Spyware Surge: State-Grade Surveillance Software Spreads Across 100 Nations
More than half of the world’s countries now possess advanced “commercial spyware”—surveillance software capable of hacking smartphones or computers to steal sensitive information, according to a recent report by the United Kingdom’s intelligence agency, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
The report states that in 2023, 80 countries had the capability to use spyware, a figure that has risen to 100 within just three years. This indicates that such highly confidential hacking technology has become significantly more accessible than before. Spyware such as Pegasus, developed by NSO Group, and Graphite by Paragon typically exploit security vulnerabilities in smartphones to infiltrate devices without the user’s knowledge.
Intelligence officials have warned that although such technologies were previously claimed to be used only to combat serious criminals or terrorists, their targets have now expanded significantly. At present, journalists, political opponents, human rights activists, as well as bank officials and wealthy businesspersons, are also being monitored using these spyware tools.
Speaking at a conference in Glasgow, Richard Horne, head of the NCSC, said British companies are failing to fully grasp the severity of the current global cyber threat landscape. He noted that most nationally significant cyberattacks in the United Kingdom are being carried out by hackers backed by foreign states. In particular, China-linked hackers are continuing efforts to steal sensitive information and infiltrate critical infrastructure.
The report further states that the threat is not limited to state actors alone. As hacking tools are leaked online, they are increasingly falling into the hands of ordinary cybercriminals. Recently, a hacking tool named DarkSword has been leaked online, which can be used to hack devices such as the iPhone and iPad.
Experts believe that this situation has placed the digital security of hundreds of millions of ordinary people worldwide at serious risk.
DBTech/BMT/OR
