The Israeli NSO Group, the developer of Pegasus software, which was developed to break the so-called unbreakable iPhone devices, but was the target of criticism when it was found that it was used to seize the phones of opposition and activists, is in financial crisis.
NSO Group begins layoffs
Pegasus spy software, sold to law enforcement agencies in many countries of the world, includes features such as listening to phone calls, reading messages, remotely activating the microphone and camera, and geolocation detection. While infecting iPhone and Android phones via SMS, WhatsApp, iMessage and other channels, it can access all files, including correspondence protected by end-to-end encryption.
Screenshots of Pegasus spyware leaked
The company, which produces another software called Eclipse, which disrupts drone communication, has been in financial trouble for a while. Founder Shalev Hulio announced in a statement that he handed over the seat to chief of operations Yaron Shohat. The firm will lay off about 100 jobs and will focus on NATO countries.
Sales dropped significantly last year when the U.S. Trade Commission blacklisted the company. Of course, this decision came at a time when institutions like the FBI used the software extensively. NSO Group, on the other hand, argues that it is making an important fight against terrorism on a global scale.