The Washington Post reported, citing informed sources, that the phones of more than 50 US government employees in at least 10 countries contain commercial spyware, and investigations may uncover more such programs.
The newspaper reported, “The numbers (of at least 50 civil servants) have shocked the administration of US President Joe Biden.”
The newspaper’s sources did not specify which company’s spyware was used.
She indicated that the investigation of this case is ongoing, and it is likely that spyware will be found on other phones.
Biden previously issued an executive order banning U.S. government departments and agencies from using commercial malware.
In late 2021, Apple reported that the iPhones of about 12 employees of the US Embassy in Uganda were hacked using Pegasus spyware developed by the Israeli company NSO Group.
The software allows you to steal digital files, eavesdrop on conversations and track the movements of the owner of the phone.
Source: News