Hey there friends, lets discuss about Pegasus Spyware in this article. The outrage of Pegasus spyware is so big, that almost every democratic country is talking about this. Pegasus Spyware is suddenly in the news and everyone is curious to know some of the details of this spyware.

There are questions that are being asked on the internet, questions such as, ‘What is Pegasus Spyware? How does anyone hack using Pegasus? Can you hack someone’s WhatsApp using Pegasus Spyware? Etc.’ Since I was also curious about this spyware, in this post I will be discussing few of the points that everyone should know. So let’s get started.

What is Pegasus Spyware?

Before knowing Pegasus Spyware, let’s talk about what the Pegasus word means. The word ‘Pegasus’ came from Greek Mythology, a Mythological creature, a white horse with wings. But today’s world Pegasus is a Spyware.

What is a Spyware?

Spyware is software created with an intention to secretly enter into (a person’s or an organization’s) devices (Smartphone or Computer) and collects the personal/important information and conveys it to another entity (Someone else, someone whom you don’t know, a complete stranger). Basically spying is the main motive of these Spywares.

Why Pegasus Spyware was built?

This spyware is legally developed by an Israeli Company, NSO Group which is named after its three founders. NSO claims that Pegasus is build so that it can be used by organizations of (government intelligence, law enforcement) to fight crime and terrorism. If you want to know more [Click this].

So it’s clear, that Pegasus Spyware is not normal software that is available on any software/App downloading website for normal people.

Price of this Pegasus Spyware:

To buy this spyware, governments need a lot of money. Apparently the cost for installing this software is $500,000 and $650,000 to spy on 10 IOS/Android phones. [Read this]

What Pegasus Spyware can do?

Pegasus can enter and Access the Files

Till now it is said that Pegasus Spyware affects only the smart-phone of the users.
Once these spyware (Pegasus spyware) had entered into your device and gained root access, they can access the files stored in your storage. They can read your WhatsApp chats, media files (Photos and Videos), your calls logs and messages. Checking all the details, such as ‘whom you called or messaged’.

It is said that it can also access your GPS to track your current location, can turn on Camera in the phone, can click your image, and make a video of yours. It can turn on the Microphone in your phone and record the sound of your surroundings without you knowing. It has power to access any form of data available in the device, such as, Passwords of your Email, social accounts, and even Bank accounts.

Zero-Day-Exploitation Concept

Pegasus enters in the phones with Zero-Day-Exploitation or vulnerability. It is related to the security bugs of Operating Systems.

Suppose Android releases a patch update that has some vulnerability. But Android does not know about that bug and it releases that update. Spyware developers look out for such vulnerabilities and use it for themselves. This concept gets its name ‘Zero-Day’ because Android in the above example has no time or chance to look out and remove that bug.

How Pegasus Spyware enters/installed in someone’s Smartphone?

In earlier days, spyware were sent using a link through SMS or WhatsApp. When the user visits such links, their phone gets infected. (Basically, making the user do a mistake).

But now the technology is so advanced, Pegasus Spyware does not need any link to enter, it can enter with by ZERO-CLICK by the user. It enters into your phone just by a simple message or a call, and (WhatsApp message or call is also the possibility of entering). Even if you don’t pick up the call, Pegasus spyware can enter into your phone. This is what makes it so dangerous and Shocking. Pegasus Spyware can enter in both Android and IOS.

Self Destructs itself

Pegasus spyware is said to self destruct itself. Yes, programs/apps can self destruct or remove themselves.

How self destruction works? - When a program runs, the instructions of that program get copied into the memory, and those instructions can command to destroy the main file/program from the device.

But it will only remove itself on certain conditions. Conditions might be: No connection with the server to transfer the files.

What normal people must know about Pegasus Spyware and Other Spywares?

What Pegasus Spyware attacker needs to know?

It is enough for the Attacker to only know the phone number of the user. And also needs the user to have the phone switched-on and the number active. Once the Pegasus has entered in the phone, it only needs the internet connection to transfer user’s data.

Is there a possibility of your phone getting infected by Pegasus Spyware?

Of course, your phone can also have Pegasus installed.
But, the question is- why spying on normal people? Normal People are not the one who will be spied with this spyware. It is said that this spyware is built for tracking terrorists or criminal activities. So, if you are a wanted criminal or a terrorist, your phone might have been installed with Pegasus Spyware.
[Sorry for this bad joke.]

How you can protect yourself from Pegasus Spyware?

The question is- Can you protect yourself from Pegasus? The Answer is NO!

It is impossible for an individual to protect his/her phone getting infected by Pegasus Spyware. If the Attacker wants to access your phone, they can very easily do so. An Individual can only make sure certain points such as, only share your phone number to really closed relatives only, which is practically not possible for anyone.

How to know if your phone is affected by Pegasus Spyware?

If your phone will be infected by a spyware, it will certainly do some malfunction.

Things that you might notice when there is Pegasus Spyware (assumptions)

• Battery Life: You might see sudden drop of battery.
• Data Consumption: Increase in Internet Data Usage although you haven’t used much internet.
• Camera App: Camera App gets opened up on its own or a flash of flashlight for no reason.
• Sending File: You might see prompt message of sending a file.

Can you remove Pegasus from your phone?

Answer is not known. Changing the phone and phone number is the only solution.

First of all it is difficult to confirm that your phone is having Pegasus Spyware installed. Secondly, you can only predict that your phone is having malfunctioning due to Pegasus Spyware. You cannot confirm that also. And lastly, it is also said that Pegasus Spyware can self destruct itself.

You may reset your phone on your own risk, but that might not be the complete solution. Pegasus Spyware can re-enter as it only requires your phone to have internet connection and your phone number that is known to the Spyware agency.

What can people do to normally protect their privacy?

People should know that all their online activity is been recorded and can be easily tracked by the Government and their Internet Service Provider. Deleting the browsing history or using the Incognito browser won’t help. Read this: Things you should know about Incognito Browsing.

Things people should do to protect their online privacy

• Frequently update your passwords of important accounts.
• Use VPN. VPN helps in hiding the location of your browsing session.
• Do not install programs/applications from unknown sources.
• Use 2-step verifications for important accounts.
• Keep your apps Updated.

I will be updating this article in the future as I get more information.

You might also like:

• Make a custom modal using JavaScript
• What is an API?
• Project Online Elections using ASP.Net