I see news about SpyWare all the time in the last couple years... people are really worried about Pegasus and other similar apps. In recent years, the headlines have been dominated by reports of sophisticated spyware applications, with Pegasus being one of the most concerning. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to detect and defend against spy apps on your mobile device.

What is Pegasus and Who Uses It?

Pegasus is a complex and costly surveillance tool, primarily sold to government intelligence agencies. Deploying such spyware can cost millions, making it generally inaccessible for individual criminals. However, the potential misuse for illicit activities, like stealing cryptocurrencies, cannot be fully ruled out.

Exploiting Weaknesses: Zero-Day and Zero-Click Attacks

Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) malware, like Pegasus, can infiltrate devices using zero-day vulnerabilities and zero-click exploits. These methods can be extremely lucrative, with exploit brokers like Zerodium offering up to $2.5 million to procure Android exploits that require no user interaction.

Daily Device Reboot: A Simple Yet Effective Defense

To protect your device, make it a habit to reboot daily, especially using DFU mode on iOS. Research by Amnesty International suggests that by rebooting, you clear infection residues, as many exploits fail to maintain persistent access after a system restart. So… A regular reboot cleans the device and attackers would have to reinfect it each time.

Disable iMessage for Enhanced Security

Since iMessage is frequently exploited for zero-click attacks, disabling it on your iOS device can reduce susceptibility to such intrusions. Be cautious about potential attacks exploiting the SS7 protocol through anomalous calls or invisible commands and SMS. For example, turning off iMessage on IPhone, makes your messages roll back to SMS which anyone with SS7 access can view.

Opt for Alternative Browsing and Network Solutions

Consider using alternative browsers like Firefox or Brave instead of default ones like Chrome. Protect your internet traffic with a reliable VPN service such as mullvad.net to add another layer of security.

Detecting Pegasus: Tools and Techniques

ToB spun out iVerify, a mobile malware detection application, about a year ago. Their iOS app can identify traces of the spyware by analyzing sysdiagnose logs, which reveal the operating system’s internal processes.

So far, they've found 20+ installations of Pegasus on people's iOS phones, including some used for corporate espionage. If you want to try it out, there's a basic version available on the iOS app store you can download today. Make sure you run a "Threat Hunt" after you install it -- this is the feature that is catching Pegasus. That’s important!

iVerify found those Pegasus installations by inspecting sysdiagnose logs. These are debugging logs produced by iOS itself that provide a window into the lower level operation of the phone. Pegasus is a total operating system compromise. iVerify has other methods available for security monitoring, including a local VPN that inspects traffic completely inside the mobile app, a custom DNS solution that checks resolutions of domain names, and an "Elite" tier of service.

If you want to try out this feature to inspect your own phone today, the sysdiagnose feature is available for free in the iVerify Basic app on the App Store.

Monitoring Bandwidth for Signs of Intrusion

Bandwidth monitors can also help in identifying unusual network activity. Additionally, you can find a similar application with a help of a bandwidth monitor. Some tech-savvy geeks use software like littlesnitch, endian or lulu (and even wireshark) for this, but sometimes it can be quite complicated for non-professionals.

Stay Updated and Cautious Online

Always keep your device updated with the latest patches. Exercise caution by never clicking on suspicious links in messages. For more in-depth spyware detection, consider tools recommended by organizations like Amnesty International. Check out this software!

By staying vigilant and adopting these protective strategies, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to sophisticated spyware like Pegasus. Remember, in the rapidly evolving digital landscape, proactive measures are your first line of defense.

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