Cyberespionage Against Executives and Politicians

You may recall the Pegasus spyware scandal, where the phones of leaders like Emmanuel Macron, Pedro Sánchez, and Charles Michel were compromised. Although NSO Group, the software’s creator, claimed it only sold Pegasus to governments to pursue criminals or terrorists, the reality was far different: politicians, journalists, and activists were victims of surveillance.

The case was so severe that a U.S. court recently ordered NSO to pay $167 million to Meta for spying on 1,200 WhatsApp users. While the headlines focused on heads of state, cyberespionage targeting business executives is growing at an alarming rate.

Recent reports show that Pegasus and similar spyware have been detected on over 18,000 devices, many belonging to executives in strategic sectors such as finance, energy, and logistics.

At TecnetOne, we want you to understand how this threat works, what cybercriminals are after, and—most importantly—how you can protect yourself.

More Sophisticated Than You Think

Unlike mass fraud campaigns targeting the average citizen, cyberespionage against executives is far more complex and resource-intensive.

Companies like Apple have warned iPhone users of highly advanced spyware attacks, including zero-click exploits that require no action from the victim—no downloads, no links, no file openings. These attacks exploit invisible vulnerabilities in the system.

In other cases, social engineering is used. A recent example in Russia involved attackers impersonating the central bank and the FSB (Russian intelligence services) to convince business leaders to install “legitimate” software, which turned out to be spyware.

What Are Attackers After?

Their goal is simple: gain access to as much sensitive information as possible. Once spyware is on your device, it can:

1. Activate your microphone or camera silently

2. Record your screen activity

3. Capture emails and chats from WhatsApp, Telegram, or Gmail

4. Steal documents, photos, and login credentials

With this data, attackers can:

1. Extort you by threatening to leak private data

2. Sell trade secrets to competitors

3. Support state-sponsored cyber operations in geopolitical conflicts

In short, it’s not just about stealing—it’s about weaponizing your strategic information.

Read more: Malicious ClickTok Campaign: A Growing Threat to TikTok Shop Users

Zero-Day Vulnerabilities: The Weapon of Choice

The most dangerous attacks use 0-day vulnerabilities—flaws not yet patched.

1. In September 2025, Samsung patched CVE-2025-21043, which allowed spyware to eavesdrop on WhatsApp chats.

2. Apple also released fixes for CVE-2025-43300, actively exploited by similar threats.

While you wait for patches, your device remains exposed, giving attackers the window they need to break in.

Espionage at Home: The IoT Threat

Cyberespionage isn’t limited to phones or laptops. Increasingly, attacks target smart home devices like:

1. Security cameras

2. Smart speakers

3. Baby monitors

In Italy, a TV host was spied on through his home’s video surveillance system. Attackers recorded intimate footage and attempted to sell it.

The root problem? Many of these devices use default passwords or weak security, making them easy entry points.

Bluetooth: The Hidden Weak Spot

Beyond internet connections, your devices rely on Bluetooth—for headphones, laptops, smartwatches, medical devices, etc.

Bluetooth vulnerabilities can be exploited to:

1. Eavesdrop on conversations

2. Steal medical data

3. Intercept corporate information

Since it’s a short-range wireless technology, attackers can strike without detection if they’re physically close.

How to Protect Yourself from Cyberespionage

The consequences of cyberespionage are serious: financial losses, legal risks, reputation damage, and loss of competitive advantage.

But there are practical steps you can take to reduce the threat.

Learn more: How to Detect and Remove Spyware Apps on Android

Basic Cybersecurity Tips:

1. Include personal devices in your corporate security strategy. Your phone and laptop matter as much as your servers.

2. Keep everything updated: operating systems and apps. Patches are your first defense.

3. Use strong, unique passwords, change them regularly, and enable MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication).

4. Secure your IoT devices: change default passwords, restrict permissions, and disable unused features.

5. Watch for suspicious activity: monitor apps using data in the background and review permissions.

Advanced Cybersecurity Services

At TecnetOne, we help businesses defend against cyberespionage with services like:

1. Vulnerability Management: Identify and patch critical flaws before attackers do

2. IoT and Bluetooth Audits: Check security of all connected devices

3. Proactive Threat Hunting: Analysts look for early intrusion signs, even before alerts are triggered

4. Red Team Simulations: Simulate real-world attacks to test and improve your defenses

Conclusion

Cyberespionage is no longer a spy movie plot—it’s a real threat to governments, corporations, and business leaders. Attackers are after critical data, and they’re willing to spend millions to get it.

It’s no longer enough to have antivirus software or strong passwords. You need a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy that protects everything—from your personal devices to your company’s digital infrastructure.

At TecnetOne, we believe anticipation is your best defense. With the right tools, expert services, and a strong security culture, you can reduce your risks and protect what matters most: your information.