Security News > 2021 > November > Apple’s NSO Group Lawsuit Amps Up Pressure on Pegasus Spyware-Maker

The complaint alleges that the maker of the infamous Pegasus mobile spyware is responsible for the illegal surveillance of Apple users.

"In a free society, it is unacceptable to weaponize powerful state-sponsored spyware against those who seek to make the world a better place," said Ivan Krstić, head of apple security engineering and architecture, in an Apple statement, issued Monday.

In addition to the permanent injunction, the lawsuit also seeks redress for NSO Group's "Flagrant violations of U.S. federal and state law, arising out of its efforts to target and attack Apple and its users." Apple said that it will be donating any awarded damages to "Organizations pursuing cybersurveillance research and advocacy," along with an additional $10 million from its corporate coffers.

Apple has a legitimate beef: NSO Group has not hesitated to target Apple users in the past.

Apple's legal complaint provides new information on FORCEDENTRY, Apple noted: "To deliver FORCEDENTRY to Apple devices, attackers created Apple IDs to send malicious data to a victim's device - allowing NSO Group or its clients to deliver and install Pegasus spyware without a victim's knowledge."

"To protect privacy means the need to have good security. When security is broken, it puts everyone at risk. The balance of privacy is at risk more than ever before and it looks like Apple has decided to defend and fight for privacy. It is important to protect citizens as governments are here to serve and provide services for the citizens, not to control. This means governments must work together to limit safe havens for those who abuse citizens' rights and when diplomacy fails, it looks like Apple are now taking the legal action path."

News URL

https://threatpost.com/apple-nso-lawsuit-pegasus-spyware/176565/