Meet the Team That Investigates When Journalists And Activists Get Hacked With Government Spyware

Lloyd
Meet the Team That Investigates When Journalists And Activists Get Hacked With Government Spyware
Spyware Investigations: Inside the Digital Frontline Spyware investigations are now the primary defense for journalists and activists facing sophisticated government-led hacking. As cyberattacks from groups like NSO Group and Intellexa rise, organizations like Access Now’s Digital Security Helpline provide 24/7 technical support and incident response. This article explores how these digital first responders detect mercenary malware, protect high-risk targets in countries like Mexico and Greece, and help victims navigate the terrifying reality of state-sponsored surveillance in 2025. Credit: Clint Patterson/Unsplash The Rise of State-Sponsored Spyware Investigations For over a decade, the landscape of global surveillance has shifted from traditional wiretapping to invisible, "zero-click" mobile intrusions. Governments in nations ranging from Hungary and India to Ethiopia and the UAE have increasingly deployed high-end mercenary spyware to silence dissent. These tools don't ju…