpha-Max, a GSM interception and infection product, and Jasmine, a tool to deanonymize encrypted WhatsApp and Signal traffic using metadata analysis.
The End-to-End Surveillance Offering
Intellexa often bundles these technologies to offer an end-to-end surveillance capability for governments and law enforcement agencies. The report reveals that Intellexa offers remote data extraction services from Android and iOS devices for prices up to 8 million Euros. This includes one-click exploits for delivering Predator, the ability to monitor multiple targets concurrently, data analysis, and a one-year warranty.
The US State Department has expressed concern over Intellexa’s operations, placing Intellexa, Cytrox AD (the maker of Predator), and two other alliance members on its list of entities presenting a risk to US national security. Microsoft has also highlighted the emerging threat of cyber mercenary groups, like Intellexa, in its recent digital defense report.
Editorial Perspective
The revelation of the widespread use of the Predator spyware and the operations of Intellexa raises significant concerns about privacy, human rights, and accountability. The fact that highly invasive surveillance products can be traded on an industrial scale, operating in the shadows without oversight or accountability, is deeply troubling.
Furthermore, the existence of a grey area where private sector offensive actors like Intellexa operate raises ethical questions about the role of technology companies in enabling state surveillance and potential human rights abuses. Companies must be held to account for their activities and should not be able to profit from undermining privacy and democracy.
It is essential for governments, regulatory bodies, and civil society organizations to work together to establish clear rules and regulations surrounding the development, sale, and use of surveillance technologies. There must be adequate oversight and accountability mechanisms in place to prevent abuses and ensure that these tools are not misused to violate privacy rights or suppress dissent.
Internet Security and Personal Protection Against Spyware
Individuals also need to take steps to protect themselves from the threat posed by spyware like Predator. Here are some recommendations:
1. Keep Your Devices Updated
Regularly update your mobile devices with the latest security patches and firmware updates. Manufacturers often release updates to fix vulnerabilities that could be exploited by spyware. Enable automatic updates if possible.
2. Be Cautious of Suspicious Links and Attachments
Avoid clicking on links or opening attachments from unknown sources, especially in emails or messages. These could be used to deliver spyware or other forms of malware to your devices.
3. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Use strong, complex passwords for all your accounts and avoid using the same password across multiple platforms. Consider using a password manager to help generate and store unique passwords securely.
4. Install Security Software
Install a reputable antivirus and anti-malware software on your devices. These tools can help detect and remove spyware and other threats. Regularly scan your devices for any signs of infections.
5. Be Mindful of App Permissions
Review and manage the permissions granted to apps on your devices. Be cautious of apps that request excessive permissions or access to sensitive information, such as your contacts or location.
6. Encrypt Your Communications
Use end-to-end encrypted messaging apps, like WhatsApp or Signal, to protect your conversations from interception. Avoid sharing sensitive or personal information over unsecured Wi-Fi networks.
7. Consider Using a VPN
A virtual private network (VPN) can encrypt your internet traffic and add an extra layer of security. It can help protect your data from being intercepted or monitored by malicious actors.
By following these best practices, individuals can take proactive steps to enhance their privacy and protect themselves against the growing threat of spyware.
<< photo by Sigmund >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.
