Predator Spyware Targets Angolan Journalist, Exposing Surveillance Industry's Endurance

A new forensic investigation has confirmed that powerful spyware was used to infect an Angolan journalist's iPhone, signaling the persistent threat commercial surveillance tools pose to press freedom. The spyware, known as Predator and developed by the Intellexa alliance, was identified on the device by researchers cited in a TechCrunch report. This marks the first confirmed use of Predator in Angola, expanding its known global reach.

Predator is a sophisticated tool capable of extracting messages, photos, and contacts, and can remotely activate a phone's microphone and camera. It has been used in other nations against politicians and journalists. The Angola case is distinct because it directly targeted a member of the press in a country with a documented history of media pressure. The journalist's identity remains confidential, but their work reportedly involved sensitive political issues.

This incident occurs despite significant international pressure on the spyware industry. In 2023, the U.S. placed Intellexa and its subsidiary Cytrox on a trade blacklist, and European authorities have investigated the alliance. Yet, the Angola deployment shows how companies with complex corporate structures can continue operating. Apple has countered such threats with features like Lockdown Mode and security patches, but spyware firms invest heavily to find new vulnerabilities.

The use of this technology against a journalist raises urgent questions about accountability and the safeguards for a free press. While diplomatic efforts like the Pall Mall Process seek to establish norms, enforcement remains a challenge. For journalists in the field, the breach is more than a headline; it represents a direct threat to their safety and that of their sources, underscoring a digital arms race with profound human consequences.

Source: Webpronews