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What is Pegasus and Who is the manufacturer of the Pegasus spyware? How can Protectstar protect me?

Pegasus is not just any spyware—it’s widely considered one of the most advanced and dangerous surveillance tools for mobile devices. Developed by the Israeli NSO Group, Pegasus was originally intended to help combat terrorism and organized crime. However, multiple reports and revelations suggest that Pegasus has potentially been used to spy on more than just criminals and terrorists. Below, you’ll learn what Pegasus is, how it spreads, and most importantly, how you can protect yourself using our Protectstar apps for Android devices.

1. What Is Pegasus and Who Created It?

  • Developer: Pegasus was created by the Israeli company NSO Group. Officially, the software is sold only to certain governments for the purpose of fighting terrorism and crime. Some countries, such as China and Russia, are reportedly on an exclusion list.
  • Usage: There is debate over whether Pegasus is used solely for legitimate purposes. For instance, it appears the NSO Group may have also sold to Saudi Arabia, which has stirred controversy.
  • Scope of Support: NSO claims it only grants licenses and provides technical support—critics, however, doubt that the NSO Group remains entirely uninvolved when its software is misused.
     

2. What Makes Pegasus So Dangerous?

Modular Spyware for iOS and Android
Discovered on iOS in 2016 and subsequently on Android, Pegasus is considered a highly sophisticated surveillance software capable of extracting extensive information from a smartphone.

Infection Methods

  • Often via a phishing SMS with a malicious link: Once clicked, Pegasus installs itself in the background.
  • It also exploits zero-day vulnerabilities on iOS or Android—security flaws unknown to the manufacturer and for which no patch is yet available.

Capabilities and Features

  • Access to SMS and emails
  • Call interception
  • Screenshot capture
  • Keylogging (recording keyboard input)
  • Access to contacts and browser history

Who’s at Risk?
Given its high cost (likely running into millions of dollars, including zero-day exploits), Pegasus is typically used against “high-value targets,” such as journalists, activists, or political opponents. Still, everyday users can also be at risk if a government or another actor chooses to single them out.
 

3. Zero-Day Vulnerabilities and Darknet Trading

  • Zero-Day Exploits: Security gaps unknown to device manufacturers (Apple, Google, etc.) and thus unpatched. Attackers can exploit these flaws freely until a fix is released.
  • Darknet Market: Spyware and zero-day exploits are traded among various groups. The price for Android security vulnerabilities can reach millions of dollars—back in 2019, up to $2.5 million was reportedly offered for all known Android vulnerabilities.
  • Cost Comparison: iOS vs. Android: Interestingly, in 2019, certain Android exploits were more expensive than iOS exploits—a sign that targeting Android devices has become both more lucrative and in higher demand.
     

4. How to Detect Pegasus and How to Protect Yourself

Signs of an Infection

  • Unusually high battery usage
  • Frequent system crashes or strange noises during calls
  • Unexpected background data usage, even when the device is idle
  • Suspicious SMS messages, emails, or links

Updates and Caution

  • Keep your OS and apps updated: Each patch can close potential backdoors.
  • Avoid suspicious links: Especially phishing SMS or emails.
  • Download apps only from trusted sources (Google Play Store, official manufacturer websites).

Protectstar Solutions

  • Anti Spy: Our specialized app designed to detect spyware, stalkerware, and similar threats, providing alerts when Pegasus-like activities occur.
  • Antivirus AI: Utilizes artificial intelligence to detect known and emerging malware, viruses, and trojans—even potential variations of Pegasus—based on updated threat information and heuristic analysis.
  • Firewall AI: Monitors your data traffic in real time, blocking suspicious connections. Even if Pegasus attempts to communicate with command-and-control servers, our firewall can detect and stop it.

Practical Example: In 2017, Pegasus was capable of intercepting calls and reading SMS messages. An app like Protectstar Anti Spy scans your device for suspicious system components and can detect a potential infection. Meanwhile, Protectstar Firewall AI would flag abnormal data traffic before malicious software could transmit sensitive data.
 

5. Why Pegasus Usually Targets “High-Value” Individuals

Because deploying Pegasus is extremely costly and complex, it is typically reserved for people whose surveillance is deemed “worth it”—politicians, journalists, or government critics. Nonetheless, zero-day exploits are a general threat to all Android and iOS users, as they can be misused by other forms of malware at any time.
 

6. Additional Information and Sources

7. Conclusion: How Protectstar Defends You Against Pegasus and Other Spyware

Pegasus clearly demonstrates just how extensive modern surveillance technologies can be and how zero-day flaws can pose significant dangers in everyday life. With Protectstar’s Android apps—primarily Anti Spy, Antivirus AI, and Firewall AI—you can significantly fortify your device against unwanted monitoring and data theft.

This puts you one step ahead, even if zero-day exploits are circulating. Keep your system updated, scrutinize suspicious links, and leverage our security solutions to ensure comprehensive protection. While Pegasus primarily targets “high-profile” individuals, staying vigilant is the best defense for every smartphone user. Partner with Protectstar to safeguard your Android device and detect or prevent spyware attacks before they can cause harm.

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