Why in News?

• An online database about the use of the spyware Pegasus was recently launched by the organisations including Forensic Architecture, Amnesty International and the Citizen Lab to document attacks against human rights defenders.

What is spyware?

• Spyware is defined as malicious software designed to enter your computer device, gather data about you, and forward it to a third-party without your consent.
• Spyware can also refer to legitimate software that monitors your data for commercial purposes like advertising.

Why is Pegasus dangerous?

• It is a spyware developed by the Israeli cyber arms firm NSO Group Technologies.
• It mainly uses exploit links, clicking on which installs Pegasus on the target’s phone.
• Pegasus had been used for  digital attacks on human rights activists in the world.
• The spyware enabled an attacker to get complete access to a person’s phone, including contacts, calls, camera and messages.

Reference:

1. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/new-online-platform-maps-pegasus-spread/article35185350.ece