Apple will offer a new data protection tool for journalists and activists this fall after the Pegasus case revealed the extraordinary technical capabilities of certain spyware. “Block” mode a “Extreme protection, optional, for a very small number of users whose digital security is seriously compromised”Apple said in a statement Wednesday.
It’s about people “which could become targets of highly sophisticated attacks carried out by the programs of the NSO Group and other mercenary companies that develop spyware on behalf of governments.”, explains the Californian giant. In September, Apple was forced to urgently patch a computer vulnerability that Pegasus software, from Israel’s NSO Group, was able to use to infect iPhones without users even having to click vulnerable links or buttons. . “zero compression”.
The new version will allow users to fully secure multiple services and content on their device, including apps. It will no longer be possible to connect the computer to the iPhone via a cable if it is locked. Apple has also expanded its program for cybersecurity researchers. The group will offer a new bonus of up to $2 million to hackers who report flaws in Lockdown mode.
Apple sued Pegasus
A year ago, a group of international media revealed that Pegasus enabled spying on journalists, politicians, activists or business leaders from different countries, including French President Emmanuel Macron. NSO Group has repeatedly asserted that its technology allows states to save lives, for example by tracking child abusers and terrorists. But Apple, which has built its success notably on an excellent reputation for respect for security and privacy, filed a complaint against the Israeli company in November.
She accuses him of being responsible for it all “malicious acts” to some of its clients, including governments. “These are unscrupulous 21st-century mercenaries who have built ultra-sophisticated cyber-espionage machines, inciting gross and routine abuse.”the lawyers of the American group stated in the complaint.
Two weeks ago, Google revealed Italian spyware used to hack smartphones to spy on users in Italy and Kazakhstan. “These companies facilitate the spread of dangerous hacking tools and arm governments that would otherwise not be able to develop these skills.” said the tech giant.
Source: Le Figaro
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.