Spyware Targets Serbian Activists Ahead of Local Elections

In a concerning revelation, the SHARE Foundation reported that at least 14 individuals from Serbia's civil society were targeted with sophisticated spyware in a pre-election climate. This wave of digital surveillance, identified in August, follows Apple's notification to users in 110 countries about potential spyware infections.

The surveillance appears to be a strategic move aimed at students and political opposition as local elections loom on March 29. Notable victims include members of a student movement, activists, and political figures, with at least one device compromised by the notorious Pegasus software from NSO Group, and others by malware akin to NoviSpy.

Student activist Milica, who has faced these intrusions, expressed her outrage, stating, "They could access the microphone and camera on the phone… It's not normal that we don't have the right to privacy." The targeting coincides with upcoming local elections, representing a significant test for student-led opposition groups against ruling party candidates.

Despite the serious implications, both NSO Group and the Serbian government have remained silent on the allegations. Legal expert Ana Toskic Cvetinovic emphasized that such unauthorized surveillance is a violation of Serbian law, which mandates judicial oversight.

Findings from Citizen Lab researchers confirm that the spyware was deployed without user interaction, showcasing the invasive nature of the technology. U.S. Representative Joe Wilson condemned the Serbian government for its use of such technologies against dissenters. In light of these developments, Apple has continued to work on security updates to protect users from these threats.

Source: www.dailymaverick.co.za