WhatsApp wins access to NSO Groups Pegasus spyware code in new court hearing

Date:
Mon, 04 Mar 2024 15:00:29 +0000

Description:
NSO Group told to share Pegasus spyware source code with WhatsApp after targeting devices in 2019.

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A US federal judge has ruled that NSO Group, the Israeli maker of the notorious Pegasus spyware, must share the source code with WhatsApp.

The decision comes as part of a 2019 WhatsApp lawsuit against NSO Group, accusing the spyware maker of unlawfully spying on 1,400 mobile over a two-week period by spreading malware from WhatsApps US-based servers.

Since the attack, WhatsApp has sought access to NSO Groups spyware code, alleging that the Pegasus spyware was used to gain unauthorized access to encrypted messages. Major win for WhatsApp

The ruling, issued by US District Judge Phyllis Hamilton, covers Pegasus and other relevant NSO Group spyware from April 29, 2018 to May 10, 2020.

NSO Group, an Israeli LLC incorporated in 2010, has fought against being held accountable for providing surveillance tools to government clients. The judge granted WhatsApps request for information concerning the full functionality
of the relevant spyware, however other elements such as third-party client identities and server architecture remain behind closed doors.

WhatsApps Meta claimed that Pegasus could intercept communications, capture screenshots, and exfiltrate browser history across a number of apps,
including iMessage, Skype, Telegram, WeChat, Facebook Messenger, Whatsapp,
and others.

Separately, a WhatsApp spokesperson told The Register : The recent court ruling is an important milestone in our long running goal of protecting WhatsApp users against unlawful attacks.

NSO Group has not commented on the court order.

As the legal proceedings continue, disclosures from both parties are due by August 30, leading up to the trial, which is scheduled to commence on March
3, 2025. Moreover, the case has broader implications globally for the surveillance industry. Apple also initiated legal action against NSO Group back in November 2021 for similar reasons. More from TechRadar Pro Worried
you might have downloaded something dodgy? Heres the best malware removal Polands PM accuses previous government of using Pegasus spyware for illegal snooping Check out the best endpoint protection software and the best firewalls



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/pro/security/whatsapp-wins-access-to-nso-groups-pega sus-spyware-code-in-new-court-hearing


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