Apple Sues Israeli Company Selling iPhone Hacking Software

by Kwon Jaehee

Published 24 Nov.2021 10:30(KST)

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Apple has filed a lawsuit against Israeli company NSO, which developed and sold an iPhone hacking program.

According to CNBC on the 23rd (local time), Apple filed a lawsuit in the Northern District Court of California against Israeli company NSO, which developed and sold the iPhone hacking program "Pegasus." In the complaint submitted to the court, Apple requested a permanent ban on NSO Group from using Apple software, services, and devices. Additionally, Apple demanded damages exceeding $75,000 (approximately 89 million KRW).

Earlier this year, Amnesty International revealed that the latest iPhones of journalists and human rights lawyers were found infected with malware developed by NSO Group called "Pegasus." Amnesty International discovered a hacked iPhone 12 earlier this year and revealed that 50,000 phone numbers had been leaked.

According to the complaint Apple submitted to the Northern District Court of California, Pegasus users were able to remotely monitor the activities of iPhone owners. It was also found that they could collect emails, text messages, browsing history, and even access the device’s microphone and camera.

Apple stated, "NSO Group’s software was able to access personal data on iPhones through a 'zero-click' attack, where malware is delivered via text messages," and added, "This vulnerability has now been fixed."

Through this lawsuit, Apple announced that it will donate not only the damages of $75,000 (approximately 89 million KRW) but also $10 million to organizations fighting digital surveillance.

NSO Group, in a statement, claimed, "Thanks to the technology used by our clients, thousands of lives around the world have been saved," and asserted, "We provide legitimate tools to fight against pedophiles, terrorists, and others."