Google has discovered malware and hacking tools used to spy on Apple iPhones and Android cell phones owned by an Italian vendor. Milan-based RCS Lab, which claims European law enforcement agencies as clients, developed tools to spy on private messages and contacts of the targeted devices.
Google identified RCS Labs targets mobile users on both iOS and Android operating systems using a combination of methods, including deviant drive-by downloads as first infection vectors, targeting Italy and Kazakhstan users.
These firms are facilitating the spread of harmful hacking tools and arming governments that would be unable to develop these capabilities in-house. Google’s Threat Analysis Group is actively monitoring over 30 vendors with varied levels of expertise and public exposure that are offering exploits or surveillance capabilities to government-backed entities.
RCS Lab said its products and services comply with European rules and help law enforcement agencies investigate crimes. The company said, “RCS Lab personnel are not exposed, nor participate in any activities conducted by the relevant customers.”
Google said, “These vendors are enabling the proliferation of dangerous hacking tools and arming governments that would not be able to develop these capabilities in-house.”
See What’s Next in Tech With the Fast Forward Newsletter
Tweets From @varindiamag
Nothing to see here - yet
When they Tweet, their Tweets will show up here.
