Researchers discover dangerous spyware being used to hack messages
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The recent hacking of a Saudi activist’s phone has alerted smartphone users to the dangers of messaging applications. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">These apps, such as iMessage or WhatsApp, are the latest software targeted by hackers to steal private information. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">All it takes is a simple call through these systems to infiltrate a device, even if the person doesn’t answer. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Apple has recently issued an update saying they intend to resolve the loophole in iMessage, but there are still growing concerns over the ease of hacking through messaging software.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The latest research into cyber security was published by Citizen Lab, after the phone belonging to the anonymous activist was hacked using the Pegasus surveillance tool.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pegasus – created by NSO Group, a global cyber security organisation based in Israel – is the world’s most powerful spyware tool.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Previous versions of Pegasus have deployed malicious software that could infiltrate devices without users needing to click on anything for the hacking to take place. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Citizen Lab researcher John Scott-Railton told </span><a href="https://www.news.com.au/technology/online/hacking/researchers-find-new-pegasus-spyware-hack-targeting-imessage-on-saudi-activists-iphone/news-story/dc5ed151272805b8a2eb62e7b5f332d6"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Washington Post</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> that the hack on the Saudi activist’s phone showed that messaging apps were the weak spot. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Chat programs are quickly becoming a soft underbelly of device security,” he said.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pegasus has previously been investigated by cyber experts and journalists after political figures, business leaders and human rights activists have all been targeted. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The latest finding is expected to heap pressure on the Israeli government who have previously said they will investigate NSO Group.</span></p>
<p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image credit: Shutterstock</span></em></p>
