European Politician Hacked by Pegasus Spyware: A Disturbing Revelation
Recent findings from security researchers at the University of Toronto’s Citizen Lab have confirmed that Stelios Kouloglou, a Greek journalist and former politician, had his phone compromised by Pegasus spyware. This incident occurred while he served on the European Parliament’s PEGA committee, which is tasked with investigating the misuse of surveillance technologies. This revelation has sparked renewed discussions about governmental overreach and the potential abuse of spyware to surveil critics.
Context of the Hacking Incident
Kouloglou’s phone was hacked at least three times between October 2022 and March 2023, marking a significant breach of privacy for a member of a committee specifically investigating spyware use. His hacking is notable as it represents the first confirmed case of a European Parliament member being targeted by the very technology under scrutiny.
In an interview, Kouloglou described the incident as “reckless,” emphasizing the serious implications of such a breach. Another European lawmaker characterized the hacking as a “direct attack on the rule of law,” calling for the European Commission to implement stringent regulations on spyware usage across the 27-member bloc.
Technical Details of the Hack
Citizen Lab’s report indicates that the hacking exploited a vulnerability in Apple’s iPhone software. The spyware utilized a “zero-click” exploit, allowing it to infiltrate Kouloglou’s device without any interaction from him. This means that sensitive data—such as text messages, location information, and private photos—was accessed without his knowledge.
The timing of these hacks coincided with critical discussions within the PEGA committee, particularly concerning spyware abuses in countries like Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, Poland, and Spain. Notably, the October 2022 hack occurred while Kouloglou was hospitalized for a scheduled surgery, raising concerns that the spyware could have eavesdropped on private conversations.
Implications and Reactions
The implications of this hacking extend beyond personal privacy concerns. It raises questions about the ethical use of surveillance technology by governments. While spyware is often justified as a tool for combating serious crime, its application against journalists and lawmakers poses a significant threat to democratic processes and freedom of expression.
Although Citizen Lab did not identify the specific country responsible for the hacking, they noted that the same Pegasus-related email address had previously been linked to attacks on journalists across Europe. This suggests that the perpetrator may have had authorization from NSO Group, the developer of Pegasus spyware, to carry out these attacks.
Future Actions and Legal Recourse
Kouloglou has expressed his intention to sue NSO Group, aiming to hold the company accountable for its role in facilitating such breaches of privacy. The Israeli-based firm has faced scrutiny and restrictions, especially in the United States, where its usage has been largely banned due to concerns over human rights violations.
In light of this incident, Kouloglou has chosen to go public with his story, stating that he is doing so for the sake of democracy, human rights, and the fight against corruption. He believes that corruption is an issue that affects everyone and is determined to raise awareness about the risks posed by unchecked surveillance.
Conclusion
The hacking of Stelios Kouloglou serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by spyware and the need for robust legal frameworks to protect citizens from government overreach. As discussions surrounding the ethical use of surveillance technologies continue, this incident may prompt further calls for accountability and transparency in the use of such tools across Europe and beyond.
