Understanding Pegasus: The world’s most advanced spyware¶
Pegasus is a powerful and controversial spyware developed by the Israeli cyber-intelligence company NSO Group. It has become a symbol of the growing power and secrecy behind state-sponsored surveillance. This blog post explains what Pegasus is, how it works, and the impact it has had on cybersecurity and privacy around the world.
What is Pegasus?¶
Pegasus is a spyware tool designed to infiltrate smartphones. It can silently infect devices running either iOS or Android. Once installed, it gives full control to the attacker, allowing access to messages, emails, photos, camera, microphone, location data, and more. It was originally marketed as a law enforcement tool to fight terrorism and crime, but investigations have shown that it has also been used to target journalists, activists, and political figures.
How does Pegasus infect devices?¶
Pegasus uses what are called zero-click exploits, which do not require the user to click on a malicious link or take any action. This sets it apart from traditional malware. One common method used by Pegasus in the past was exploiting vulnerabilities in messaging apps like iMessage or WhatsApp. By simply sending a specially crafted message, the attacker could install Pegasus without the victim ever knowing.
Here is a table showing the types of exploits Pegasus has used:
| Exploit type | Description |
|---|---|
| Zero-click | No user action needed. Exploits flaws in apps like iMessage or WhatsApp. |
| One-click | User is tricked into clicking a malicious link, often through phishing. |
| Jailbreak/rooting | On iPhones or Android phones, it can bypass restrictions and gain root access. |
What can Pegasus do once installed?¶
Pegasus gives its operator full surveillance control over a device. It can:
| Capability | Description |
|---|---|
| Keylogging | Captures keystrokes including passwords and private messages |
| Audio surveillance | Turns on the microphone to eavesdrop on conversations |
| Video surveillance | Accesses the camera to record or stream live video |
| Location tracking | Monitors GPS data to track the phone’s movements in real time |
| Data exfiltration | Steals messages, emails, photos, contact lists, and even encrypted chats |
It operates in stealth mode, using advanced techniques to avoid detection and removal. In many cases, it can delete itself if it detects a risk of exposure.
Can Pegasus infect computers?¶
Pegasus is designed to target mobile operating systems, specifically iOS and Android. There is no confirmed evidence that Pegasus has infected desktop operating systems like Windows, macOS, or Linux. All forensic investigations and research findings so far have focused on mobile infections.
However, attackers may try to access computers in other ways. For example, Pegasus can exfiltrate data from mobile phones that may include email credentials or access tokens. These can then be used in follow-up attacks on desktops. But that second stage is not Pegasus itself but a separate activity using the stolen information.
Here is a breakdown:
| Device type | Direct Pegasus infection? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone (iOS) | Yes | Targeted with zero-click iMessage exploits |
| Android phones | Yes | Targeted through browser, SMS, or sideloaded apps |
| Windows devices | No | No known Pegasus variant for Windows |
| macOS systems | No | Not known to be targeted directly by Pegasus |
| Linux systems | No | No known evidence of Pegasus infections |
While computers are not the primary target, users should still practice good security hygiene across all devices, especially since mobile breaches often lead to wider exposure.
Impact on cybersecurity and privacy¶
Pegasus has changed the landscape of cybersecurity and global surveillance. It has revealed how vulnerable even the most secure phones can be when facing state-grade spyware. Apple, Google, and other companies have responded by patching known vulnerabilities and improving system defenses, but the underlying problem remains: if a device is connected to the internet, it can be targeted.
The spyware has been linked to numerous cases of human rights violations. Investigative journalists and non-profit organizations have found that Pegasus was used to spy on opposition leaders, reporters, lawyers, and activists. This raises deep questions about accountability and the control of cyber weapons.
How to defend against Pegasus¶
For regular users, the chance of being targeted by Pegasus is low. However, high-risk individuals such as journalists, diplomats, and government workers should take precautions:
| Defense method | Details |
|---|---|
| Keep devices updated | Regular updates help patch known vulnerabilities used by spyware |
| Use secure messaging apps | Apps like Signal offer better protection against surveillance |
| Limit app permissions | Restrict access to microphone, camera, and location when not needed |
| Reboot devices daily | Pegasus often lives in memory, and some variants are removed by reboot |
| Use mobile security tools | Lookout and iVerify can help detect signs of compromise |
Using Microsoft Defender to help detect and manage spyware threats¶
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint provides advanced mobile threat defense (MTD) for both Android and iOS devices. While Pegasus is extremely difficult to detect due to its advanced stealth techniques, Microsoft Defender adds a valuable layer of protection, especially in enterprise environments where mobile device management (MDM) is critical.
Microsoft Defender can help in the following ways:
| Feature | Role in Pegasus defense |
|---|---|
| Mobile Threat Defense | Scans for signs of compromise including sideloaded apps and jailbreak/root |
| Integration with Intune | Blocks access to corporate resources if a device is at risk |
| Network protection | Detects and blocks suspicious network traffic from spyware |
| Threat analytics and alerts | Provides security teams with insights on mobile threats and risky behavior |
| Device compliance enforcement | Ensures that only secure, up-to-date devices access sensitive data |
While Microsoft Defender cannot directly remove Pegasus, it contributes to a defense-in-depth strategy. For example, it can detect jailbreaks or unknown configuration profiles that may signal compromise. It also helps isolate suspicious behavior before it spreads or causes further damage in enterprise networks.
How do I find out if I have been compromised?¶
Finding out whether Pegasus has infected your phone is not easy. The spyware is designed to hide from the user and from most commercial antivirus software. Still, there are a few steps you can take to assess risk or confirm compromise.
| Method | What it involves |
|---|---|
| MVT (Mobile Verification Toolkit) | A forensic tool developed by Amnesty International that analyzes phone backups for traces of Pegasus |
| Look for device anomalies | Unusual battery drain, overheating, and microphone or camera use while idle |
| Use mobile security apps | Apps like iVerify (iOS) or Lookout (Android) can scan for jailbreaks and unknown configuration changes |
| Enterprise security dashboards | If using Microsoft Defender or Intune, check compliance and risk reports |
| Professional forensic audit | In high-risk cases, security labs like Citizen Lab or Amnesty Security Lab can conduct a deep forensic analysis |
The most reliable method today is the Mobile Verification Toolkit (MVT). It works by scanning iPhone or Android backups for signs of Pegasus, such as known network indicators or suspicious domain connections. However, this tool requires some technical skill to use. It is available on GitHub and works best when used with guidance from a security expert.
Conclusion¶
Pegasus represents a new level of digital threat. It is quiet, invisible, and highly effective. It shows how cybersecurity is no longer just a technical issue but a political one as well. Protecting against threats like Pegasus requires not only strong technical defenses but also legal and ethical frameworks to control how such tools are developed and used. Microsoft Defender and other modern security platforms offer critical protections, especially when combined with strict device hygiene and constant monitoring.
If you suspect your device may be compromised and you are in a high-risk group, seek expert help. Tools like MVT can reveal much, but they must be used carefully to avoid false positives.