Darknet Diaries
100: NSO
Aug 31, 2021
In this discussion, John Scott-Railton, a senior researcher at Citizen Lab, unpacks the alarming implications of the NSO Group's spyware, Pegasus. He shares insights on how this invasive software is wielded by governments against journalists and activists, stirring ethical concerns about surveillance. The podcast reveals chilling cases, including the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, showcasing the urgent need for accountability in tech. Scott-Railton emphasizes vulnerabilities in mobile security and the challenges facing civil liberties in a digitally hostile world.
01:09:25
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Quick takeaways
- NSO Group sells the Pegasus spyware to governments, raising concerns about its potential for abuse and violation of human rights.
- The use of Pegasus extends beyond fighting crime and terrorism, targeting journalists, lawyers, and families of cartel victims, indicating a disturbing alliance between powerful operators and criminal behavior.
Deep dives
Key Point 1: Magic Lantern - FBI's Use of Keylogger
Magic Lantern is a keylogger malware used by the FBI to capture keystrokes on target computers. It infects computers through email attachments and records all typed information, including messages, private chats, and passwords. The use of Magic Lantern sparked a debate in the security community about whether antivirus companies should detect and report on the FBI's activities.
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