In light of the increasing risk of manipulation in democratic processes, India and the United States are preparing for intense elections this year. However, not only fake news poses a threat, but also espionage and cyber attacks.

In today's digital world, the online environment is becoming more vulnerable to various threats. There are many concerns for both individuals and governments regarding cyber attacks. One of the most serious threats is spyware called Pegasus. After infecting a device, attackers can remotely break in and gain access to all data, turning the device into a powerful spying tool.

However, researchers from Kaspersky have developed an innovative and effective technique for detecting advanced iOS spyware like Pegasus, Reign, and Predator. Utilizing an undiscovered forensic artifact called the Shutdown.log file, the Global Research and Analysis Team (GReAT) at Kaspersky has devised a simple method to identify compromise indicators. Additionally, they have created a user-friendly self-checking tool that allows easy determination of their vulnerability level.

Snapshots stored in the Shutdown.log file, referred to as an unconventional system log, can detect the presence of Pegasus infection, as revealed by Kaspersky specialists. This file can be found in the sysdiagnose archive on the iOS device. By collecting data after each restart, this archive becomes a crucial place for detecting abnormalities that indicate the presence of Pegasus when the infected device is rebooted.

Researchers have identified instances of "sticky" processes mainly attributed to Pegasus, which caused difficulties during device restarts. Furthermore, they have noticed other signs of spyware that align with observations made by other experts in the field.

To detect spyware on our devices, Kaspersky experts have developed a free tool. This tool uses Python3 scripts to retrieve and analyze the Shutdown.log file and is compatible with macOS, Windows, and Linux systems. The tool is available on the GitHub platform.

Experts emphasize that detecting and preventing spyware such as Pegasus can be challenging. However, users can take precautions to make it more difficult for potential attackers to spy.

Kaspersky experts offer the following recommendations to enhance the protection of iOS devices against spyware:

1. Restart the device daily: Some research suggests that Pegasus utilizes zero-click attacks that won't be stopped on the device. Daily restarts can eliminate spyware, forcing attackers to make additional attempts, thus facilitating detection.

2. Enable lock mode: According to certain reports, Apple's lock mode can prevent infection with malicious iOS software.

3. Disable iMessage and Facetime: Attackers can exploit iMessage and Facetime for zero-click attacks, so it is advisable to disable them to minimize the risk of spyware infection.

4. Update the device: Regularly install the latest iOS system updates, as some spyware exploits old vulnerabilities that are patched with updates. Quick updates protect against attackers using outdated spyware.

5. Exercise caution when clicking on links: Avoid clicking on links in messages, as Pegasus users may employ one-click attacks through SMS, emails, or other applications.

6. Monitor backups and Sysdiagnose files: Utilize tools like MVT and those provided by Kaspersky to scan backups and Sysdiagnose files for signs of malicious iOS software.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are the threats associated with manipulation in democratic processes?- Manipulation in democratic processes encompasses fake news, espionage, and cyber attacks. In the case of fake news, disinformation is distributed on a large scale to influence public opinion and election results. Espionage involves the illegal gathering of information to weaken competition or gain an advantage in the electoral process. Cyber attacks encompass attacks on computer systems to disrupt electoral processes or steal information.

2. What is the Pegasus spyware?- Pegasus is advanced spyware that, once a device is infected, allows attackers remote control and access to all data. It can be used to spy on individuals, governments, and other organizations. This type of software is particularly dangerous as it grants full control over the infected device.

3. How can advanced spyware be detected on iOS devices?- Experts from Kaspersky have developed an innovative technique for detecting advanced iOS spyware like Pegasus. By utilizing the Shutdown.log file, found in the sysdiagnose archive, the presence of infection can be recognized. Researchers have also identified other indicators and signs of spyware that can be noticed during device restarts.

4. How can I protect my iOS device from spyware?- There are several precautions you can take to minimize the risk of spyware infection: - Restart your device daily, as this can eliminate spyware and facilitate detection of attempted attacks. - Enable Apple's lock mode, which can prevent infection with malicious iOS software. - Disable iMessage and Facetime, as attackers may exploit these features for attacks. - Regularly update your iOS system to prevent the exploitation of old vulnerabilities by spyware. - Exercise caution when clicking on links in messages, as they may contain malicious software. - Monitor backups and Sysdiagnose files using scanning tools to detect signs of malicious software.

Key Term Definitions

- Manipulation in democratic processes: The attempt to influence election results and public opinion through fake news, disinformation, espionage, and cyber attacks.- Pegasus: Advanced spyware that enables remote control and access to a device, used for spying on individuals, governments, and other organizations.- Sysdiagnose: An archive that contains the Shutdown.log file and other system information, which can be used to detect abnormalities and malicious iOS software.

Sample Related Links

- Kaspersky- Apple Support- GitHub