Pegasus spyware is back in the spotlight. and, on this occasion, it does so by involving even more disturbing issues related to the privacy and ciberseguridad of millions of people who never imagined they were in the sights of such an advanced surveillance tool. If Pegasus was previously associated only with the surveillance of political leaders, journalists, and activists, it has now been proven that Ordinary users can also be targeted of this spyware, which multiplies both the risks and the social concern.
What is Pegasus and how does it work?
Pegasus is a next-generation spyware developed by the Israeli company NSO Group. Its main characteristic is the ability to infiltrate mobile devices running iOS and Android systems Without the user noticing. Once it gains access to the device, Pegasus gains virtually unlimited permissions that allow it to:
- Read text messages and emails, even in encrypted apps.
- Access the camera and microphone for real-time recording.
- Intercept calls and messages, as well as know the contacts and social networks the user uses.
- Track the device's GPS location in real time.
- Automatically transfer files, photos, videos, and even passwords.
What sets Pegasus apart from other malware is its stealthy mode of infection.It exploits vulnerabilities undiscovered by system manufacturers (known as "zero-day vulnerabilities") and can install itself even through a simple missed call or invisible files. Its stealth design and ability to self-destruct or delete remotely make its detection a very difficult task, even for cybersecurity experts.
Pegasus: From Elite Surveillance to Common Users
The origin of Pegasus is linked to political espionage and national securityThe licenses, very expensive and sold only to governments and security agencies, were limited and controlled, in principle, to prevent their use against socially irrelevant citizens.
However, Recent research by cybersecurity firms such as iVerify shows that Pegasus has been detected on ordinary user devices.This shift in victim profile implies that Pegasus's use has become democratized and extended beyond NSO Group's supposed controls.
- According to iVerify, out of 2.500 voluntary tests performed on common cell phones, at least seven showed signs of Pegasus infection. Although this figure may seem low, it demonstrates that the reach of spyware is greater than previously thought and is not limited to public figures.
- Experts such as Rocky Cole, chief operating officer of iVerify and former CIA analyst, point out that Pegasus' recent behavior increasingly resembles that of common malware: less selective attacks and more focused on mass data collection and possible fraud.
The main causes of this expansion include:
- Circulation in unregulated markets: International pressure and the difficulty of controlling all access have led to the proliferation of modified versions or access by unauthorized actors.
- Diversification of objectives: Now, ordinary users can be victims of data theft, extortion, corporate espionage, or simply as an indirect way to achieve strategic objectives.
- Private actors and criminals in action: Although NSO Group insists it sells only to governments, there is abundant evidence that Pegasus has fallen into private and criminal hands.
Implications and risks for ordinary users
The use of Pegasus by people without public relevance poses unprecedented challenges for privacy, personal finances, and trust in technology.These are the main risks:
- Deep invasion of privacy: Personal data, transactions, private conversations, bank accounts, and files can be monitored or exfiltrated without the user's knowledge.
- Economic and social impacts: Stolen information can be used for blackmail, extortion, phishing, or financial fraud. It can even lead to identity theft and reputational damage.
- Feeling of technological insecurity: The fact that even the most sophisticated devices can be compromised creates distrust in mobile and digital technology.
- Impact on personal and corporate networks: By infecting a typical user's phone, attackers can access data from social networks, business groups, family members, and contacts, multiplying the potential damage.
Infiltration of common user devices can be the gateway to more valuable targets, such as business leaders or corporate networks.. Often, compromising the cell phone of someone close to the target is the easiest way to obtain critical information.
How to detect if a mobile phone has been infected by Pegasus?
Pegasus is designed to go completely unnoticed, making detection difficult even for advanced users. However, there are warning signs that may indicate the presence of advanced spyware:
- Abnormal battery consumption and device overheating.
- Unexplained spikes in mobile data usage, even when the device is not being used intensively.
- Activation of the camera or microphone without user intervention.
- Application crashes, forced shutdowns, or unexpected restarts.
- Disappearing messages, unknown pop-ups, or the appearance of suspicious processes and applications.
- Sending messages or calls from the device to unknown numbers.
La forensic detection This is often necessary due to the sophistication of Pegasus: specialists must analyze the device's network traffic, the domains it connects to, and hidden traces in the system.
Tools like Mobile Verification Toolkit (MVT) They allow for advanced analysis, although they require technical knowledge and a connection to a computer. Recently, iVerify launched a basic app, compatible with iOS and Android, that facilitates Pegasus analysis with automatic scans and private results, making detection more accessible to less advanced users.
Main symptoms and tools for common users
- Abnormal performance and rapid battery drain
- Unexpected connections to WiFi or data networks
- Installing unrecognized applications
- Pop-ups and sudden reboots
In addition to the symptoms, there are free and paid solutions for verify device security:
- iVerify Basic: Pay-per-month scanner app with subscription option for real-time analysis. Uses automatic learning to detect Pegasus even on systems like iOS, which restrict access to the system kernel.
- Mobile Verification Toolkit (MVT): Open source tool for forensic analysis, requires technical knowledge.
- Professional antivirus systems and collaborative platforms like Koodous, which scan suspicious applications for threats.
Can Pegasus infection be prevented?
Although Total protection against Pegasus is extraordinarily difficult Due to its advanced techniques, certain preventive measures can be adopted:
- Keep the operating system always updated, as many Pegasus exploits take advantage of unpatched vulnerabilities.
- Be wary of suspicious links, attachments, and messages received by messaging, SMS or email.
- Avoid downloading applications from unofficial stores and ensure the origin of all installed apps.
- Use additional security tools as a trusted antivirus and enable two-step authentication on the most sensitive services.
- Do not connect your phone to public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks. without the protection of a recognized VPN.
- Periodically review device activity, monitoring data usage, battery life, and background apps.
Apple, for example, has implemented a high-security "lockdown mode" to protect devices from threats like Pegasus, recommending its activation for those who consider themselves at risk.
NSO Group's position and the opinion of the international community
NSO Group, the creator of Pegasus, maintains that it only sells its product to governments to fight crime and terrorism.However, reports from Amnesty International, Citizen Lab, and other organizations have documented its use against journalists, activists, dissidents, and individuals of no public importance.
Evidence of infections among ordinary users calls into question NSO Group's ability to monitor its customers and ensure ethical use of Pegasus. The company has been subject to international lawsuits and sanctions, as well as legal restrictions in several countries due to the risk to privacy and digital ethics.
The global debate now focuses on How to regulate the use of high-tech electronic surveillance tools and how to protect both public figures and ordinary citizens from invasive practices that violate fundamental rights.
Are we facing a new era of espionage?
The detection of Pegasus among ordinary users marks a turning point in the world of cybersecurity. The ability to spy without discrimination and access to surveillance technologies by private and criminal actors open the door to a new era of cybersecurity. a huge challenge to individual privacy and global digital security.
Furthermore, the advancement of technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data, applied to the collection and analysis of large volumes of information obtained by Pegasus, facilitates the processing of this data in real time to create behavioral profiles, usage patterns, and even more effective and personalized attack strategies.
It is essential:
- Raise awareness among the population that No one is exempt from being a target of cyber espionage, regardless of your profile.
- Demand greater transparency from companies and governments in the use and control of surveillance technologies.
- Encourage innovation and universal access to analysis and verification tools so that society can protect itself against increasingly sophisticated threats.
The Pegasus phenomenon is part of a broader digitalization process where security, privacy, and human rights must be at the center of the debate. Even those not considered at risk can fall victim to cyberespionage, which requires constantly updating best practices and strengthening society's legal and technological response.
Recent signs indicate that the proliferation of Pegasus and other advanced spyware will continue to challenge current defense systems. It is up to everyone, from individual users to governments, to expand cybersecurity culture and demand real controls from technology companies, in addition to supporting detection, digital education, and data protection initiatives.