iPhone spyware highlights Israel's advanced surveillance prowess
The discovery of sophisticated spyware to infiltrate and remotely take control of iPhones without leaving a trace has put a spotlight on Israel's secretive surveillance industry, considered among the world's most advanced.
Apple rushed out a security update last week after researchers said a prominent Emirati rights activist was targeted by "Pegasus" spyware attributed to Israeli firm NSO Group, based in Herzliya in the country's "Silicon Valley." The NSO Group, now owned by U.S. private equity firm Francisco Partners Management, has flown far under the radar, without even a website. It's among 27 surveillance firms headquartered in Israel, according to a recent report from the British NGO Privacy International - putting the country of eight million people at the top of the list on a per capita basis.
But activists question whether enough attention is paid to the potential for abuse of such invasive technology, including whether governments will simply target opponents.
"Opposition activists, human rights defenders, and journalists have been placed under intrusive government surveillance and individuals have had their communications read to them during torture," Privacy International said. "State agencies are also utilising technologies used for surveillance for offensive and military purposes as well as espionage."
At: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tech/tech-news/iPhone-spyware-highlights-Israels-advanced-surveillance-prowess/articleshow/53910538.cms