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.
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.
Their goal is simple: gain access to as much sensitive information as possible. Once spyware is on your device, it can:
With this data, attackers can:
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
The most dangerous attacks use 0-day vulnerabilities—flaws not yet patched.
While you wait for patches, your device remains exposed, giving attackers the window they need to break in.
Cyberespionage isn’t limited to phones or laptops. Increasingly, attacks target smart home devices like:
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.
Beyond internet connections, your devices rely on Bluetooth—for headphones, laptops, smartwatches, medical devices, etc.
Bluetooth vulnerabilities can be exploited to:
Since it’s a short-range wireless technology, attackers can strike without detection if they’re physically close.
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
At TecnetOne, we help businesses defend against cyberespionage with services like:
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.