Private spy software has been found on the mobile phones of journalists and politicians around the world

A major investigation has now been launched, alleging that Pegasus malware was used to hack the devices of some of the world’s most prominent politicians, activists, and news editors worldwide.

Pegasus – possibly the most powerful piece of spyware ever developed – has been found on mobile phones around the world.

Human rights activists and journalists phones have been hacked.

Over a dozen media outlets have discovered that NSO Group’s Pegasus software was used in hacking attempts on 37 smartphones.

An Israeli firm accused of supplying spyware to governments has been linked to a list of 50,000 smartphone numbers.

The phones were on a leaked list of numbers discovered by Amnesty International, according to the Washington Post. 

NSO denies any wrongdoing

It says the software is for use against criminals and terrorists and is only available to countries with good human rights records.

Pegasus infects iPhones and Android devices allowing operators to extract messages, photos and emails, record calls and secretly activate microphones.