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Activities that threaten national security and human rights are actively flourishing in the global spyware market. Companies that develop programs for remote access to devices without the knowledge of their owners pose a particular danger. Despite attempts at regulation, many of these companies continue to operate in different countries, hiding under different names and legal structures.
Researchers at the Mythical Beasts project conducted a large-scale study of the global spyware market to identify its participants and their connections. They focused on those companies that have developed and sold software used to illegally spy on citizens, journalists and political opponents. This market remains extremely closed and poorly understood, despite obvious threats to human rights and national security.
Using an analysis of data from open sources, experts studied 435 companies operating in the spy technology market in 42 countries. Their research covered not only developers, but also suppliers, partners and investors. One of the key tasks was to identify the hidden connections between these players, which allows us to better understand how this market functions and who is behind it.
One of the most notable trends the researchers found was the concentration of companies in three countries: Israel, India, and Italy. These three states have become centers of activity in the spyware market. The Israeli company NSO Group, best known for its Pegasus product, has become a symbol of this market, but it is only part of a much larger system.
Researchers have also identified close ties between spyware developers and surveillance hardware manufacturers. Such partnerships strengthen the capabilities of companies in the market, allowing them to offer more comprehensive surveillance solutions. One such example is the Intellexa consortium, which brings together both software developers and hardware manufacturers.
One of the most interesting conclusions of the project is related to the fact that companies in this market often change their legal names. This allows them to avoid the attention of governments and the media. For example, Candiru changed its name several times over the years, but continued to operate under new names.
Many companies are also actively using so-called "jurisdictional jumps" – moving from one country to another to avoid regulation. This makes it difficult to control their activities and make it difficult to try to limit their ability to sell spyware.
These companies are often financed through cross-border capital flows. Investors from different countries actively support the spyware market, investing heavily in it. An example is Paragon Solutions, which attracted investment from the United States to expand its operations.
The Mythical Beasts project also showed that a significant part of the market remains hidden from public view. The researchers found that much of the information about the activities of these companies remains classified, making it difficult for international regulation and prevention of abuse.
One of the recommendationsproject is to introduce stricter requirements for the disclosure of information about the owners and suppliers of these companies. This is the only way to control this market more effectively.
Another important step should be the tightening of export licenses. The researchers recommend that states implement strict controls on the export of spyware and oblige companies to disclose data about their employees involved in the development of such products.
Ultimately, the Mythical Beasts project raises important questions about the future of spyware regulation. Without effective international measures, this market will continue to grow, threatening the human rights and security of states.
Source
Researchers at the Mythical Beasts project conducted a large-scale study of the global spyware market to identify its participants and their connections. They focused on those companies that have developed and sold software used to illegally spy on citizens, journalists and political opponents. This market remains extremely closed and poorly understood, despite obvious threats to human rights and national security.
Using an analysis of data from open sources, experts studied 435 companies operating in the spy technology market in 42 countries. Their research covered not only developers, but also suppliers, partners and investors. One of the key tasks was to identify the hidden connections between these players, which allows us to better understand how this market functions and who is behind it.
One of the most notable trends the researchers found was the concentration of companies in three countries: Israel, India, and Italy. These three states have become centers of activity in the spyware market. The Israeli company NSO Group, best known for its Pegasus product, has become a symbol of this market, but it is only part of a much larger system.
Researchers have also identified close ties between spyware developers and surveillance hardware manufacturers. Such partnerships strengthen the capabilities of companies in the market, allowing them to offer more comprehensive surveillance solutions. One such example is the Intellexa consortium, which brings together both software developers and hardware manufacturers.
One of the most interesting conclusions of the project is related to the fact that companies in this market often change their legal names. This allows them to avoid the attention of governments and the media. For example, Candiru changed its name several times over the years, but continued to operate under new names.
Many companies are also actively using so-called "jurisdictional jumps" – moving from one country to another to avoid regulation. This makes it difficult to control their activities and make it difficult to try to limit their ability to sell spyware.
These companies are often financed through cross-border capital flows. Investors from different countries actively support the spyware market, investing heavily in it. An example is Paragon Solutions, which attracted investment from the United States to expand its operations.
The Mythical Beasts project also showed that a significant part of the market remains hidden from public view. The researchers found that much of the information about the activities of these companies remains classified, making it difficult for international regulation and prevention of abuse.
One of the recommendationsproject is to introduce stricter requirements for the disclosure of information about the owners and suppliers of these companies. This is the only way to control this market more effectively.
Another important step should be the tightening of export licenses. The researchers recommend that states implement strict controls on the export of spyware and oblige companies to disclose data about their employees involved in the development of such products.
Ultimately, the Mythical Beasts project raises important questions about the future of spyware regulation. Without effective international measures, this market will continue to grow, threatening the human rights and security of states.
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