Privatized espionage: NSO Group Technologies and its Pegasus spyware

Abstract

Advanced cyber technology like NSO Group Technologies' (NSO) controversial Pegasus spyware blurs distinctions between “good” and “bad.” This case follows the Israeli-based international leader in cyber espionage and developer NSO and one of its co-founders, Shalev Hulio from its creation in 2010 to the present. It includes NSO's acquisition by US-based private equity fund Francisco Partners in 2014. NSO's re-acquisition in 2019 by co-founders Hulio and Omri Lavie with funding support from London-based private equity fund Novalpina Capital. During this time, Pegasus had helped capture Mexican drug baron El Chapo, prevented terrorist attacks and broken up pedophilia, sex, and drug-trafficking rings. But Pegasus also contributed to the murder of Washington Post reporter Jamal Khashoggi as well as other illegal incidents against dissidents, journalist, and governments. As the case suggests, controlling access to such powerful technology that involves accountability, responsibility, and enforceability within a firm and within nations appears illusive.