Spying tools like Pegasus, Sunbill, and Hornbird seem to have a mind of their own when it comes to outshining Google, Microsoft, Apple, and other software giants. There are so many cases where people receive spam calls and messages and then their phone gets infected with the virus. They might have to deal with the fact that they are being tracked or their data has been leaked. If Pegasus-like softwares have been detected in your device, you’re advised to not use it anymore. Spywares are designed and programmed to stay and track your information no matter what you do. The following methods won’t help you secure your device against Pegasus and similar viruses.
1. Anti-Virus Protection
Anti-virus apps are not very effective in the case of Pegasus-like spywares. They are, however, highly effective to protect your device from malware, adware, etc. But most anti-virus solutions are not able to detect Pegasus. You might think that your phone is safe after installing an anti-virus software, but threats like Pegasus could still be present and affecting your phone without your knowledge. The anti-virus software does not help if the spyware is already functioning in the phone.
2. Factory Reset
The Factory Reset button does not get rid of Pegasus or any similar spyware. Pegasus has the ability to attack your phone on a chip level, which helps it stay in the phone even after a factory reset.
3. Switching Off Your Phone
Switching off your phone will not help you get rid of Pegasus or any such spyware. Pegasus can record audio and have access to the camera even when your device is switched off. However, it won’t be able to relay this data to its handlers when the device is switched off. Switching your phone off will not be very effective because as soon as you turn the phone on, the data will be sent to its operators.
4. VPN Usage
VPN or Virtual Private Network won’t protect your device from a Pegasus attack. There are numerous ways through which the virus may attack your device, such as, your device being near a virus-invaded Bluetooth service. Cybercriminals can get your number through a Base Transceiver Station and install the malware on your device.
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5. Getting A New SIM Card
Using a new SIM card in the infected phone will not help in any way because the spyware will immediately start extracting information from the new SIM card as well.
6. Turning Off Mobile Data/ Wi-Fi
The speed of data transmission to the operators will slow down, but it will not stop. The Pegasus spyware can transmit data by connecting to a tactical networking device nearby.
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7. Resetting Password Of Google/ iCloud Account
If your accounts have been infected with the virus, resetting passwords won’t help, and will rather cause more harm by sending your password details to the attacker.
8. Resetting The Password/Lock Of Your Device
The functioning of Pegasus is not affected or interrupted by changes in face unlock, pattern, or password of the device lock feature. The Pegasus spyware will keep functioning no matter how many times you change the password.
9. Phone Encryption
Encrypting your device helps only when your device is in possession of someone else. But in the case of the Pegasus virus invading your phone, your phone stays in your hand while your information is accessed by the attacker. The attacker can see what you’re seeing on the phone and can take screenshots as well. You must destroy your phone, sim card, and memory card if you want to get rid of the virus.
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