Spyware Now Tools of Choice by Repressive Regimes to Monitor Dissidents.

Spyware like Pegasus (developed by NSO Group) and similar tools such as Paragon have become weapons of choice for oppressive regimes to monitor and suppress dissidents, journalists, activists, and political opponents. Their deployment facilitates systematic human rights violations through advanced technological capabilities and minimal oversight. Here is a detailed analysis of how these tools are exploited: 

🔍 1. Technical Capabilities Enabling Ubiquitous Surveillance:

– Zero-Click Exploits:

Pegasus infects devices without user interaction (e.g., no need to click a link), exploiting vulnerabilities in iOS and Android systems. Once installed, it grants full access to messages, emails, cameras, microphones, location data, and encrypted apps (e.g., Signal, WhatsApp).

– Stealth and Persistence:

The spyware hides its activity, avoiding detection. It can remotely activate cameras/microphones for real-time surveillance, transforming phones into 24/7 spying devices . 

– Cross-Border Reach:

Regimes can target dissidents globally. For example, Saudi Arabia spied on exiled activists in Canada and the UK.

Table: Key Spyware Capabilities and Their Impacts:

No.	Capability.	Function.	Impact on Dissidents.
1.0	Zero-click infection.	No user interaction required.	Eliminates precautionary defenses.
2.0	Full device access.	Extracts messages, calls, encrypted data.	Compromises sources, private communications.
3.0	Remote activation.	Turns camera/microphone into surveillance tools.	Enables real-time monitoring of activities.
4.0	Geolocation tracking.	Monitors movements.	Facilitates physical harassment or arrest.

👥 2. Targeting of Civil Society and Dissidents:

– Journalists and Activists: 

  – Over 180 journalists across 20 countries were selected for Pegasus surveillance, including reporters from CNN, The New York Times, and local independent outlets. In India, Mexico, and Bahrain, journalists investigating corruption were hacked shortly after submitting sensitive government inquiries. 

  – Chilling Effect:

Surveillance deters sources from leaking information. In Hungary, journalists noted sources fearing reprisals if quoted in independent media, crippling investigative reporting. 

– Human Rights Defenders and Lawyers: 

  – Bahraini lawyer Mohamed al-Tajer (representing torture victims) and mental health counselor Sharifa Swar were targeted, compromising client confidentiality and personal safety. 

– Politicians and Families: 

  – Family members of murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi were hacked before and after his assassination. His fiancée’s phone was infected days after his death.

  – Opposition figures in the EU (e.g., Hungary, Poland) were monitored to crush dissent . 

⚖️ 3. Facilitating Transnational Repression:

– Exiled Dissidents:

Regimes use spyware to monitor critics abroad. Bahraini activists in the UK were repeatedly hacked, forcing some to seek asylum. 

– International Collaboration:

Authoritarian states share tactics. For example, Saudi Arabia and the UAE (both Pegasus clients) coordinated surveillance of Khashoggi’s associates.

🏛️ 4. Legal and Systemic Enablers.

– Weak Regulation: 

  – NSO claims it sells only to vetted governments for “national security,” but regimes like Saudi Arabia define “terrorism” broadly to include dissent.

  – In Hungary, laws allow surveillance without judicial oversight if agencies claim “necessity.” Journalists and lawyers are exempt from protections . 

– Corporate Complicity: 

  – NSO ignored evidence of misuse. Despite reports of abuse in Bahrain, it continued supplying spyware. 

  – Impunity:

Until 2022, no court held NSO accountable. A U.S. jury later fined NSO $167 million for hacking WhatsApp users, setting a precedent for liability. 

🌍 5. Broader Sociopolitical Impacts:

– Erosion of Democracy: 

  – In the EU, Pegasus scandals in Hungary, Poland, Spain, and Greece revealed systematic spying on opposition leaders, dubbing it “Europe’s Watergate“. 

  – Election Interference:

Surveillance of politicians can manipulate electoral outcomes by leaking compromising information.

– Psychological Terror:

Victims experience paranoia and self-censorship. As al-Tajer stated, “There was nothing I could have done to protect myself“. 

💡 6. Challenges in Accountability and Solutions:

– Barriers to Justice: 

  – Export controls lack transparency, and victims struggle to prove hacking in court.

  – NSO’s Denial:

 The company dismisses evidence as “uncorroborated theories” despite forensic verification by Amnesty International and Citizen Lab . 

– Proposed Measures: 

  – Global Moratorium:

UN experts demand a ban on spyware sales until human rights safeguards exist. 

  – Technical Counters:

While improving device security helps, it also increases demand for spyware. Experts argue geopolitical pressure (e.g., sanctions, blacklisting) is more effective. 

💎 Notable Remarks.

Spyware like Pegasus enables hyper-invasive, state-sponsored repression under the guise of national security. Its use by oppressive regimes exploits legal loopholes, corporate negligence, and technological vulnerabilities, eroding civil liberties globally.

Addressing this requires binding international regulations, judicial accountability for spyware firms, and reinforced digital protections for at-risk groups. Without these steps, such tools will continue to undermine democracy and enable transnational terror against dissent.

How to protect yourself from spyware:

Protecting yourself from advanced spyware like Pegasus (developed by NSO Group) or Paragon’s Graphite requires a multi-layered approach, as these tools exploit zero-day vulnerabilities and use “zero-click” techniques (requiring no user interaction). Below is a comprehensive strategy based on current best practices and research:

🔒 1. Device Hardening and Configuration.

   – Enable Lockdown Mode (iOS): 

     Activate this feature (Settings > Privacy & Security > Lockdown Mode) to disable high-risk functionalities like iMessage, FaceTime, web technologies, and complex document parsing. Apple designed it specifically to block Pegasus-style attacks.

   – Regular Reboots: 

     Daily reboots disrupt non-persistent spyware infections, as most zero-click exploits rely on temporary memory access rather than permanent installation.

   – Update Religiously:

     Install OS and app updates immediately. Spyware often exploits patched vulnerabilities (e.g., WhatsApp fixed Paragon’s PDF zero-day in 2024).

   – Use Secure OS Alternatives (Android): 

     Switch to privacy-focused OS like GrapheneOS (for Google Pixel devices), which emphasizes sandboxing and reduced attack surfaces.

📵 2. Communication Security:

   – Avoid SMS/MMS: 

     Use end-to-end encrypted (E2EE) apps like Signal, Telegram or WhatsApp instead. Disable iMessage/FaceTime if Lockdown Mode isn’t enabled.

   – Disable Auto-Downloads: 

     In WhatsApp/Telegram, turn off automatic media downloads (especially for PDFs, images) to prevent zero-click exploits.

   – Verify Suspicious Messages: 

     Ignore unexpected links, files, or group invites. Paragon targeted victims via WhatsApp groups with malicious PDFs.

🌐 3. Network and App Hygiene:

   – Use a Trusted VPN: 

     Encrypts traffic and masks your IP, though it won’t stop zero-click exploits directly.

   – Avoid Public Wi-Fi: 

     Spyware operators may use unsecured networks for initial access.

   – Minimize Apps: 

     Uninstall unused apps to reduce attack surfaces. Spyware like Graphite often hijacks legitimate apps (e.g., messaging platforms).

🛡️ 4. Behavioral Adjustments for High-Risk Individuals:

   – Separate Devices: 

     Use one phone for sensitive work (e.g., journalism, activism) and another for personal use. Never cross-contaminate accounts .

   – Physical Security:

     Never leave devices unattended. Physical access enables easier spyware installation.

   – Monitor for Anomalies: 

     Watch for battery drain, overheating, or strange background noise during calls—potential indicators of compromise .

🧩 5. Detection and Recovery Tools:

   – Mobile Verification Toolkit (MVT): 

     Amnesty International’s open-source tool scans iOS/Android backups for spyware traces (e.g., Pegasus infrastructure domains).

   – Factory Reset + Replacement: 

     If infection is suspected, factory reset the device and replace it. Spyware can persist through resets.

   – Forensic Support: 

     Contact groups like Citizen Lab ([email protected]) or Access Now’s Digital Security Helpline for free analysis.

⚖️ 6. Organizational and Policy Measures:

   – Advocate for Spyware Bans: 

     Support initiatives like the EU’s push to regulate surveillance tech, as national policies often fail to prevent abuse.

   – Institutional Protections: 

     Organizations should mandate device encryption, regular audits, and VPNs for staff in high-risk roles.

💡 Key Settings Summary Table:

No.	Platform.	Critical Settings.	Tools/Alternatives.
1.0	iOS.	Lockdown Mode, Disable iMessage/FaceTime.	MVT, GrapheneOS (if jailbroken).
2.0	Android.	GrapheneOS, Disable app auto-updates.	MVT, Shelter (for work profiles).
3.0	All Users	Daily reboots, No suspicious links/PDFs.	Signal, ProtonVPN.

Key Takeaways:

No single solution guarantees absolute protection against state-grade spyware, but layering technical safeguards (Lockdown Mode, GrapheneOS), behavioral changes (reboots, verified communications), and expert resources (MVT, Citizen Lab) significantly reduces risk.

 High-risk individuals—journalists, activists, or dissidents—should prioritize device separation and professional digital forensics support. For ongoing updates, monitor research from Citizen Lab and Amnesty International’s Security Lab.

Read more analysis by Rutashubanyuma Nestory