Pegasus Spyware Infection Confirmed on Serbian University Rector's iPhone Days Before Election
Summary
Citizen Lab has confirmed that the iPhone of Vladan Đokić, rector of the University of Belgrade and a supporter of student protests, was infected with NSO Group's Pegasus spyware in 2026. The infection, which utilized a zero-click exploit, occurred just six days before Serbia's parliamentary election.
IFF Assessment
The confirmed use of Pegasus spyware, a tool often associated with state-sponsored surveillance, indicates a potential misuse of technology for political or intelligence purposes, which is detrimental to digital security and privacy.
Defender Context
This incident highlights the persistent threat of sophisticated spyware like Pegasus, which can be deployed via zero-click exploits to compromise high-profile individuals. Defenders should remain vigilant about the potential for targeted surveillance and the exploitation of vulnerabilities that bypass traditional security measures.