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Pegasus Spyware Attacks On Jordanian Journalists and Lawyers

Writer: SecureCryptSecureCrypt

Updated: Feb 15


In Jordan, journalists, lawyers, and human-rights activists have increasingly been targeted by state-sponsored surveillance using Pegasus spyware, according to a report by Access Now.


The investigation revealed that 16 journalists, 8 human-rights lawyers, and 11 members of human-rights groups and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) were surveilled over the past four years, with attacks beginning in 2019.


SecureCrypt powered devices, prevents Pegasus attacks by using encrypted devices with sophisticated high grade end-to-end-encryption, alongside device hardening, with such features as:

Triple Layer Encryption

Brute Force Protections

Tamper-Proof Hardware

Root of Trust

Firmware Validation 

Secure Boot

Enhanced Kernel Reinforcement & Protections

Enhanced Memory Protections

Full Disk Encryption


SecureCrypt disables SMS entirely, along with GPS and other location based sensors, doesn't require a phone number or email address for signup, doesn't request any external or Location permissions, sits inside of an encrypted partition on an encrypted device, and operates on a private network using cellular network protection alongside sophisticated device hardening. Our cellular network protections include:


Subscriber Location Protection (Location Blocking)

Subscriber Identity Protection

GSMA Security

OTA Encryption

Mutual Authentication

Private APNs

SIM Jacker Protection 

Tamper Proof SIMs

Private VPN


Secure Global SIM

SecureCrypt employs our own secure cellular core (SPLMN) which acts as a private mobile provider. In simple terms, a Secure Public Land Mobile Network (SPLMN) is like a private, fortified mobile network that protects calls, messages, and data from unauthorized access. Unlike standard public cellular networks, which are vulnerable to interception, and vulnerabilities that affect traditional cellular (SS7) mobile networks, an SPLMN ensures secure, encrypted, and controlled communication.


SecureCrypt's Secure Public Land Mobile Network (SPLMN) offers a fortified mobile communication environment designed to safeguard users against a spectrum of cyber threats and unauthorized surveillance. By integrating advanced security measures, the SPLMN ensures that all data transmitted within the network remains confidential and protected from interception.


Key Features of SecureCrypt's SPLMN:

  • IMSI Catcher and Stingray Detection: The network employs sophisticated algorithms to identify and counteract unauthorized devices attempting to intercept mobile communications, thereby preventing potential eavesdropping.

  • Location Tracking Prevention: By obfuscating user location data, the SPLMN ensures that subscribers' physical locations cannot be pinpointed by malicious entities, enhancing personal privacy.

  • Protection Against DNS Manipulation and APN Attacks: The network safeguards against attempts to redirect or intercept internet traffic, ensuring that users connect to their intended destinations without interference.

  • SS7 and Diameter Protocol Security: By fortifying signaling protocols, the SPLMN prevents exploitation of vulnerabilities that could lead to call interception, fraud, or unauthorized access to user data.

  • Dynamic Identity Management: Utilizing multiple International Mobile Subscriber Identities (IMSIs) and International Mobile Equipment Identities (IMEIs), the network can dynamically alter device identifiers. This capability allows devices to assume new identities, thwarting tracking and impersonation attempts.

  • Real-Time Threat Monitoring: SecureCrypt's Security Operations Center (SOC) provides continuous oversight, instantly detecting and mitigating threats such as Denial of Service attacks, malware injections, and unauthorized tracking attempts.

By leveraging these comprehensive security features, SecureCrypt's SPLMN delivers a robust and private communication experience, ensuring that users' data and identities remain secure in an increasingly complex threat landscape.


SecureCrypt's SPLMN is located offshore, in a privacy focused region for an added layer of privacy that you cannot get with free apps, other paid apps, or any other international telecom provider.


The use of spyware such as Pegasus by the NSO Group has been criticized for violating privacy rights and intimidating individuals from their work in defending human rights and freedom of expression.


SecureCrypt on the other hand, is a member of the Global Encryption Coalition, and fierce supporter of privacy. Our service is designed to secure our clients communication at all times, with data both at-rest and in-transit.


The key difference with using an encrypted, and hardened device is that it goes above and beyond to shield your entire device from hardware, memory, and cellular based attacks. Free apps do not provide this.


The Jordanian government's recent cybercrime law amendments in 2023 have been condemned for their vagueness and potential for misuse, particularly against speech considered to undermine national unity or display contempt for religion. These legal changes, alongside the use of surveillance software, have raised concerns among international human rights organizations , non-governmental organizations, and the United Nations, according to reports.


The NSO Group's Pegasus spyware, known for its capacity to infiltrate devices through zero-click exploits, has not only been utilized in Jordan but also detected in cases involving journalists and activists worldwide. The software's deployment against individuals without due process has been criticized for bypassing traditional protections afforded to journalists and lawyers.


The situation underscores the ongoing challenge to fight legislative reforms to protect against unwarranted surveillance.


SecureCrypt was built with client privacy as the foundation of everything we do, and are proud to bring our mobile security services to enterprise, journalists, activists, non-governmental organizations, and others in fields where secure communications is a necessity.


Please contact one of our resellers or distributors closest to you today to secure your communications.

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