NSO Group, an Israeli company known for its advanced cyber weaponry, has been ordered by a US court to provide instant messaging platform WhatsApp with codes of its notorious spyware Pegasus, as well as other spyware technology.&nbsp;

The instructions were handed down as part of an ongoing legal battle in which WhatsApp had alleged that the Israeli company's spyware was used against 1,400 WhatsApp users over a two-week period.

<h2>A major legal victory</h2>

As per the Guardian, this is a major legal victory for Meta-owned WhatsApp which launched the lawsuit against NSO in 2019. The Pegasus code, along with the&nbsp;code of other surveillance products, is considered a closely guarded state secret by NSO.&nbsp;

The company is subject to strict regulation by the Israeli ministry of defence, which must approve all sales of its licences to foreign governments.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebooks-meta-stops-paying-news-publishers-in-australia-pull-down-news-tab-695471">Meta stops paying news publishers in Australia, pulls down news tab in ongoing tussle</a>

Despite NSO's plea to be excused from its discovery obligations due to "various US and Israeli restrictions," Judge Phyllis Hamilton ruled in favour of WhatsApp. She ordered NSO to produce "all relevant spyware" from the period one year before and after the alleged attacks on WhatsApp users, from 29 April 2018 to 10 May 2020.&nbsp;

Additionally, NSO is also required to provide WhatsApp with information "concerning the full functionality of the relevant spyware."

However, Judge Hamilton ruled in NSO's favour on one issue: the company will not have to disclose its clients' names or information about its server architecture.

Watch |&nbsp;Dozens in Jordan targeted by authorities via Pegasus, says reports

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Celebrating the victory as a "milestone," a WhatsApp spokesperson said: "The recent court ruling is an important milestone in our long-running goal of protecting WhatsApp users against unlawful attacks. Spyware companies and other malicious actors need to understand they can be caught and will not be able to ignore the law."

<h2>What is Pegasus?</h2>

NSO's Pegasus software is a powerful spyware capable of hacking any mobile phone, and obtaining unrestricted access to phone calls, emails, photos, location data, and encrypted messages without the user's knowledge.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nso-snoop-row-how-pegasus-broke-into-whatsapp-260055">Explainer: NSO spygate row - How Pegasus broke into WhatsApp</a>

Its maker, NSO, was blacklisted by the Joe Biden administration in 2021, citing actions "contrary to the foreign policy and national security interests of the US".

NSO sells its spyware to government clients worldwide, and maintains that the agencies using its technology are responsible for its use. While NSO does not disclose its clients' identities, research and media reports have linked countries such as Poland, Saudi Arabia, Rwanda, India, Hungary, and the United Arab Emirates using Pegasus against dissidents, journalists, and human rights activists.

(With inputs from agencies)

NSO Group, an Israeli company known for its advanced cyber weaponry, has been ordered by a US court to provide instant messaging platform WhatsApp with codes of its notorious spyware Pegasus, as well as other spyware technology.

NSO Group, an Israeli company known for its advanced cyber weaponry, has been ordered by a US court to provide instant messaging platform WhatsApp with codes of its notorious spyware Pegasus, as well as other spyware technology. The instructions were handed down as part of an ongoing legal battle in which WhatsApp had alleged that the Israeli company's spyware was used against 1,400 WhatsApp users over a two-week period. A major legal victory As per the Guardian, this is a major legal victory for Meta-owned WhatsApp which launched the lawsuit against NSO in 2019. The Pegasus code, along with the code of other surveillance products, is considered a closely guarded state secret by NSO. The company is subject to strict regulation by the Israeli ministry of defence, which must approve all sales of its licences to foreign governments. Also read | Meta stops paying news publishers in Australia, pulls down news tab in ongoing tussle Despite NSO's plea to be excused from its discovery obligations due to "various US and Israeli restrictions," Judge Phyllis Hamilton ruled in favour of WhatsApp. She ordered NSO to produce "all relevant spyware" from the period one year before and after the alleged attacks on WhatsApp users, from 29 April 2018 to 10 May 2020. Additionally, NSO is also required to provide WhatsApp with information "concerning the full functionality of the relevant spyware." However, Judge Hamilton ruled in NSO's favour on one issue: the company will not have to disclose its clients' names or information about its server architecture. Watch | Dozens in Jordan targeted by authorities via Pegasus, says reports × Celebrating the victory as a "milestone," a WhatsApp spokesperson said: "The recent court ruling is an important milestone in our long-running goal of protecting WhatsApp users against unlawful attacks. Spyware companies and other malicious actors need to understand they can be caught and will not be able to ignore the law." What is Pegasus? NSO's Pegasus software is a powerful spyware capable of hacking any mobile phone, and obtaining unrestricted access to phone calls, emails, photos, location data, and encrypted messages without the user's knowledge. Also read | Explainer: NSO spygate row - How Pegasus broke into WhatsApp Its maker, NSO, was blacklisted by the Joe Biden administration in 2021, citing actions "contrary to the foreign policy and national security interests of the US". NSO sells its spyware to government clients worldwide, and maintains that the agencies using its technology are responsible for its use. While NSO does not disclose its clients' identities, research and media reports have linked countries such as Poland, Saudi Arabia, Rwanda, India, Hungary, and the United Arab Emirates using Pegasus against dissidents, journalists, and human rights activists. (With inputs from agencies)

US judge orders Pegasus maker NSO to share secret spyware code with WhatsApp

Israeli spyware firm NSO group that manufactures the controversial Pegasus software has announced a change in the top hierarchy. Reportedly, the company's Chief Executive Officer Shalev Hulio has stepped down with immediate effect from his position on Sunday.

Israeli spyware firm NSO group that manufactures the controversial Pegasus software has announced a change in the top hierarchy. Reportedly, the company's Chief Executive Officer Shalev Hulio has stepped down with immediate effect from his position on Sunday. Additionally, the company is laying off 100 employees out of its workforce of 750. According to the company, Hulio will be replaced by Chief Operating Officer Yaron Shohat who will oversee the reorganisation of the company until a new successor is placed. Speaking about the company's flagship product after the announcement, Shohat said, "The company’s products remain in high demand with governments and law enforcement agencies because of its cutting-edge technology and proven ability to assist these customers in fighting crime and terror." It is pertinent to note that in March last year, Hulio had told his employees that he might be leaving the post soon. At the time, Hulio said that he would remain part of the firm but would recommend hiring a professional CEO with experience in managing public companies if NSO Group went public. However, Hulio stepped down the same year as the CEO, only to take the place again after two weeks as his replacement Isaac Benbenisti quit the company. Read more: NSO Group's chairman Asher Levi quits amid row over use of Pegasus spyware on Israeli citizens The Pegasus controversy The company has been wading in stormy waters, ever since its Pegasus spyware and its potent spying capabilities were revealed to the world. Forbidden Stories along with Amnesty International and a consortium of journalists from 17 news outlets across the world first exposed Pegasus and its use by various governments across the globe. As reported by WION, Pegasus infiltrates phones to vacuum up personal and location data and surreptitiously controls the smartphone’s microphones and cameras The company is also being sued by Mark Zuckerberg for allegedly targeting some 1,400 users of its encrypted messaging service WhatsApp with its spyware. Moreover, In November last year, Apple sued NSO, saying it violated US laws by breaking into the software installed on iPhones. Read more: Pegasus snooping: US blacklists spyware maker NSO Group for maliciously targetting journalists (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Israel: NSO Group CEO steps down amid mounting legal action over Pegasus sypware

Israel's domestic spying scandal has widened, a new report has divulged illicit use of the powerful spyware Pegasus by Israeli police to hack the phones of dozens of prominent figures. Following the report, the Israeli government has announced to set up a national inquiry.

'Unacceptable in a democracy' Naftali Bennett to set up national inquiry over Police Pegasus scandal

In light of the Pegasus spying scandal, Apple on Tuesday has filed a lawsuit seeking to prevent NSO Group from targeting the over one billion iPhones in circulation.

Silicon Valley giant's suit adds to the trouble that is plaguing NSO, an Israeli spyware maker embroiled in controversy over reports that tens of thousands of activists, journalists and politicians may be targeted by its Pegasus spyware.

Just weeks ago, the United States blacklisted NSO, restricting exports from American groups over claims that the Israeli firm "enabled foreign governments to conduct transnational repression."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pegasus-snooping-us-blacklists-spyware-maker-nso-group-for-maliciously-targetting-journalists-426591">Pegasus snooping: US blacklists spyware maker NSO Group for maliciously targetting journalists</a>

"To prevent further abuse and harm to its users, Apple is also seeking a permanent injunction to ban NSO Group from using any Apple software, services, or devices," Apple said in a statement announcing the lawsuit filed in US federal court in California.

"Defendants are notorious hackers — amoral 21st century mercenaries who have created highly sophisticated cyber-surveillance machinery that invites routine and flagrant abuse," the iPhone maker wrote in its case.

The NSO has consistently denied any wrongdoing and insisted its software is intended only for use by authorities in combating terrorism and other crimes.

"Pedophiles and terrorists can freely operate in technological safe-havens, and we provide governments the lawful tools to fight it. NSO group will continue to advocate for the truth," the firm said in a statement.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: WION's take on the 'Pegasus Project'

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Through Pegasus, infected smartphones become pocket spying devices that allow users to read target's read messages, view photos, track location, and even turn on the camera without the target's knowledge.

Apple is not the first big tech firm to sue -- Facebook sued NSO Group in 2019, accusing it of carrying out cyber espionage against journalists, human rights activists, and others through WhatsApp.

The lawsuit filed in federal court in California alleges that approximately 1,400 devices were compromised with malicious software to steal valuable information.

"This can't be good news for NSO, which is reportedly in danger of default with over $500 million in debt, a recent leadership shakeup with their CEO, and France pulling out of a planned purchase after the US sanctions," said Jake Williams from cybersecurity firm BreachQuest.

The initial concern about Pegasus was followed by another wave of concerns when Apple released a "fix" in September for a vulnerability that allowed NSO's spyware to infect devices without the user even clicking on a malicious message or link.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/apple-issues-emergency-security-updates-to-close-a-spyware-flaw-413956">Apple issues emergency security updates to close a spyware flaw</a>

Scientists at Citizen Lab, a Canadian cybersecurity watchdog organization, discovered the so-called "zero click" attack that silently corrupts the targeted device.

On Tuesday, Apple said it is notifying a "small number" of users who may have been attacked in that way.

"Mercenary spyware firms like NSO Group have facilitated some of the world's worst human rights abuses and acts of transnational repression, while enriching themselves and their investors," said Citizen Lab director Ron Deibert.

(With inputs from agencies)

In light of the Pegasus spying scandal, Apple on Tuesday has filed a lawsuit seeking to prevent NSO Group from targeting the over one billion iPhones in circulation.

In light of the Pegasus spying scandal, Apple on Tuesday has filed a lawsuit seeking to prevent NSO Group from targeting the over one billion iPhones in circulation. Silicon Valley giant's suit adds to the trouble that is plaguing NSO, an Israeli spyware maker embroiled in controversy over reports that tens of thousands of activists, journalists and politicians may be targeted by its Pegasus spyware. Just weeks ago, the United States blacklisted NSO, restricting exports from American groups over claims that the Israeli firm "enabled foreign governments to conduct transnational repression." Also read | Pegasus snooping: US blacklists spyware maker NSO Group for maliciously targetting journalists "To prevent further abuse and harm to its users, Apple is also seeking a permanent injunction to ban NSO Group from using any Apple software, services, or devices," Apple said in a statement announcing the lawsuit filed in US federal court in California. "Defendants are notorious hackers — amoral 21st century mercenaries who have created highly sophisticated cyber-surveillance machinery that invites routine and flagrant abuse," the iPhone maker wrote in its case. The NSO has consistently denied any wrongdoing and insisted its software is intended only for use by authorities in combating terrorism and other crimes. "Pedophiles and terrorists can freely operate in technological safe-havens, and we provide governments the lawful tools to fight it. NSO group will continue to advocate for the truth," the firm said in a statement. Watch | Gravitas: WION's take on the 'Pegasus Project' Through Pegasus, infected smartphones become pocket spying devices that allow users to read target's read messages, view photos, track location, and even turn on the camera without the target's knowledge. Apple is not the first big tech firm to sue -- Facebook sued NSO Group in 2019, accusing it of carrying out cyber espionage against journalists, human rights activists, and others through WhatsApp. The lawsuit filed in federal court in California alleges that approximately 1,400 devices were compromised with malicious software to steal valuable information. "This can't be good news for NSO, which is reportedly in danger of default with over $500 million in debt, a recent leadership shakeup with their CEO, and France pulling out of a planned purchase after the US sanctions," said Jake Williams from cybersecurity firm BreachQuest. The initial concern about Pegasus was followed by another wave of concerns when Apple released a "fix" in September for a vulnerability that allowed NSO's spyware to infect devices without the user even clicking on a malicious message or link. Also read | Apple issues emergency security updates to close a spyware flaw Scientists at Citizen Lab, a Canadian cybersecurity watchdog organization, discovered the so-called "zero click" attack that silently corrupts the targeted device. On Tuesday, Apple said it is notifying a "small number" of users who may have been attacked in that way. "Mercenary spyware firms like NSO Group have facilitated some of the world's worst human rights abuses and acts of transnational repression, while enriching themselves and their investors," said Citizen Lab director Ron Deibert. (With inputs from agencies)

Pegasus snooping row: Apple files lawsuit against Israel's NSO

The Supreme Court on Tuesday took exception to "parallel debate" on social media by petitioners who are seeking a court-monitored probe into the reports of the government allegedly using Israeli software Pegasus to spy on politicians, activists, and journalists.

A Bench of Chief Justice of India NV Ramana, Justice Vineet Saran and Justice Surya Kant asked the petitioners to refrain from indulging in parallel debates outside the Court on social media platforms and told them to have faith in the system.

There has to be some discipline when the court is examining the matter, if they have some points to raise, they can do so by filing an affidavit, the Bench told counsels appearing for petitioners in the case.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/russia-africa-show-robust-support-for-indias-maritime-meet-at-unsc-404401">Russia, Africa show robust support for India's maritime meet at UNSC</a>

CJI Ramana said, "This is the message of me and my two brothers. All petitioners are expected to answer the queries of the court through the debate in the court. If they want to say something through social media, Twitter, etc., it is for them. You all have come to the court and you speak through the counsels. We don't want parallel debates. You must have faith in the system. There must be some discipline."

"We asked some questions. There is an adjudication process. Sometimes it may be inconvenient to you. That's how this process is. Both sides have to face the music. If they want to bring something to our notice, you bring it through an affidavit. We expect they answer our queries through a proper debate in court and not outside," he added.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal appearing for senior journalists N Ram and Sashi Kumar said he agreed that when a case is going on it should not be discussed outside.

Sibal mentioned that on the last date of hearing the CJI had enquired about a California court case regarding the use of Pegasus to infiltrate WhatsApp, and referred to the trolling of N Ram on Twitter regarding the issue.

It was taken out of context, but debates must not cross the limits, CJI said.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-india-leads-from-front-china-agrees-to-uns-sea-law-at-unsc-presidential-statement-404396">As India leads from front, China agrees to UN's sea law at UNSC presidential statement</a>

During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appearing for the Central government sought time to file a reply in the case till Friday. The Bench then posted the matter for August 16 to decide whether or not to issue a notice in the petitions seeking probe into the Pegasus snooping issue.

In the earlier hearing, the top court had asked the petitioners to serve a copy of their petitions to the Central government's law officers and it would take up the matter on Tuesday. It said without the Central government present in the hearing, the bench could not proceed as of now.

It had observed that the allegations about the Central government allegedly using Israeli software Pegasus to spy on people "are serious if news reports are correct".

The apex court, however, asked people who approached the Court why was any criminal complaint not registered by persons affected by the snooping.

There are ten pleas before the top court which were filed by senior journalists N Ram, and Sashi Kumar, Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas of Communist Marxist Party of India (Marxist) and advocate ML Sharma.

Journalist Paranjoy Guha Thakurta, SNM Abdi, Prem Shankar Jha, Rupesh Kumar Singh, former minister Yashwant Sinha and Ipsa Shatakshi, who are reported to be on the potential list of snoop targets of Pegasus spyware, had also approached the top court along with The Editors Guild of India (EGI) among others. (ANI)

The Supreme Court on Tuesday took exception to "parallel debate" on social media by petitioners who are seeking a court-monitored probe into the reports of the government allegedly using Israeli software Pegasus to spy on politicians, activists, and journalists.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday took exception to "parallel debate" on social media by petitioners who are seeking a court-monitored probe into the reports of the government allegedly using Israeli software Pegasus to spy on politicians, activists, and journalists. A Bench of Chief Justice of India NV Ramana, Justice Vineet Saran and Justice Surya Kant asked the petitioners to refrain from indulging in parallel debates outside the Court on social media platforms and told them to have faith in the system. There has to be some discipline when the court is examining the matter, if they have some points to raise, they can do so by filing an affidavit, the Bench told counsels appearing for petitioners in the case. ALSO READ | Russia, Africa show robust support for India's maritime meet at UNSC CJI Ramana said, "This is the message of me and my two brothers. All petitioners are expected to answer the queries of the court through the debate in the court. If they want to say something through social media, Twitter, etc., it is for them. You all have come to the court and you speak through the counsels. We don't want parallel debates. You must have faith in the system. There must be some discipline." "We asked some questions. There is an adjudication process. Sometimes it may be inconvenient to you. That's how this process is. Both sides have to face the music. If they want to bring something to our notice, you bring it through an affidavit. We expect they answer our queries through a proper debate in court and not outside," he added. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal appearing for senior journalists N Ram and Sashi Kumar said he agreed that when a case is going on it should not be discussed outside. Sibal mentioned that on the last date of hearing the CJI had enquired about a California court case regarding the use of Pegasus to infiltrate WhatsApp, and referred to the trolling of N Ram on Twitter regarding the issue. It was taken out of context, but debates must not cross the limits, CJI said. ALSO READ | As India leads from front, China agrees to UN's sea law at UNSC presidential statement During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appearing for the Central government sought time to file a reply in the case till Friday. The Bench then posted the matter for August 16 to decide whether or not to issue a notice in the petitions seeking probe into the Pegasus snooping issue. In the earlier hearing, the top court had asked the petitioners to serve a copy of their petitions to the Central government's law officers and it would take up the matter on Tuesday. It said without the Central government present in the hearing, the bench could not proceed as of now. It had observed that the allegations about the Central government allegedly using Israeli software Pegasus to spy on people "are serious if news reports are correct". The apex court, however, asked people who approached the Court why was any criminal complaint not registered by persons affected by the snooping. There are ten pleas before the top court which were filed by senior journalists N Ram, and Sashi Kumar, Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas of Communist Marxist Party of India (Marxist) and advocate ML Sharma. Journalist Paranjoy Guha Thakurta, SNM Abdi, Prem Shankar Jha, Rupesh Kumar Singh, former minister Yashwant Sinha and Ipsa Shatakshi, who are reported to be on the potential list of snoop targets of Pegasus spyware, had also approached the top court along with The Editors Guild of India (EGI) among others. (ANI)

Pegasus issue: Indian Supreme Court urges petitioners to refrain from parallel debate on social media

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US judge orders Pegasus maker NSO to share secret spyware code with WhatsApp

Israel: NSO Group CEO steps down amid mounting legal action over Pegasus sypware

'Unacceptable in a democracy' Naftali Bennett to set up national inquiry over Police Pegasus scandal

Pegasus snooping row: Apple files lawsuit against Israel's NSO

Pegasus issue: Indian Supreme Court urges petitioners to refrain from parallel debate on social media