Former Polish Official Caught Using Pegasus Spyware to Spy on Citizens and Political Opponents

Liputan6.com, Jakarta – A former Polish government official faces criminal charges after allegedly using spyware to monitor political opponents and other parties.

It is known that the Pegasus spyware was used by the former official to monitor his political opponents and other parties.

Poland had officially launched a parliamentary inquiry into potential misuse of surveillance software by the previous government in February.

On Monday, the Minister of Justice, Adam Bodnar, said that Pegasus victims would soon receive notification that they had been targeted by NSO Group's spyware.

“In the coming months, we will find out more about how this malicious software is used and for what purposes,” said Bodnar as quoted by The Register, Wednesday (3/4/2024).

“We don't yet know who will be accused, whether several people, ministers or security agency officers,” he said.

Information, Pegasus is spyware developed by the NSO Group. Based in Israel, the company has been the subject of numerous lawsuits, export restrictions, and European Parliament investigations.

Unlike other malware and spyware, Pegasus does not need to trick victims into downloading and installing the malicious program onto the device.

With this snoopware, cybercriminals can listen to victims' calls, read messages and view their photos.

Not only that, this spyware made by the NSO Group can also access files, contacts and other applications and functions.

Despite numerous reports of abuse, the only documented use of Pegasus is to detain and prosecute political dissidents, lawyers, journalists, academics, and activists.

NSO says its data-stealing software is only sold to governments for legitimate uses such as fighting crime and preventing terrorist attacks.