UK government says 100 countries have spyware that can hack people’s phones

A recent report from U.K. intelligence reveals that more than half of the world's governments have gained access to commercial spyware capable of infiltrating computers and smartphones to extract sensitive information. The U.K. National Cyber Security Centre is set to disclose these alarming findings, indicating a troubling trend in the accessibility of these surveillance technologies. The number of countries equipped with such hacking tools has escalated to 100, a significant rise from the 80 countries recorded just a year ago. This increase highlights a diminishing barrier to acquiring surveillance technology, raising concerns about potential threats to U.K. citizens, businesses, and critical infrastructure from foreign governments and hackers. Commercial spyware, created by private entities like NSO Group’s Pegasus and Paragon’s Graphite, typically exploits vulnerabilities in software to breach devices and harvest data. While governments assert that they use these tools solely against major criminal and terrorist threats, experts and human rights advocates caution that such spyware has often been misused to target political opponents, including journalists. U.K. intelligence officials now warn that the spectrum of potential victims has widened to include bankers and affluent business figures. Richard Horne, head of the U.K. National Cyber Security Centre, addressed the current cyber landscape during a speech at the CYBERUK conference in Glasgow, emphasizing that British firms are not fully grasping the realities of modern cyber threats. Horne pointed out that most significant cyberattacks on the U.K. are traced back to foreign state actors rather than cybercriminal organizations. Additionally, the U.K. faces ongoing threats linked to China, which include attempts to steal sensitive information and espionage against prominent individuals, setting the stage for disruptive cyber operations amid rising geopolitical tensions. The menace of spyware extends beyond government use; cybercriminals are also leveraging these advanced tools. Earlier this year, a hacking toolkit known as DarkSword, containing several exploits for hacking contemporary iPhones and iPads, was leaked online. This leak enabled malicious actors to create websites capable of compromising Apple users who had not updated their devices, showcasing how even well-guarded governmental hacking resources can escape into the wild, potentially endangering millions from cyberattacks.