What would you do if your microphones and cameras were activated without your permission?
It’s scary, isn’t it? But how is this possible?
Are your devices susceptible to cyber-attacks
Cyber-attacks are now being carried out with zero click installations.
Zero-click is a name that suggests it targets users with zero clicks. Without any suspicious notifications, intruders hack into the mobile phone and steal the user’s data.
Other spyware attacks are usually initiated by the user. This happens when users click on malicious links or give permission to install apps from any source.
The Zeroclick attack, however, allows the spyware to infiltrate the device without alerts.
Once the dangerous software has entered the device, it immediately creates an exploit that allows the user to steal their confidential information and misuse them.
This data breach can happen on any device, regardless of which brand it is.
Pegasus, a spyware, has been targeted worldwide for 50k+ phone numbers in recent years.
Pegasus, the powerful spyware created by NSO Group in Israel, can exploit nearly all versions of iOS and android (versions upto 14.6).
This spyware could be remotely installed on our devices, similar to the Zero-click attack. Imagine that the virus could be installed remotely through a WhatsApp call. It hacks the device using a highly-crafted secret message.
What could be the worst thing that could happen to a zero-click attack.
It is risky business. It can track everything from browsing history to financial records and steal all data. This could be sold to third parties, or it could misuse sensitive information.
How can we detect spyware on our devices?
It is not easy to detect Pegasus spyware on our device. It is not easy to spot. It is constructed with anti-forensic and self-destruction features. There are no traceable traces even when it is removed.
According to some surveys, the majority of infected devices are iPhones. Amnesty International, a human rights organization, helps to identify the spyware using an open-source tool, “MVT” (“Mobile Verification Toolkit). This tool scans devices for indicators or compromise (IOC), which can be used to prove that the device has been infected by malicious links and texts.
Keep these things in mind
These are some steps that you can take to protect your device against cyber security threats.
- If the link is not reliable, don’t be fooled.
- Only install applications from authorized sources.
- Make sure to check for updates and update your OS regularly.
- Do not connect to Wi-Fi networks while accessing sensitive information.
- Secure your device data with an end-to-end encryption system and remote wiping capabilities.
Conclusion:
Despite following the above steps, Zero-click attacks can still intrude on our devices without our conscious. However, prevention is always better than treatment. We need to be vigilant about these cyber security attacks and take the appropriate steps to protect ourselves.
It would also be impossible for anyone to gain control of devices without being aware of cybersecurity and cyberattacks. Register for online cyber security courses to prepare for all types of attacks on network security. Register for our cybersecurity course to keep up-to-date with current cyber trends.
