African Journalists Are Targets Of Surveillance Software – CPJ

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has issued a safety precaution for journalists around the world especially those domiciled in Africa.

According to CPJ, Pegasus spyware transforms a cellphone into a mobile surveillance station, and it is being used to target journalists.

The body warned that the spyware is detrimental to the security of journalists.

“Pegasus is a spyware created for mobile devices which transforms a cellphone into a mobile surveillance station” CPJ wrote in a statement.

Pegasus is a spyware that can be installed on iOS and Adroid devices, and is capable of reading text messages, tracking calls, collecting passwords, tracing the location of the phone, and gathering information from apps, among others.

Devices infected with the spyware can only be detected through diagnoses by a tech expert.

CPJ recommends that journalists who have any reason to believe their devices are infected should stop using the device and put the device somewhere that does not compromise their surroundings.

It advised targets to log out of all accounts and change all account passwords from a different device and seek advice from a digital security expert.

CJP further warned that Pegasus can also be installed on a phone through physical access to the device.