Intellexa’s Predator spyware used to hack iPhone of journalist in Angola,research says

Amnesty International revealed that Intellexa's Predator spyware was used to hack the iPhone of Angola journalist Teixeira Cândido in 2024. This incident reflects a pattern of governments using commercial spyware to target journalists and activists. Despite facing sanctions, Intellexa remains active, highlighting concerns over the misuse of surveillance technology against civil society.

Key Points

• Intellexa's Predator spyware hacked Angolan journalist Teixeira Cândido's phone in 2024.
• Cândido clicked a malicious link sent via WhatsApp, leading to the hack.
• Amnesty International conducted an investigation and found traces linking the hack to Intellexa.
• The spyware hid itself by mimicking legitimate iOS processes and targeted iOS with an outdated version.
• Intellexa faced previous sanctions from the U.S. government but still operates actively.
• Patterns of targeting journalists using spyware have been seen in other countries like Egypt, Greece, and Vietnam.

Relevance

• The rise of commercial surveillance technology poses new threats to press freedom and civil rights.
• Historical abuses of surveillance technology in various regions have often targeted dissidents and critics.
• 2025 IT Trends indicate growing scrutiny on privacy and cybersecurity, suggesting a need for better regulations for spyware.
• Current global discussions around tech regulation and the responsibility of tech companies are increasingly relevant.

The hacking of journalist Teixeira Cândido underscores the looming danger of commercial spyware in compromising press freedom and civil liberties, emphasizing urgent calls for regulatory oversight in surveillance technologies.