Patcay.com – Former Polish government officials are facing the threat of punishment after being accused of using spyware to spy on political opponents and others.
It is alleged that the former officials utilized spyware named Pegasus to surveil their political opponents and other individuals.
Poland has officially launched a parliamentary investigation into the potential misuse of surveillance software by the previous administration in February.
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Justice Minister Adam Bodnar announced that Pegasus victims will soon be notified that they have been targeted by spyware developed by the NSO Group.
“In the coming months, we will gain a better understanding of how this dangerous software is being used and for what purposes,” Bodnar said as reported by The Register on Wednesday (3/4/2024).
“We do not yet know who will be accused, whether some individuals, ministers, or security officials,” he added.
Pegasus is spyware developed by NSO Group, an Israel-based company that has been the subject of various lawsuits, export restrictions, and investigations by the European Parliament.
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Unlike other malware and spyware, Pegasus does not require user interaction to be downloaded and installed on a device.
With this spyware, cybercriminals can monitor victims’ calls, read messages, and view their photos.
Furthermore, NSO Group’s spyware also has the capability to access files, contacts, applications, and other functions on infected devices.
Despite numerous reports of misuse, documented uses of Pegasus have been to target and prosecute political dissenters, lawyers, journalists, academics, and activists.
NSO Group claims that its data-stealing software is only sold to governments for use in legitimate activities such as crime prevention and counterterrorism efforts.