Recently, a US citizen’s phone was the target of a hacking operation using the Predator spyware. This was reported by the New York Times and is the first known case of an American citizen being targeted with this type of technology within the European Union. According to documents obtained and officials with knowledge of the case, the US citizen worked on Meta’s security and trust team in Greece and was placed under a yearlong wiretap by the Greek national intelligence service.
The surveillance of the target and the way she was hacked indicate that both the spy service and whoever implanted the spyware were working in tandem, demonstrating that the illicit use of spyware is no longer limited to authoritarian governments and is now infiltrating democracies. This is a major cause for concern, as the implications for privacy and civil liberties could be far-reaching.
The incident is an example of how quickly technology can become weaponized, and how much more vulnerable we are to surveillance than we previously thought. It’s a reminder to all citizens, particularly those in the tech industry, that they must remain vigilant to protect themselves against potential cyber attackers.
The case highlights the need for greater transparency and oversight when it comes to surveillance operations. It is essential that governments are held accountable for their actions and that citizens are aware of their rights and how to protect them.
In conclusion, the case of the US citizen hacked by the Predator spyware is an alarming reminder of the dangers of cyber surveillance. It is important that we remain vigilant to protect ourselves from potential threats and that governments are held accountable for their actions.
Key Points:
• A US citizen’s phone was hacked by Predator spyware in the EU.
• The use of spyware is spreading beyond authoritarian governments.
• The incident highlights the need for greater transparency and oversight for surveillance operations.
• It is essential to remain vigilant to protect ourselves from potential cyber attackers.