Predator Spyware leverages “one-click” and “zero-click” exploits

Recent research shows Predator spyware has resurfaced with improved evasion techniques, despite US sanctions. It’s still active in countries like the DRC and Angola, targeting high-profile individuals with harder-to-track infrastructure, highlighting the need for stronger cybersecurity.

Defenders can reduce risks through regular updates, lockdown mode, and mobile device management. International cooperation is key to controlling spyware’s spread as it continues to evolve.

Predator Spyware

Predator spyware, linked to Intellexa, has resurfaced after a lull. Despite sanctions, its infrastructure is active again, threatening privacy and security.

Operators of Predator spyware have adopted sophisticated techniques to better conceal their activities, making it increasingly difficult to track and attribute their attacks. This evolution highlights the ongoing challenges in countering advanced spyware threats.

Predator’s capabilities include remote device infiltration and data exfiltration, which allow governments and other entities to secretly monitor citizens and access sensitive information without their knowledge.

The spyware’s operators have further strengthened their infrastructure by incorporating a new layer of anonymization into their multi-tiered delivery system. This added layer complicates efforts to trace the spyware’s origins and monitor its usage, making it a more elusive and dangerous threat.

While attack methods like “one-click” and “zero-click” remain the same, Predator’s more complex infrastructure increases the risk to high-profile individuals. The spyware targets politicians, executives, journalists, and activists, with its high licensing cost suggesting use for strategic purposes.

The European Union is concerned about its misuse, as seen in investigations in Greece and Poland. To reduce the risk, individuals and organizations should focus on regular updates, device reboots, and lockdown mode.

MDM systems secure employee devices, and security training helps protect against social engineering. The spyware market is growing with new, advanced tools despite regulation efforts. Insikt Group’s investigation into Predator spyware has sparked calls for stricter regulations, but the spyware threat remains until global action is taken.