The US has blacklisted two companies that created the Meta spyware, iOS and Android

 The US has blacklisted two European spyware firms that created software to spy on Meta users, politicians, activists and journalists around the world.

Intellexa and Cytrox are now unlikely to be able to use American technology, effectively limiting them.

Successive administrations have used the Bureau of Industry and Security's export control powers to limit the influence of Chinese and Russian actors.

The Commerce Department has blacklisted two European cyber firms that create spyware software, the Commerce Department announced Tuesday, including technology that the two firms used to track Meta users and allegedly at least one Meta employee.

The software exploited Android and iOS software vulnerabilities and deployed hundreds of spoof Meta accounts to track activists, politicians and journalists around the world.

The companies - Intellexa and Cytrox - were jointly described in a press release by the Industry and Security Authority as purveyors of "exploits used to gain access to information systems that threaten the privacy and security of individuals and organizations around the world".

The companies were named jointly and jointly have subsidiaries in Greece, Ireland, Hungary and North Macedonia. Cytrox makes spyware called Predator, which has been used by dictatorial regimes to hack into the cellphones of activists, politicians and journalists, according to a 2021 analysis by Citizen Lab.

Both were added to Commerce's Entity List, a highly onerous and restrictive export control list that prevents US companies from supplying technology, data or intellectual property to named firms. Export control restrictions have been increasingly loosened as successive administrations grappled with the immense power it gives the US government over domestic and foreign companies.

In December 2021, Meta warned thousands of Facebook users that they were being targeted by spyware for hire, including Predator.

Intellexa's other spy product, Nebula, is a social media data collection and analysis tool, billed as an essential product for law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Tal Dilian, founder of Intellexa, describes himself as an "intelligence expert" with over 25 years of experience in the Israel Defense Forces.

"Intellexa develops and integrates technologies that enable law enforcement and intelligence agencies to collect and analyze data using the most advanced methods," according to Dilian's personal website.

The New York Times has reported extensively on Intellexa's Predator product and the company's efforts to sell it to the Ukrainian intelligence service. Predator Intellexy was also used by Greek intelligence to spy on a Meta trust and security employee, the Times reported.

The Biden administration has shown an increased willingness to name foreign companies, effectively preventing them from accessing any American technology. The Trump administration has used export controls to great effect against Huawei. Since then, Commerce Department officials have added highly advanced semiconductor and networking technologies to export control lists and barred Chinese and Russian entities from obtaining the technology.

In a major move, the United States government has blacklisted two companies responsible for creating the infamous Meta spyware that is causing concern for both iOS and Android users worldwide. This article will delve into the implications of this action, shedding light on the nature of Meta spyware, its potential risks, and how this blacklist affects the security landscape of both mobile operating systems.

Meta Spyware: A Threat to Mobile Security:

Meta spyware refers to sophisticated software developed with the intention of collecting sensitive user data without consent. This malware is known to work stealthily and infiltrate mobile devices running on both iOS and Android platforms. Once installed, it can collect personal information such as passwords, browsing history, location data and even access to private conversations. The blacklisting of the two companies responsible for Meta spyware highlights the seriousness of this threat.

US Government Blacklisting: Strong Answer:

In an effort to protect national security and protect user privacy, the US government took swift action to blacklist the two companies behind the creation of the Meta spyware. This designation imposes severe restrictions on their operations, including trade sanctions, limiting their access to US markets and freezing their assets. Such actions serve as a warning to other potential threat actors and demonstrate the government's determination to effectively combat cyber threats.

Impact on iOS users:

For iOS users, this blacklist offers a sense of relief and increased security. Apple's strict app review process has long been praised for its ability to minimize the presence of malicious software in the App Store. However, the emergence of the Meta spyware has shown the vulnerability of even the most secure platforms. By being blacklisted, Apple can further strengthen its security measures to ensure a more robust defense against similar threats in the future.

Impact on Android users:

Android, being an open source platform, has historically faced greater challenges in maintaining security compared to iOS. Being blacklisted by Meta spyware creators presents an opportunity for Android developers and security experts to comprehensively analyze the characteristics of spyware. By studying its behavior and learning from this incident, they can improve Android's security infrastructure and mitigate similar threats, strengthening the platform's resilience.

Reinforcement of security measures:

In response to the blacklist, both Apple and Google are likely to step up their efforts to identify and remove any trace of meta spyware from their respective ecosystems. These tech giants will strengthen their security protocols, invest in more advanced detection algorithms and refine their response mechanisms to prevent future malware infiltrations. In addition, collaboration with cybersecurity firms and government agencies will play a key role in creating a safer digital environment for users.

The US government's blacklisting of the two companies responsible for the Meta spyware represents a significant step in addressing the growing threats to mobile security. While iOS and Android users have faced potential risks from this spyware, the blacklist serves as a decisive response to protect privacy and strengthen the security environment. This incident serves as a reminder of the continued need for vigilance and collaboration between technology companies, governments and users to effectively combat evolving cyber threats.