NSO Group could shut down Pegasus spyware, sell entire company: report

A report in Bloomberg states that Israeli company NSO Group, which has been hit by scandal over their Pegasus spyware, is considering shutting down their Pegasus unit, or even selling the entire company.

Quoting unnamed people familiar with the matter, the report says that NSO Group is in danger of defaulting on its debts. The company has held talks with several investment funds, with refinancing or outright sale being viable options.

Reportedly, among the prospective new owners are two American funds, which would take over and close down Pegasus. They would then inject around $200 million into strictly defensive cyber security services, or working on drone technology.

No official comments on the matter have been made yet by NSO Group, or any of the speculated interested parties.

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NSO group faces increasing restrictions

Earlier this year, an international media investigation found that several governments across the globe used the Pegasus spyware to spy on activists, journalists, and politicians.

The US Commerce department had earlier blacklisted NSO Group, adding it to a list of foreign establishments that engage in malicious cyber activities.

In November, Apple filed a lawsuit against NSO Group, seeking a permanent injunction banning them from using any Apple software, services, or devices.

In India, the Supreme Court has ordered a ‘thorough inquiry’ into allegations of unauthorised surveillance using Pegasus.