Pegasus is a spyware developed by the Israeli company NSO Group, designed to infiltrate mobile phones remotely and collect information without the user noticing. Below, I’ll explain how it works and how it spies on mobile devices:

How Pegasus Gets Installed on a Phone

Pegasus is particularly sophisticated because it can infect a phone without requiring any user interaction, unlike other malicious programs that need a click on a link or a file download. This is known as a "zero-click" attack. Common methods include:

1. Invisible Messages: It sends a message (e.g., via WhatsApp or iMessage) that exploits vulnerabilities in the operating system or app. The user doesn’t need to open or respond to it; the message simply arriving on the device is enough.
2. Missed Calls: In some cases, a single unanswered WhatsApp call can install the software by exploiting security flaws.
3. Zero-Day Exploits: It uses unknown flaws in systems like iOS or Android (vulnerabilities not yet patched by manufacturers) to sneak in without leaving obvious traces.

Once installed, Pegasus operates in the background and is nearly undetectable, as it resides in the device’s temporary memory and can self-delete upon reboot or if it senses it’s been discovered.

What Pegasus Can Do

When Pegasus infects a phone, it gives the attacker near-total control over the device. Its capabilities include:

• Access to Private Data: It can read text messages, emails, chats from apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Signal, and browse the user’s internet history.
• Real-Time Location Tracking: It monitors the user’s location via the phone’s GPS.
• Covert Recording: It activates the microphone to listen to conversations or the surroundings and the camera to take photos or videos without any visible indicators.
• Data Collection: It extracts contacts, photos, videos, passwords, and any files stored on the device.
• Constant Operation: It runs 24/7, sending collected data to remote servers controlled by whoever is using the software.

Why It’s So Effective

Pegasus stands out for its ability to evade detection. It leaves no obvious signs on the phone, like strange icons or excessive battery drain, and can self-destruct if it suspects it’s on the wrong device or has completed its mission. Plus, it’s designed for use by governments or intelligence agencies, making it an extremely advanced surveillance tool.

How to Protect Yourself

While it’s tough to fully protect against Pegasus—especially if you’re a high-profile target like a politician, journalist, or activist—there are steps to reduce the risk:

• Keep your phone updated with the latest operating system and app versions, as updates often patch vulnerabilities.
• Avoid connecting to public or unknown Wi-Fi networks.
• Restart your device regularly, as this can disrupt some temporary spyware.
• Use tools like Amnesty International’s Mobile Verification Toolkit (MVT), which scans for traces of Pegasus (though it requires some technical know-how).

In summary, Pegasus spies on mobile phones by exploiting security flaws to install itself unnoticed, then silently and continuously collects and transmits data. It’s a tool built for advanced surveillance, making it both powerful and controversial.