Companies
News: Government hackers targeted iPhones owners with zero-days
Google’s report reveals government hackers exploiting iPhone vulnerabilities and Variston’s spyware for targeted surveillance.
Headline
Google’s report reveals government hackers exploiting iPhone vulnerabilities and Variston’s spyware for targeted surveillance.
Context
In Google’s latest report, government hackers exploiting three unknown vulnerabilities in Apple ‘s iPhone operating system were revealed, alongside spyware developed by European startup Variston for targeted surveillance. On Tuesday, Google’s threat analysis team released a report detailing government exploitation activities involving multiple spyware and exploit sellers, including Barcelona-based startup Variston.
Evidence
Pending intelligence enrichment.
Analysis
According to Google, government hackers exploited three “ zero-day vulnerabilities ” in iPhones, unknown to Apple, with one operation conducted using hacking tools developed by surveillance and hacking technology startup Variston. Also read: Hackers never seem to be satisfied with cryptocurrency theft! Also read: Apple analyst predicts a substantial drop in iPhone shipment 2024 Google found in March 2023 that unknown Variston customers were using these vulnerabilities to attack iPhones in Indonesia, infecting victims’ phones through SMS containing malicious links, redirecting them to news articles from Indonesian newspaper “Pikiran Rakyat.”
Key Points
- Google’s report uncovers government hackers exploiting iPhone vulnerabilities and Variston’s spyware for targeted surveillance.
- The findings highlight the expansion of European spyware manufacturers and commercial surveillance vendors.
- This poses significant threats to freedom of speech, press freedom, and electoral integrity.
Actions
Pending intelligence enrichment.
