Apple formally sues Israeli commercial spyware developer NSO
The notorious Israeli commercial spyware developer NSO Group was previously found to be attacking iOS devices, and the attacked users seem to include American citizens.
The zero-day vulnerability used by NSO can infect the target iOS device without interaction, that is, the victim may be installed with NSO Pegasus spyware without clicking any link.
After the Pegasus spy software is installed, the user’s address book, call records, text messages, some communication software, location, camera, and microphone will be monitored at any time.
According to NSO, the company’s spyware does not monitor American citizens, and NSO is naturally afraid that it will be affected by US sanctions due to surveillance.
However, after research and analysis by the American Citizens Laboratory, it was found that at least a dozen American citizens were monitored by Pegasus Software. This behavior may violate relevant U.S. laws.
In addition, the U.S. Department of Commerce has announced sanctions on the NSO Group earlier, and U.S. companies or individuals cannot conduct any transactions with the NSO Group without approval.
Apple has always advertised that it pursues privacy and security, and after being infected with Pegasus spyware without interaction, Apple also seems to have found that it has been discouraged in this round of offensive and defensive wars.
To this end, Apple officially announced a lawsuit against NSO Group. Apple hopes to seek a court injunction to permanently prohibit NSO Group from using any Apple software, services, or equipment.
Apple said that its device is currently the safest consumer hardware on the market, but this kind of state-sponsored spyware private enterprise is becoming more dangerous.
Although these cybersecurity threats only affect a very small number of Apple users, Apple values any attacks against Apple users and must ensure the safety of all users.
Although this kind of prosecution may take a long time to process, Apple has a high probability of winning, and the court may satisfy Apple’s request to issue a permanent injunction that Apple seeks.
If the court issues a permanent injunction prohibiting NSO from using any of Apple’s software, services, and devices, it would be illegal for NSO to attempt to attack iOS devices.
If there is a ban, if you continue to violate the ban, you will be hit by US law. At that time, NSO and its executives may be sued by Apple for violation of the law.
Of course, these are all things to do. After Apple has formally filed a lawsuit, Apple can also apply to the court for a temporary injunction, and it is fine to issue a permanent injunction after the court is over.
Via: CNBC
