Apple sues Israeli spyware firm NSO Group - BBC News

Apple is suing Israeli spyware firm NSO Group and its parent company for allegedly targeting iPhone users with a hacking tool.

NSO Group said its tools were made to target terrorists and criminals.

In a blog post, Apple said it wanted to hold NSO Group and its parent company OSY Technologies "accountable for the surveillance and targeting of Apple users".

"To prevent further abuse and harm to its users, Apple is also seeking a permanent injunction to ban NSO Group from using any Apple software, services, or devices," it said.

By suing NSO Group Apple is rejecting that distinction.

In its complaint, filed in US District Court for the Northern District of California, Apple said NSO's tools were used in "concerted efforts in 2021 to target and attack Apple customers" and that "US citizens have been surveilled by NSO's spyware on mobile devices that can and do cross international borders.".

Apple alleged that NSO group created more than 100 fake Apple ID user credentials to carry out its attacks.

The tech giant said that its servers were not hacked, but that NSO misused and manipulated the servers to deliver the attacks on Apple users.

Apple also alleged that NSO Group was directly involved in providing consulting services for the spyware, but NSO maintains that it only sells its tools to clients.

NSO Group said in response: "Thousands of lives were saved around the world thanks to NSO Group's technologies used by its customers".

Who are the alleged victims of Pegasus spyware.