The NSO spy software is said to be used to target iPhones of employees in the US State Department

On Friday, also highlighted the recent decision by Biden officials to approve the Pegasus spyware manufacturer NSO Group. Citing four “experts in the case,” the report said an unidentified terrorist used the company’s software to hand over iPhones to at least nine U.S. State Department officials.

This, he said, affected government officials who were in Uganda or whose work affected East Africa. Reuters could not identify who was behind the hacks. The State Department also declined to comment on the report. The NSO is investigating the matter.

“If our investigation proves that this was indeed the case with NSO weapons, the client will be eliminated and charges will be lodged,” a company spokesman told. Reuters. The NSO also said it would “co-operate with any government official and showcase everything we will have.”

The NSO said its spyware could not work on devices with US numbers that start with the country +1. But in the case of State Department employees sent to Uganda, they allegedly use iPhones with local phone numbers. They were also kidnapped in front of Apple , which discussed the CoreGraphics vulnerability NSO took advantage of the opportunity to allow its spyware to transmit the iPhone without the victim even needing it. . November 23, Apple sued NSO “To answer” for his actions.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the Biden chief executive said Reuters intimidation of US officials is one of the reasons why the White House is undermining the NSO and working with its allies and other cybersecurity threats. November 3, Department of Commerce added the company to the Entity List, prohibiting American companies from doing business with the company. At the time, the company told Engadget it was “disappointed” by the decision, and said its weapons had helped the US “avoid terrorism and crime.”