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What Pegasus Spyware Is and Why it Matters

Pegasus is a highly controversial mobile spyware tool developed by the Israeli firm NSO Group and sold exclusively to government and intelligence agencies, under the stated purpose of combating terrorism and serious crime. Designed as a covert surveillance tool, Pegasus is capable of infiltrating mobile devices—both Android and iOS—without the user’s knowledge, allowing attackers to extract sensitive and confidential information.

Despite the fact that NSO Group claims Pegasus is not available for general commercial purchase, multiple investigations have revealed its misuse in unauthorized surveillance, targeting journalists, political dissidents, activists, high-profile individuals, and even heads of state. This guide explains what Pegasus spyware is, how it works, and why it poses serious risks to mobile security and personal privacy.

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How Pegasus Spyware Functions

Unlike traditional spyware, which often relies on phishing or social engineering tactics to trick users into installing malicious software, Pegasus exploits zero-day vulnerabilities—security flaws that are unknown to the device manufacturer. This enables the software to infect devices without any user interaction, making detection and prevention extraordinarily difficult.

 

Pegasus on Smartphone
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Why Pegasus Spyware is  Dangerous

  • Undetectable Zero-Click Attacks: Pegasus does not require the victim to click on links or download files. This makes it nearly impossible for users to protect themselves through cautious browsing habits.
  • No Visible Traces: Pegasus operates silently in the background, leaving no signs of infection. There are no notifications, unusual battery drains, or performance issues that would alert the user.
  • Self-Destruct Mechanism: Some versions of Pegasus self-delete if they detect an attempt to analyze or remove them, further complicating forensic investigations.
  • Bypass Encrypted Messaging: Pegasus allows attackers to intercept messages before they are encrypted, rendering secure apps like Signal and WhatsApp ineffective against this spyware.

How Pegasus Spyware is Deployed on Targeted Devices

  • Zero-click attacks: The software can infiltrate a device simply by sending an invisible message via apps like iMessage, WhatsApp, or SMS, without requiring the user to click on a link or open the message.
  • Malicious calls: Some versions of Pegasus have been able to install spyware through missed WhatsApp calls, infecting the device even if the call was never answered.
  • Compromised Wi-Fi networks: Attackers can exploit vulnerabilities in wireless networks to deliver spyware when a target connects to a compromised access point.
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What Pegasus Spyware Does to a Compromised Device

Once installed, Pegasus gains full access to the infected device, allowing attackers to:

  • Intercept messages from encrypted applications like WhatsApp, Telegram, iMessage, and Signal.
  • Access emails, call logs, contact lists, and browser history.
  • Track real-time GPS location without the user’s consent.
  • Remotely activate the device’s microphone and camera, enabling real-time surveillance.
  • Extract stored data, including photos, videos, and documents.

How Can You Protect Against Pegasus?

  • Keep your device updated: Install the latest security patches for your operating system and apps.
  • Limit exposure to messaging apps: If possible, disable iMessage, WhatsApp, and other communication apps vulnerable to zero-click attacks.
  • Use high-security devices: Phones with hardened security, such as Sotera SecurePhone or other encrypted devices, offer better protection.
  • Restart your phone regularly: Some versions of Pegasus are removed when a device is rebooted, providing a temporary security measure.
  • Disable unnecessary features: Turn off Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and location tracking when not in use to minimize exposure to network-based exploits.

<p>How Sotera SecurePhones Protect Against Pegasus</p>

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Watch to Learn More About Pegasus

Protect Your Communications with the Sotera SecurePhone

A defensive approach to protecting your mobile communications

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Security

Keep your conversations confidential with the SecurePhone with protection against all known mobile threats, including zero-click spyware like Pegasus, malware, and network intrusions.

Simplicity

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Connectivity

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Concerned about mobile security? Talk with one of our experts to discover how Sotera SecurePhone can protect you from threats like Pegasus.