Updated on: October 29, 2024
There’s no denying that spyware is still one of the most dangerous online threats. Over the years, it’s infected millions of devices, stealing sensitive information and wreaking havoc on our digital lives. In this article, I’ll highlight some of the most devastating spyware cases, showing you just how serious this threat can be.
Spyware can cause a lot of damage. It can track everything you type, steal your passwords, and even spy on you through your own devices. This can lead to identity theft, financial loss, and even legal trouble if your data falls into the wrong hands. That’s why it’s important to stay protected.
Thankfully, good antivirus software like Norton can help, especially when combined with other tools like a VPN and a password manager. Using these products and staying well informed about the latest threats are your best defenses against spyware and other online dangers. Keep reading to learn all about the most notorious spyware examples and how you can protect yourself from them.
The 9 Most Infamous Spyware Campaigns in History
Spyware has evolved over the years, with attacks causing immense damage to individuals, companies, and even governments. Below, I’ll take you through some of the most notorious spyware attacks, showing how far-reaching and dangerous these threats can be.
Pegasus — Spyware Behind Global Surveillance Scandals
Pegasus — developed by Israeli tech firm NSO Group — is the most high-profile spyware ever created. While it was originally marketed as a tool for governments to combat terrorism and criminal activities, it has become infamous for its misuse.
Reports have revealed that Pegasus has been used to monitor journalists, activists, and political figures, raising serious concerns about privacy and human rights violations. Its ability to infect devices without any user interaction makes it especially dangerous and difficult to detect.
Once installed on a target’s device, Pegasus can access a wide range of data, including messages, emails, and call logs, even from encrypted sources. It can also track the device’s location. Additionally, Pegasus has the ability to activate both the camera and microphone without the user’s consent. These capabilities allow attackers to conduct comprehensive surveillance without the victim realizing they have been compromised.
In response to the growing concerns around Pegasus, several governments and tech companies have taken steps to block its use and patch the vulnerabilities that allow it to operate. Despite these efforts, Pegasus remains a persistent threat due to its advanced capabilities.
FinSpy (FinFisher) — Government Tool for Full Device Control
FinSpy, also known as FinFisher, is a spyware tool developed by Gamma Group, a company based in Germany. Initially marketed to governments and law enforcement agencies as a way to combat crime and terrorism, FinSpy has been linked to unauthorized surveillance and there is concern about its use by oppressive regimes. The spyware is capable of targeting multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it versatile and difficult to escape.
FinSpy can be installed on a target’s device in various ways. It’s often delivered through phishing emails containing malicious attachments or links, though in some cases physical access to the device is required for installation.
Once installed, FinSpy gives attackers full access to the device, allowing them to monitor calls, messages, emails, and even social media activity. More advanced capabilities include activating webcams and microphones to record conversations, or taking screenshots without the user’s knowledge.
Several reports have shown that FinSpy has been used in countries with questionable human rights records, such as Egypt and Turkey. In response, human rights organizations and cybersecurity firms have raised alarms over the lack of regulation surrounding such surveillance tools.
GravityRAT — Cross-Border Espionage Targeting India
GravityRAT spyware was initially designed to target individuals in India. It’s believed to be linked to cyber espionage efforts originating from Pakistan. Its primary goal is to steal sensitive information, including files, contact lists, and user data.
GravityRAT typically spreads through phishing emails that trick users into downloading malicious attachments. Once the victim opens the file, the spyware silently installs itself, granting attackers control over the infected device.
More recently, GravityRAT has expanded to mobile platforms, infecting Android devices through malicious apps disguised as legitimate software. This allows attackers to reach a broader audience, significantly increasing the spyware’s impact.
The people affected by GravityRAT are usually high-value targets such as military personnel, government officials, and activists, but it can also affect everyday users. As the spyware collects a wide range of data, including location information and system logs, it remains a significant concern for anyone dealing with sensitive information in the region.
DarkHotel — Targeting Business Travelers Through Hotel Wi-Fi
DarkHotel is a sophisticated spyware campaign that’s been active for over a decade, primarily targeting business travelers staying in luxury hotels. Discovered in 2007, this Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) has affected high-profile executives, government officials, and corporate leaders. The attackers aim to steal sensitive business information, like trade secrets and confidential documents, while victims are connected to hotel Wi-Fi networks.
The infection typically involves compromised hotel Wi-Fi networks. When a target connects to the network, they may be prompted to install a legitimate-looking software update. In reality, this update installs spyware on the victim’s device, giving attackers access to sensitive data. In more advanced cases, DarkHotel has used phishing emails and malicious downloads to infiltrate devices, extending its reach beyond hotel networks.
DarkHotel has been linked to cyber espionage campaigns in Asia, though its reach likely extends globally. Over the years, DarkHotel has incorporated new techniques to exploit system vulnerabilities, highlighting the advanced skills of the attackers behind it.
Agent Tesla — Password and Keystroke Thief for Hire
Agent Tesla is technically classified as a Remote Access Trojan (RAT) and keylogger, though it has spyware-like functionalities. First discovered in 2014, Agent Tesla has gained notoriety for its ability to steal sensitive information, such as login credentials, keystrokes, and clipboard data. It can also take screenshots and extract information from email clients, web browsers, and other applications, making it a powerful tool for cybercriminals.
Agent Tesla blurs the line between traditional spyware and other malicious tools. It typically spreads through phishing emails containing malicious attachments, often disguised as legitimate documents. Once the victim opens the attachment, Agent Tesla silently installs itself on the device, allowing attackers to remotely monitor and capture sensitive data. The spyware’s capabilities are enhanced by its ability to evade detection using techniques like obfuscation and steganography, where malicious code is hidden within images or files.
While Agent Tesla is primarily used by cybercriminals for financial gain, it has been employed in various attacks targeting both individuals and businesses. Its versatility and the ease with which it can be deployed make it a persistent threat in the malware landscape.
Predator — New Tool of Sophisticated Government Surveillance
Predator is advanced spyware developed by the mercenary surveillance company Cytrox, and it has made headlines due to its use in high-profile espionage campaigns. Similar to Pegasus, Predator has been employed by governments for targeted surveillance, particularly against dissidents, journalists, and political opponents.
What sets Predator apart is its ability to infect both Android and iOS devices. This enables it to covertly monitor communications, access sensitive data, and control the device’s functions.
Predator typically gets onto a target’s device through phishing attacks or by exploiting vulnerabilities in mobile operating systems. In some cases, attackers have been able to deliver the spyware using zero-click exploits, where the victim doesn’t need to interact with a malicious link or file for the spyware to be installed. Once installed, Predator can monitor calls, messages, and emails, even if they’re encrypted. It can also activate the device’s microphone and camera, giving attackers a full view of the target’s activities.
The rise of spyware like Predator highlights the growing sophistication of state-sponsored surveillance operations and the increasing threat to personal privacy in the digital age.
Hermit — Modern Spyware Targeting iOS and Android
Hermit is an advanced piece of mobile spyware developed by an Italian company, RCS Lab, which has been used in targeted surveillance campaigns by governments, particularly in Italy and Kazakhstan. Similar to other mercenary spyware tools, Hermit is designed to covertly monitor communications, steal sensitive data, and control key functions on both iOS and Android devices. It’s known for being used in highly targeted attacks, usually aimed at journalists, activists, and political dissidents.
Hermit typically gets installed through phishing attacks, but what makes it especially dangerous is that it can also be delivered with the assistance of Internet Service Providers (ISPs). In some cases, ISPs have reportedly disabled a target’s mobile data, prompting them to download a fake software update to restore connectivity. Once installed, Hermit gives attackers full control of the device, allowing them to read messages, access call logs, record audio, and intercept network traffic.
Hermit’s sophisticated techniques make it one of the more dangerous spyware tools in use today. Its victims have primarily been high-value targets involved in political or social activism, but the spyware’s flexibility could allow it to be used in broader surveillance efforts. The combination of government backing and cooperation from ISPs highlights how deeply invasive and coordinated modern spyware campaigns can be.
Operation Triangulation — Targeting iPhones for High-Level Espionage
Operation Triangulation is a sophisticated spyware campaign targeting iOS devices, specifically iPhones. It’s been linked to advanced espionage efforts. First discovered by Kaspersky, this operation exploits vulnerabilities within iPhone memory protections, allowing attackers to install spyware without user interaction. What makes Operation Triangulation particularly dangerous is its ability to bypass even Apple’s robust security measures.
The infection method revolves around zero-click exploits. Attackers deliver the spyware through specially crafted iMessages, which then exploit vulnerabilities within iOS to take control of the device. Once installed, the spyware can access sensitive data, monitor communications, and track the victim’s location, all while remaining undetected.
Operation Triangulation primarily targets high-value individuals, such as government officials, activists, and corporate executives. The sophistication of this spyware highlights the increasing vulnerability of even the most secure devices when facing state-sponsored or highly organized cyber espionage campaigns.
HackingTeam RCS — Commercial Spyware Weaponized by Governments
HackingTeam RCS (Remote Control System) is a spyware tool developed by the Italian company HackingTeam, notorious for selling its spyware to governments and law enforcement agencies worldwide. Marketed as a surveillance tool for combatting crime, RCS has actually been used by oppressive regimes to monitor journalists, activists, and political dissidents.
This spyware offers full control over the infected device. It allows attackers to intercept communications, steal data, and activate the camera and microphone without the user’s knowledge.
RCS is typically delivered through phishing emails, malicious links, or by exploiting software vulnerabilities in operating systems. In some cases, it has also been installed by physically compromising a device. Once installed, HackingTeam RCS can collect a wide range of data, including call logs, messages, emails, and browsing history. It also allows remote access to the device, enabling attackers to spy on conversations and access sensitive information undetected.
Although HackingTeam suffered a major breach in 2015, leading to the exposure of its client list and internal documents, the spyware continues to be used globally.
5 Signs Your Device Is Infected With Spyware & And How to Remove It
Detecting spyware early can prevent significant privacy breaches, data theft, and other security risks. Spyware is designed to remain hidden, but there are warning signs you can look out for. Here are some common indicators that your device may be infected.
- System slowdown and frequent freezes: If your device has suddenly become much slower, freezing frequently, or struggling to load basic applications, spyware could be using your system resources. Spyware programs often run in the background without your knowledge, consuming your device’s processing power and memory, which leads to a noticeable drop in performance. Regular performance lags without a clear reason could be a red flag.
- Unexpected pop-ups or ads: Spyware can hijack your browsing experience by generating frequent pop-ups or ads, even when you aren’t visiting websites. These pop-ups are often intrusive and could redirect you to malicious sites. If you see an uptick in ads or unusual behavior in your browser, it may indicate that spyware has compromised your device, especially if the ads persist even after clearing your browser history.
- Spikes in data usage: Spyware typically works by collecting and transmitting your personal information to a remote server. If you notice a spike in your device’s data usage — especially when you’re not doing anything that would normally use large amounts of data — it’s a potential sign of spyware. Monitoring your data consumption closely can help you catch spyware activity before it causes too much damage.
- Battery draining faster than usual: Spyware can also drain your battery quickly. Since it runs constantly in the background, it uses system resources that can significantly reduce your battery life. If your device is losing charge faster than normal, especially when not in heavy use, spyware could be the culprit. Keeping track of your battery’s performance is a good way to detect potential infections.
- Suspicious new apps: If you suddenly find new apps on your device that you didn’t install yourself, it could be spyware or malware. These programs can disguise themselves as harmless utilities or system apps. Pay close attention to any unfamiliar software, especially if it appeared without your consent. Checking your device for unauthorized app installations regularly can help you spot spyware early.
Tips to Protect Yourself From Spyware
- Install trusted antivirus software: One of the most effective ways to protect yourself from spyware is by using reliable antivirus software. Antivirus apps, like Norton, scan your device for malicious programs and remove them before they can cause harm. Make sure to choose software that offers real-time protection, automatic updates, and comprehensive scanning features to detect even the most sophisticated spyware.
- Run regular device scans: Regularly scan your device for any suspicious activity using your antivirus software. Norton and Bitdefender both offer automatic scans, but manual checks from time to time can help to ensure no spyware is overlooked. Early detection can prevent spyware from causing significant damage.
- Use a VPN to protect your network: A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, making it much harder for attackers to intercept your data. By using a VPN, especially on public Wi-Fi networks, you reduce the risk of spyware being delivered through malicious network activity. Top VPNs like ExpressVPN help keep your online activities private and secure from potential surveillance.
- Practice safe browsing: Avoid clicking on suspicious links, downloading files from untrusted sources, or interacting with phishing emails. Spyware often spreads through these methods, so being cautious while browsing can prevent infection. Stick to reputable websites, and always verify the authenticity of emails or messages before engaging with them.
- Use a password manager to secure your credentials: Spyware often attempts to steal passwords, making it critical to store them securely. Password managers like 1Password encrypt your login credentials, helping to keep them safe from prying eyes. Pair your password manager with multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of protection.
- Keep software updated: Regularly updating your operating system and software ensures that security patches are applied to fix vulnerabilities. Spyware often exploits outdated software to gain access to devices, so staying up-to-date can close potential loopholes that hackers might exploit.
- Limit app permissions: Spyware often exploits permissions granted to apps, such as access to your camera, microphone, or location. Review and limit permissions on your device to prevent apps from having unnecessary access to sensitive information. Only grant permissions when absolutely necessary.
- Be cautious of unusual behavior: If your device starts behaving strangely — like overheating, battery draining unusually fast, or apps acting erratically — it could be a sign of spyware. Always investigate such issues and consider scanning for malware. Bitdefender includes App Anomaly Detection, which continuously monitors all the apps you have installed on your device for any suspicious behavior.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some examples of spyware?
Some well-known examples of spyware include Pegasus, Predator, and Hermit, all of which have been used in state-sponsored surveillance efforts. Other examples, like GravityRAT and Agent Tesla, target sensitive information such as passwords and communication data.
Governments often use spyware like HackingTeam RCS to monitor political dissidents, while Triangulation targets high-profile iPhone users. These spyware programs exploit vulnerabilities and often go undetected for long periods, making them particularly dangerous. They gather information covertly, causing serious privacy and security concerns for their victims.
How do I know if my device has spyware?
If your device is behaving unusually, spyware could be the cause. Signs include sudden slowdowns, frequent crashes, unexplained battery drain, or increased data usage. Additionally, if you see ads or pop-ups when you’re not browsing, spyware may be present.
Other signs include new apps or software that you didn’t install and strange activity in your browser or email. Monitoring these symptoms closely can help you detect spyware before it causes significant damage. Running regular scans with a trusted antivirus program will also help catch spyware early on.
How do you detect and remove spyware?
To detect spyware, regularly scan your device using reliable antivirus software. These programs can detect spyware hidden in your system files and remove it safely. Keeping your software updated also helps prevent new spyware infections.
Once spyware is detected, follow the instructions provided by your security software to quarantine and remove it. Additionally, avoid downloading suspicious files or clicking on unknown links, as spyware often enters through these methods. If spyware continues to reappear, consider resetting your device to factory settings for a fresh start.