Hackers with connections to Vietnam made an attempt to distribute spyware through social media platforms, which included X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. The targets of this cyber campaign encompassed a range of prominent figures, including U.S. lawmakers, United Nations officials, and CNN journalists, as disclosed by Amnesty International. The primary objective of the spyware was to extract call and text data from the mobile devices of the targeted individuals.
Some of the lawmakers and their staff who were targeted have reported that they were not adversely affected by the malicious links, emphasizing their commitment to adhering to best cybersecurity practices. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the mounting concerns surrounding the growing prevalence of commercial spyware and its potential for misuse.
Furthermore, the involvement of European companies in the development and export of the spyware raises pertinent questions about the need for more rigorous regulations to govern such technologies effectively. In response to these concerns, the U.S. Commerce Department took the step of adding Cytrox, a North Macedonia-based firm responsible for the spyware, as well as its parent company, Intellexa, to its "Entities List" in July. This move effectively restricts their business interactions with U.S. entities.
SOURCE: CNN | SEPTEMBER 29 2023
