Pegasus Spyware: What It Is, How It Works, and How to Protect Your Phone

Pegasus spyware is one of the best-known examples of "commercial spyware" sold to government clients. It matters because it targets the most personal device you own: your phone. Your phone holds your messages, photos, location history, and even your mic and camera.

This article breaks down what Pegasus is, why "zero-click" attacks are such a big deal, what investigators have reported, and what you can do to reduce risk. It's written in plain language, with practical steps you can actually use.

Important: This is education and safety guidance, not legal advice, and not a guarantee of protection. If you believe you are a high-risk target, consider getting help from a reputable digital security or forensic organization.

🧭 Quick Navigation

• Spotlight on Israeli based Pegasus Spyware software
• Spotlight on Israeli based Pegasus Spyware software – WHAT TO KNOW
• What is 'spyware' and who uses it?
• What can spyware collect?
• Why doesn't encryption stop this?
• What is NSO?
• Who are NSO's customers?
• How are spyware infections found?
• Can I tell if my device was hacked?
• Is my device vulnerable?
• Are there any rules to protect me?
• Are there things I can do to make myself safer?
• Who else can help protect my privacy?

🔍 Spotlight on Israeli based Pegasus Spyware software

Pegasus is spyware developed by the Israeli cyber-arms company NSO Group. It can be covertly installed on mobile phones (and other devices) running most versions of iOS and Android.

In multiple investigations, Pegasus spyware has been described as "mercenary spyware" because it's built for targeted surveillance, not mass spam. It has been associated with "zero-click" techniques—meaning some attacks can work without the victim tapping a link or opening an attachment.

The spyware's name references Pegasus, the winged horse of Greek mythology. Conceptually, it acts like a Trojan horse: it gets in quietly, then opens the door to deep access.

🧩 Why “Pegasus spyware” gets so much attention

Most malware tries to steal money at scale. Pegasus spyware focuses on a smaller number of people, with higher value intelligence goals. Therefore, it aims to be stealthy, persistent, and hard to prove.

That's also why it shows up in major human rights reporting, journalism investigations, and legal fights involving large tech platforms.

🧠 Pegasus spyware in simple terms

Think of Pegasus spyware as a "remote operator" for a phone. If it successfully compromises a device, it may gain access to what you can see and do—messages, calls, photos, location, mic, camera, and app data.

That doesn't mean every phone is actively being watched. However, it does mean the capability exists, and it has been investigated in real-world cases.

⚡ Zero-click attacks: why they’re terrifying

A "zero-click" attack means you may not need to click anything to be compromised. In other words, your normal "don't click weird links" habit is helpful, but it may not be enough against top-tier threats.

Zero-click attacks usually rely on hidden software bugs. Attackers chain those bugs into an exploit that runs silently.

That said, patches still matter. Once vendors fix a bug, the same exploit chain becomes much harder to use. Therefore, updates are not optional if you care about phone security.

📌 Spotlight on Israeli based Pegasus Spyware software – WHAT TO KNOW

If you want the short "map" of this article, use the sections below. Each one answers a common question people ask after hearing about Pegasus spyware.

🕵️ What is 'spyware' and who uses it?

Spyware is a catch-all term for malicious software designed to collect information from someone else's device. Some spyware is crude and depends on weak passwords or outdated phones.

However, the most sophisticated spyware tends to be used by state-level actors, law enforcement, or intelligence services—often through private companies that sell those capabilities. It has also been reported that sophisticated criminal groups seek similar tools.

One example discussed publicly is spyware from another Israeli firm, Candiru. The U.S. government added both NSO Group and Candiru to the Entity List in 2021, citing concerns about their spyware being used to target journalists, activists, officials, and others.

📲 What can spyware collect?

With advanced spyware, almost anything on a phone can be exposed. That includes emails, photos, contacts, call history, and app data.

It can also include location patterns (where you go, when you move, and how you travel). In some reports, advanced spyware can activate microphones and cameras without obvious indicators.

• Messages and chat data (once it reaches the device)
• Call logs and contact networks
• Stored notes, files, and photos
• Location history and movement trends
• Account credentials and authentication tokens

🔐 Why doesn’t encryption stop this?

End-to-end encryption protects data while it travels between devices. It helps block "man-in-the-middle" interception on the network.

However, if spyware is on the phone, it can read content after the phone decrypts it for you. That's why "endpoint" compromise is so powerful: it attacks the device itself, not the pipe between devices.

🏢 Spotlight on Israeli based Pegasus Spyware software – What is NSO?

The NSO Group is a private company based in Israel and is widely known for Pegasus spyware. Founded in 2010, it has publicly claimed it sells to government customers for law enforcement and national security purposes.

According to a U.S. government press release, NSO Group was added to the Entity List in November 2021 due to evidence its spyware was used to maliciously target journalists, activists, officials, and others.

The company has also faced major legal and policy pressure from large platforms and governments. Apple filed a lawsuit against NSO Group in November 2021, aiming to curb alleged abuse against Apple users.

NSO's business profile has also been discussed in financial reporting, including this Moody's note referenced in public coverage.

🌍 Who are NSO’s customers?

NSO Group has typically not publicly listed specific customers, citing confidentiality. Still, independent research has mapped suspected infrastructure and infections across many countries.

For example, Citizen Lab has documented suspected Pegasus infections or operations in many locations worldwide, while also noting an infected phone in a country does not automatically prove that country's government is a paying client. See their work here: infections in 45 locations.

Separately, the U.S. Commerce Department's rationale for adding NSO Group to the Entity List pointed to reported targeting of government officials, journalists, businesspeople, activists, academics, and embassy workers.

NSO has also stated Pegasus should be used only against "suspected criminals and terrorists," including in materials like this NSO document: that it should be used. However, multiple investigations and forensic reports have alleged broader use against civil society and public figures.

🔎 How are spyware infections found?

Modern spyware tries hard to hide. That's why casual "symptoms" are unreliable. Instead, investigators look for technical traces, unusual network indicators, and forensic artifacts.

Amnesty International's Security Lab helped popularize practical detection approaches and published a forensic methodology report related to Pegasus.

One widely referenced tool is the Mobile Verification Toolkit (MVT), designed for consensual forensic analysis to identify traces of compromise.

🚨 Can I tell if my device was hacked?

Usually, no—not with certainty. Pegasus spyware is designed to be quiet and to reduce obvious warning signs.

That's why prevention and risk reduction matter. If you're truly high-risk (journalist, activist, political figure, sensitive corporate role), consider professional help instead of relying on consumer antivirus apps.

📱 Is my device vulnerable?

In theory, almost any smartphone can be vulnerable to a well-funded, targeted exploit chain. In practice, most everyday users are not the typical targets of Pegasus spyware.

Reports consistently suggest higher targeting risk for journalists, human rights workers, diplomats, political figures, and people closely connected to them. Apple also frames "mercenary spyware" as rare, targeted attacks aimed at a small number of people because of who they are or what they do.

Still, outdated devices raise risk across the board. Therefore, if your phone is old and stuck on older software, you're playing defense with one hand tied behind your back.

⚖️ Are there any rules to protect me?

Legal protections vary wildly by country. Some laws prohibit unauthorized access, but enforcement and cross-border accountability can be uneven.

That said, pressure has increased. In the U.S., NSO Group's placement on the Entity List is one example of government action tied to spyware misuse concerns.

In addition, major platform cases have moved forward. For example, reporting in 2024–2025 described U.S. court outcomes and damages in Meta/WhatsApp's long-running case involving Pegasus-linked activity.

🛡️ Are there things I can do to make myself safer?

Yes, and you should do them even if you're not a "high-profile" person. These steps reduce risk from everyday attacks and also raise the cost of targeted attacks.

• Update fast: turn on automatic OS and app updates, and avoid running old operating systems.
• Use strong authentication: unique passwords plus MFA (prefer app-based or hardware keys when possible).
• Reduce attack surface: remove unused apps, avoid sketchy profiles, and limit risky permissions.
• Be link-paranoid: phishing is still the #1 entry point for most people, even if zero-click exists.

CISA summarizes core user best practices simply: use strong passwords, keep software updated, and think before clicking suspicious links.

If you are at higher risk, consider "extreme" protections. Apple's Lockdown Mode is specifically designed for a small group of users who may be personally targeted by highly sophisticated attacks.

On the Google side, the Advanced Protection Program is intended for people with higher exposure to targeted attacks, adding stricter account-level safeguards.

🤝 Who else can help protect my privacy?

Device makers and platform providers have massive leverage. Apple and Google can patch vulnerabilities, harden system features, and notify users who appear individually targeted.

Independent research groups also matter. Citizen Lab has published influential investigations into Pegasus spyware activity over multiple years, including the earliest public exposure tied to the 2016 targeting of Ahmed Mansoor.

If you need help, Amnesty's Security Lab provides information and pointers for digital forensic support, including MVT-related resources.

🧾 A short timeline: from discovery to global scandal

Pegasus spyware entered mainstream awareness in 2016 after researchers investigated an attempted compromise of UAE human rights defender Ahmed Mansoor's iPhone. Citizen Lab published a landmark report in August 2016 describing an iPhone zero-day chain linked to NSO Group.

Then, in July 2021, the Pegasus Project reporting collaboration—coordinated by Forbidden Stories and supported by Amnesty—brought global attention to alleged targeting patterns.

More recently, Citizen Lab reported seeing iOS 15 and iOS 16 zero-click exploit chains used in 2022 against civil society targets in multiple cases they investigated.

🌍 The Pegasus Project investigation: what was reported

Forbidden Stories described an "unprecedented leak" of more than 50,000 phone numbers that were allegedly selected for potential surveillance by customers of NSO Group.

Amnesty and partner outlets reported that forensic checks on a subset of devices found evidence consistent with attempted or successful compromise in some cases. It's crucial to understand the nuance: a phone number on a list is not the same as proof of infection, but the reporting connected list timing with later targeting attempts in multiple examples.

If you want deep background reading, PBS FRONTLINE and partners also published supporting coverage around this investigation.

⚖️ Governments, platforms, and lawsuits: the pressure campaign

Governments have taken steps to restrict commercial spyware firms. In the U.S., NSO Group and Candiru were added to the Commerce Department's Entity List in November 2021, citing evidence of malicious targeting.

Platforms also fought back. Apple announced a lawsuit against NSO Group in November 2021 and described efforts to stop alleged targeting of Apple users.

Meanwhile, the WhatsApp/Meta case against NSO produced major court outcomes and reported damages in 2025, according to multiple outlets. That case matters because it shows there can be consequences for spyware ecosystems—not just victims.

🧰 Practical steps that actually move the needle

If you only do three things, do these: update fast, use strong authentication, and reduce your exposure to sketchy links and profiles. It's boring, but it works against most real-world threats.

Then, if you're higher risk, add specialized protections. That includes Lockdown Mode (Apple) and Advanced Protection (Google), plus professional threat modeling for your role and situation.

• Turn on automatic updates (OS + apps).
• Use a password manager and enable MFA everywhere.
• Review app permissions quarterly (mic, camera, location).
• Keep backups so you can wipe and restore if needed.
• Separate identities: one device/account for high-risk work, another for casual life, if possible.

❓ FAQ: Pegasus spyware

🧠 What is Pegasus spyware used for?

Pegasus spyware is designed for targeted phone surveillance. Investigations have linked it to monitoring of journalists, activists, officials, and other high-value targets.

🧩 Is Pegasus spyware a virus?

It's commonly described as spyware, and it behaves like a Trojan-style compromise. Practically, it can provide deep access to a phone once installed.

⚡ What does “zero-click” mean?

Zero-click means an attacker may not need you to tap a link or open a file. It typically abuses hidden software bugs to run code silently.

🔐 Does end-to-end encryption stop Pegasus spyware?

Encryption protects data in transit. If spyware is on the device, it can read content after it's decrypted for you.

📱 Can Pegasus spyware infect Android and iPhone?

Public reporting and research have discussed both iOS and Android targeting. However, evidence can be easier to verify on iOS in some forensic workflows due to logging differences.

🕵️ How do researchers detect Pegasus spyware?

They look for forensic traces, unusual indicators, and known patterns. Amnesty's Security Lab and MVT are widely referenced in public investigations.

🚨 Will my phone show signs if it’s hacked?

Often, no. That's why prevention, updates, and risk reduction are your best defaults.

🛡️ What is the best defense against Pegasus spyware?

Keep your device updated, use strong authentication, and reduce exposure to risky links and profiles. If you are high-risk, consider Lockdown Mode and professional support.

🧰 What is Apple Lockdown Mode?

Lockdown Mode is an optional "extreme" protection meant for a small group of people who may be personally targeted by highly sophisticated attacks.

🧱 What is Google Advanced Protection?

It's Google's strongest account protection layer, designed for people at higher risk of targeted attacks.

⚖️ Has NSO Group faced consequences?

NSO has faced government restrictions (like U.S. Entity List placement) and major platform lawsuits, including Apple's and Meta/WhatsApp's actions.

🤝 Where can I get help if I think I’m targeted?

Start with reputable resources like Amnesty's Security Lab guidance and consult a trusted digital security professional for your situation.

✅ Final takeaways (and what to do next)

Pegasus spyware is not "normal malware." It's a high-end surveillance tool that has been tied to serious allegations of misuse and human rights impacts. That's why it keeps showing up in global investigations and court battles.

For most people, the best move is still the same: update fast, lock down accounts, and keep your phone's attack surface small. For high-risk people, add extreme protections and get professional help.

If you want help improving your overall security setup (passwords, MFA, device hardening, privacy hygiene), reach out here: Contact MiltonMarketing.com or open support here: Support.

Related internal reading: Cybersecurity articles.

📚 Sources & References

• Citizen Lab (2016): The Million Dollar Dissident
• Forbidden Stories: About the Pegasus Project
• Amnesty International: Pegasus Project press release
• U.S. BIS (.gov): NSO Group added to the Entity List (Nov 2021)
• Apple Support: About Lockdown Mode
• Apple Support: Threat notifications & mercenary spyware
• CISA (.gov): Cybersecurity Best Practices

Related Videos:

Related Posts:

Contextualising Legal Research: Practical Methods Guide

Coase Social Cost: 17 Practical Insights for Law + Econ

Spur Industries v Del E Webb: Indemnity and Urban Growth

Rawls Theory of Justice Explained: Justice as Fairness

Modern AI Concepts Explained: 5 Pillars Shaping Our Future