Pegasus spyware not found in 29 mobile phones examined: Panel to SC | India News

NEW DELHI: The controversial Israeli spyware Pegasus was not found in the 29 mobile phones examined, a panel has said in its report submitted to the Supreme Court.
5 of the 29 mobile phones examined were possibly infected with some malware, but the panel did not specify them to be Pegasus.
The panel headed by retired Supreme Court Judge RV Raveendran submitted its report to the apex court last month. It was formed after allegations that the spyware was used to target critics of the Narendra Modi government.
The report comprises of three parts – digital images of phones examined for spyware infection, report of the technical committee and the report of the overseeing member Justice Raveendran.
The report also says there are certain malwares which could be misused and cause security concern as well as violate privacy of citizens. It suggests measures to prevent misuse of malware for surveillance.
It has recommended that the country’s cyber security needs enhancement while protecting the right to privacy to ward off unauthorised surveillance. It said there has to be a special investigation agency for investigating cyber attacks and to strengthen the cyber security network of the country.
It also said private firms resorting to illegal surveillance should be prosecuted.
In its observation, the committee said the government has not fully cooperated with examining the phones for malware.
However, it said details of the report may not be made public.